Ground Control System Solutions

Ground Control for Rocket Launches

Reliable and rugged control and monitoring hardware is critical to the functionality of rocket launchpads. DAQ and control hardware is used in a variety of mission-critical locations on the launchpad, including on the launchpad itself; on the upper and lower strongback, which supports the rocket and contains the umbilical cords that supply the rocket with fuel and liquid oxygen; Central Control, which facilitates communication between the many parts of the launchpad complex and provides an interface for operator control; rocket and payload transport systems; and the instrument bay. Fuel monitoring is also vital, as fuel and liquid oxygen systems can be extremely complex but are a crucial aspect of the rocket's success.

UEI Solutions for Ground Control Applications

When it comes to selecting hardware for ground control applications, choosing the right hardware is vital to a successful launch. UEI hardware is flexible, robust, and reliable - perfect for all of your launchpad control and monitoring needs. UEI chassis are lightweight and compact, but also rugged, and have been proven to withstand 5g Vibration, 100g Shock, temperatures from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius, and 120,000 Ft altitude; they can be mounted directly on the launch site, eliminating the need for vulnerable cabling.

Of course, no ground control system is complete without I/O, and UEI has you covered. With over 80+ compatible I/O boards to choose from, we're sure to meet all of your data acquisition and monitoring needs.

UEI I/O options include:

• Analog inputs (such as VIn, IIn, TCs, RTDs, Strain, ICP/IEPE, etc.)
• Analog outputs (such as Vout to 115VDC, 4-20 mA, etc.)
• Digital I/O
• Counters, Timers, IRIG timing
• Avionics (ARINC 429/708/453, MIL-1553, AFDX™)
• Serial Communications (Async and Synchronous)
• RVDT/LVDT
• Synchro/Resolver
• Quadrature encoder input
• Variable Reluctance input (Speed)
• CAN-bus input (including J-1939 and .DBC)
• WIFI and GSM wireless interfaces
• Function generator outputs

Explore UEI's Ground Control Solution for SpaceX

UEI and SpaceX teamed up to get America back into space! Read as John, the Director of Design Verification at UEI, recounts his visit to the Cape Canaveral launch pad. Read the story

Application Story: UEI & SpaceX With the increasing complexity of each new spacecraft, searching for the right monitoring and control system solution for SpaceX's ground support equipment was critical to ushering in more successful launches. UEI's reliable hardware solution allowed SpaceX to trust its ground support systems and focus on winning back the private Space Race. Read about the complete solution

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about UEI's involvement in mission critical space applications here.
• Explore the many rocket launch projects UEI has supported here!

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