Local area network for space-based instrument control

The design and development of a Local Area Network for space-based instrument control is presented. The instrument LAN and associated hardware and software can be used to emulate a space-based system such as a spacecraft or a terrestrial-based system such as rovers for aerospace engine and vehicle inspections. In either case, the LAN is designed using Controller Area Network technology as the bus architecture. The LAN consists of fixed sensors as well as an RF interface to a robotic vehicle. The state of the sensors on the LAN and the position of the robotic vehicle can be observed and controlled over an IP-based network using a standard Internet web browser. This research allows the evaluation of both space-based and terrestrial-based systems that utilize commercially available hardware and software as well as standard Internet technologies.