Integrated Health Monitoring and Controls for Rocket Engines

Current research in intelligent control systems at the Lewis Research Center is described in the context of a functional framework. The framework is applicable to a variety of reusable space propulsion systems for existing and future launch vehicles. It provides a “road map” for technology development to enable enhanced engine performance with increased reliability, durability and maintainability. The framework hierarchy consists of a mission coordination level, a propulsion system coordination level, and an engine control level. Each level is described in the context of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The concept of integrating diagnostics with control is discussed within the context of the functional framework. A distributed real-time simulation test bed is used to realize and evaluate the functionalities in closed loop.