MPLM Active Mission Preparation: TCS Unique Testing for Risk Mitigation Part 1: Test Description

The Active MPLM system verification spans multiple programs and multiple organizations with multiple interfaces (Shuttle, ISS, MPLM, MELFI); the MPLM CIWG (Cooling Integration Working Group) was formed to provide a forum for working Active MPLM integration issues such as reviewing the interface verifications currently in plan, identifying the remaining risks to first time use of the end-to-end system, and identifying and working to resolve integrated issues with the system.

The purpose of the Unique TCS Testing is to assess the system capability to calibrate the MPLM/Orbiter cooling loop to minimize the risk of inaccurate MPLM flow rate control to the Minus Eighty–degree Laboratory Freezer for the ISS (MELFI), to perform flow characterization testing for all racks location to minimize risk of R/F rack underflow, and to assess loop flow rate control under reduced flow condition to verify system stability.

This paper intends to describe the rational for performing the TCS Unique Testing, the test cases selection, the test configuration and to assess the constraints associated with the first Active MPLM flight.