PVDaCS: a prototype knowledge-based expert system for certification of spacecraft data

ABSTRACT

On line data management techniques to certify spacecraft information are mandated by increasing telemetry rates [SiC87]. Knowledge-based expert systems offer the ability to certify data electronically without the need for time consuming human interaction. We have explored issues of automatic certification by designing a knowledge-based expert system to certify data from a scientific instrument, the Orbiter Ultraviolet Spectrometer (OUVS), on an operating NASA planetary spacecraft, Pioneer Venus (PV) [Ste80]. The resulting rule-based system, called PVDaCS (Pioneer Venus Data Certification System), is a functional prototype demonstrating the concepts of a larger system design. A key element of the system design is the representation of an expert's knowledge through the usage of well ordered sequences. PVDaCS produces a certification value derived from expert knowledge and an analysis of the instrument's operation. Results of system performance are presented.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.4 PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Measurement techniques

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.4 Knowledge Representation Formalisms and Methods
          Subjects: Representations (procedural and rule-based)

  J. Computer Applications
  J.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
      Subjects: Aerospace

General Terms:
Performance, Reliability