Description
The Thruster Array component acts as the interface between software and physical Cold Gas Thruster components as illustrated in the image below.
Example Use Cases
- Closed-Loop RCS: When connected to an ADCS software chain that outputs thruster firing commands, this module acts as a single interface point for the operation of the RCS thruster array.
Module Implementation
The primary purpose of the Thruster Array Interface module is to accept/reject thruster firing command messages based on the telemetry that it is receiving from thrusters that the user has registered with the module. The below pseudo-code breaks down the logic for accepting/rejecting firing commands.
Assumptions/Limitations
- Acceptance/rejection logic for firing commands assumes that the thruster should not accept a new firing command if it is already firing. This can be bypassed by the user by directly connecting firing command messages to a thruster. This needs to be done with care, however, as the operating metrics of the thruster must also be updated.