Next Generation Launching Hardware at Esrange

Sammanfattning

The objective of this thesis project was the development of new electrical firing systems for use at Esrange Space Center. This upgrade is necessitated by the advanced age and lacking spare parts availability of the current system, the upgrades also include certain safety improvements as well as a rethinking of the general procedures involved in a launch to incorporate newer PLC Control systems for Control of the Launchers. An understated goal is also to future proof the system for an operational life of at least 25 years, the last known system renewal took place in 1993 with some components still predating that rebuild. More particularly the project deals with Four main components in the launching electrical systems the Launcher selector, the Firing Console, the ’LEDEX’ and the Firing Unit. The Launcher Selector is the heart of the Firing system directing countdown clock signals, ramp feed-back signals and LEDEX control between desk, mainbuilding and launcher. This system required the most significant redesign to allow for the desk upgrades. The Launching console houses the human interface with the firing line, including the Firing key and button. This is the control unit that triggers the contactors located in the firing unit closing the firingline. The Firing Unit houses the AC and DC Firing power supplies, as well as the redundant Firing contactors and tank opening contactor. The primary reason for the redesign of this unit was to improve the safety to prevent a contactor failure from causing a premature firing failure and update the functionality to allow for a multi stage firing sequence in a hybrid type rocket. Other components of the system includes the planned PLC ramp control. These systems include the azimuth and elevation control for the ramps as well as heating and opening controls. For the sake of keeping the scope of this thesis manageable, these systems themselves are not included in the scope but some provisions need to be made to accommodate their inclusion into the blockhouse control systems.