Spitzer Space Telescope Use of the Virtual Machine Language

Abstract

Spitzer Space Telescope makes the most extensive use of the Virtual Machine Language (VML) sequencing language of any mission launched to date. The use of VML has presented minor ground integration challenges to the mission and provides many benefits. While other missions such as Cassini use sequencing languages that can provide similar capabilities, VML's syntax, tools, and approach provide greater functionality in practice.Benefits of the sequencing approach taken include reduction in uplink volume, increased science efficiency, simplified operations, and increased mission safety. VML provides more commonality between missions than previous sequencing approaches, in an environment more like high level programming. It would be difficult to determine the life-cycle cost impact of using VML on Spitzer, but Spitzer's investment in the technology should enable future missions to achieve cost savings while simultaneously increasing autonomation and safety. 1,2

VML 3.0 Reactive Rendezvous and Docking Sequencer for Mars Sample Return

“…Many of the state and transition concepts behind RRDS originated with the highly successful 2009 entry, descent, and landing (EDL) of the Phoenix spacecraft on Mars, in turn having roots in other missions [2][3], including Spitzer [4]. State concepts proved so stable and successful that the mainline landing sequence worked the first time, and landed the vehicle in every test where external simulator components were working correctly.…”