Verification Test Article (VETA) Program

Low-Cost, Remote Control, Real-time Data Acquisition System To Acquireand Monitor Launch-Critical Environmental Measurements

Welcome to the Verification Test Article data viewer.This is an HTML document to display the overall block diagramof VETA.

During a Shuttle launch, ground support equipment and structures in theproximity of the launch pad are subjected to intense (greater than 180decibels) acoustic pressures generated by rocket exhausts. Past researchat KSC has focused on techniques to characterize noise and predictvibroacoustic behavior. Simply stated, vibroacoustics or vibroacousticcoupling is a measure of a structure's affinity to vibrate when subjectedto acoustic loads, leading to degradation of structures and therebyincreasing maintenance costs. Thus continuous monitoring of launch-criticalloads (acoustics) and simultaneous structural response (vibration and strain)are vital for maintaining KSC's leadership role in preparing and launchingShuttle missions and for ensuring operational safety and long-termreliability of critical launch pad structures.

To accomplish the above, a low-cost, remotely controllable, real-timedata acquisition system (DAS) has been developed and is in operation onLaunch Pad 39A at KSC. This effort is part of a multiyear test validationproject titled Verification Test Article (VETA). The DAS includes two TEACdigital audio tape (DAT) recorders, controlled by a pad computer usingTEAC QuikVu software. The pad computer and DAT recorders in turn arenetworked (via KSDN) and controlled remotely by an office computer locatedin the KSC Headquarters Building using the pcAnywhere software. Withthe DAS, launch data can be sampled at 48,000 samples per second, with arecording and reproduction frequency of direct current to 20 kilohertzand a data resolution of 14 bits. The DAS is capable of simultaneouslymonitoring and acquiring 16 channels of data at a cost per channel of lessthan $3K. Lastly, launch data can be transferred immediately to the NASAVAX platform via the Ethernet network for use by NASA engineers for furtheranalysis.

Key accomplishments:

The DAS performed flawlessly during STS-59, 65, 64, 68, and 66 launches.
Provided instant data monitoring and accessibility.
Was suitable for both near-field and far-field work.
Can be extended to remote locations wherever KSDN exists.
Is suitable for acquiring data from Titan and Delta launches.

Key milestone:

1995: Acquire launch data for five launches from Launch Pad A.

Shuttle Launch Engineering Measurement Time History and Frequency Domain Plots

Advanced Systems & Analysis Home Page NASA Home Page KSC Home Page

Authors: Raoul E. Caimi (Raoul.Caimi-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov)/ NASA
Ravi N. Margasahayam (Ravi.Margasahayam-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov) / I-NET
Curator: Tamara Johnson (Tamara.Johnson-1@ksc.nasa.gov / NASA

A service of NASA / Kennedy Space Center Engineering Development Directorate, Advanced Systems and Analysis Division, Bill Jones , Chief (William.Jones-3@ksc.nasa.gov)