Telematics
The word telematics is generally applied to automotive vehicle systems, for no particular reason.
Telematics provide internal communication between independant parts of a vehicle, allowing fine control to occur, usually under control of a master processor.
This communication also drives instrumentation to monitor system health of various critical modules throughout the vehicle. In the case of a car, this would include brake wear, engine performance, fuel economy, ice alerts etc.
On our spacecraft, we intend to provide similar telematic networks to ensure system health, control of power source, environment, navigation, drives and any additional onboard systems. This will be referred to as TELENET (Short for telematic network).
The TELENET system is essential for the functioning of the spacecraft, therefore it sohuld be considered Layer 1
Design should be along the same techniques as the internet, providing no single point of failure, as the TELENET is the most important part of the spacecraft.
Only internal systems will be able to connect and communicat through this network, providing a protection against interference or malicious virus attack.
Data traffic flow for fundamental control and health status data will be transmitted at a low (reliable) rate, with availability for high rate transmission for data-hungry systems like navigation data.
At 1 second intervals, all connected modules and systems will be polled for a response, to include identity, health status, capacity etc. ( This will only take milliseconds) If 5 consecutive polls are missed, alarms will be triggered. This regular polling of modules can be referred to as the PULSE.
After a pre-determined time, perhaps about 20 minutes with no pulse, the spacecraft would be assumed 'dead' or to be in a very serious condition. At this stage, an automatic SOS Beacon (IDB) transmitting on the Distress Band would activate, allowing rescue or salvage to take place.
All craft should have a 'bootstrap' system to automatically attempt to re-initialise the TELENET layer should it fail. This is because there will be no environmental control, not will there be control of drives, or Power, which could in turn result in catastrophic failure.
The 'bootstrap' system would require it's own independent rechargable power supply. It is recommended that this 'bootstrap' system is an integral part of the IDB.
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Ian Whiteley