Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
2016
First Page
1
Last Page
15
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Abstract
The Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) satellite contains six science instruments that are integrated into a small volume on a single payload interface plate (PIP). Integrating these six instruments onto a single deck was challenging and complex in part due to their different physical configurations. After investigating various methods of reducing integration schedule and risk, an innovative approach of creating a high-fidelity full-scale mockup using 3D printed parts was chosen to address these concerns. This mockup included all instruments, the PIP, and associated harnessing, plumbing, and blanketing components. While the mockup integration effort yielded invaluable information for the flight payload integration, it was also used extensively throughout the payload integration to address issues as they arose, ultimately reducing the time, cost, and risk of the actual integration. This paper describes the design and construction of the mockup and its use to facilitate the ICON payload integration and test (I&T).
Recommended Citation
Lamborn, Burt; Elwell, John; Little, Andy; Craig, William; Rynders, Rich; and Moulton, Eric, "Design and Use of the Ionospheric Connection Explorer Payload Mockup" (2016). Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications. Paper 257.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/sdl_pubs/257