Deep Space Network - ACI is currently conducting software design, development and systems integration at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in support of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). The DSN is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The network also supports selected scientific Earth-orbiting missions. NASA's scientific investigation of the Solar System is accomplished mainly through the use of unmanned automated spacecraft. The DSN provides the vital two-way communications link that guides and controls these planetary explorers, and brings back the images and new scientific information they collect. All DSN antennas are steerable, high-gain, parabolic reflector antennas. Operated 24-7, these antenna are vital links between the spacecraft and the researchers.

Software Development - ACI is currently supporting JPL's Telecommunications and Mission Operations Directorate (TMOD) in the upgrade of the command and control computers and software used to control and monitor the antennas. New computer hardware will reduce antenna downtime while new software will improve operator interaction and system reliability. The software development support activities ACI is currently involved in include: overall software functional definition, program design, task interface protocol definition, programming and component and system level testing. The programming is conducted in C and C++, with a reliance on internal UNIX socket protocol for task communications. Real-time communications with the antenna hardware is required to monitor the current health. This is completed through the use of RS-232 lines and ethernet connections.

Integrated Vehicle Health Management - The X-37 is a technology demonstrator that will be ferried into orbit to test new technologies for next generation Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV). ACI is currently supporting the software testing and integration of NASA's Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) software for the X-37 spacecraft. The IVHM software has been ported from LISP to C++ and will be integrated to run as a task on the X-37's Vehicle Management Computer (VMC). The Vehicle Management System (VMS) will be another task running on the VMC. The VMS will be responsible for telemetry and power management and the IVHM task will communicate with the VMS task in order to obtain sensor data, vehicle commands, and to send telemetry to the ground. The VMC will use PowerPC microprocessors and will run the VxWorks operating system.