Simulating space with OPAL-RT

The International Space Station is undoubtedly one of the most complex construction and computing projects ever undertaken, with many countries, agencies, and companies playing a role. One of the most crucial players is the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Along with many other technological contributions to the Space Station, the CSA has supplied the Remote Manipulator System, a sophisticated space arm, and its Mobile Remote Servicer Base System, a mobile platform for the arm. Both systems will be used for the assembly and maintenance of the station.

Along with the robotic systems themselves, the CSA must also provide on-ground training for the astronauts who will operate them. Such training naturally requires the ultimate in simulation systems. On-ground facilities must respond exactly as they would in space, so realtime response, flexibility, and reliability are non-negotiable requirements.

To develop these highly complex models, the CSA turned to Montreal-based OPAL-RT Technologies for help. They went to the right place. With RT-LAB, OPAL-RT has explored the huge potential QNX offers as a base for realtime simulation by forming a bridge between the OS and high-level graphical tools such as Mathworks' Simulink and Integrated Systems' SystemBuild. RT-LAB takes Simulink or SystemBuild block diagram information and automatically generates codes for a parallel distributed QNX cluster.

OPAL-RT's support of Firewire for QNX addresses multiple node applications with very little inter-node communication overhead and system lag time, thereby providing hard realtime simulation capabilities for applications running at sample times as low as 50 microseconds.

The ability to perform tasks in parallel, which allowed engineers to develop, test, and correct the software in a modular format, was a major factor in achieving the ambitious goals set by the CSA. For example, it was necessary to make modifications to the system, even at the eleventh hour. QNX's unique UPM architecture made it possible to incorporate the new techniques„ without having to retest the whole system and delay the project.

Thanks to OPAL-RT, Space Station situations that can now be accurately simulated, include zero gravity effects, combustion control, trajectory prediction, space walks, emergency electrical systems, object manipulation, and emergency events.

With complex computing projects becoming more and more common, the International Space Station is by no means the only so-called mega-project that can be aided by OPAL-RT's simulation system. The system is ideal for simulation projects in many sectors, including robotics, aerospace, aeronautics, industrial control, automotive applications, vibration analysis, education, and so on. And due to the flexibility of QNX, the system can be scaled to fit a wide range of budgetary and technical needs.

For more information about OPAL-RT's RT-LAB and the Canadian Space Agency project, visit www.opal-rt.ca.