Ariane 6’s inaugural flight came with spectacular images captured by the on-board camera system that provided live images of the stage, fairing and booster separation events, and also included breathtaking views of the Earth from space, during the mission. The innovative camera system was developed by Irish space company Réaltra Space Systems Engineering. The videos captured by the camera system (or “video kit”) give the teams involved in a space mission useful information and insights, such as how the rocket is operating at certain stages, or a closeup of payload deployment. Réaltra and TTTech Aerospace are now collaborating on developing a solution to integrate deterministic data transmission directly into the onboard camera system.
Réaltra provided the on-board camera system to ArianeGroup that, in this configuration, consisted of six cameras positioned at various points throughout the launcher (see graphics below), with up to four cameras being active at any moment during the mission. An additional avionics unit adds these video streams to the launcher's data network. Video compression takes place within the cameras and the files are then sent directly to Earth.
The cameras offer a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and the maximum data rate for each video stream is 5 Mbit/s of Ethernet bandwidth. The complete camera system is assembled and tested at Réaltra and Realtime, with testing partners from across Ireland. The system is modular and can be either an autonomous system using its own transmitters and battery (“add-on”), or a fully integrated system using the launcher’s existing capabilities.
Images taken by Réaltra’s on-board camera system can be seen in the video below:
Video credit: ESA - European Space Agency
On the first flight of Ariane 6, the integrated video system was used to capture the video feeds. TTTech Aerospace supported the development of the mixed-criticality TTEthernet® data network for Ariane 6 and provides the controllers that connect all avionics units within the launcher. Therefore, it is the ideal partner for Réaltra to support the next step in camera integration.
Just like in self-driving cars, it is essential that no system on the launcher ever interferes with the safety-critical control data on the same Ethernet network in the vehicle. This is achieved through fully automated synchronization, scheduling, and policing of data traffic.
Réaltra and TTTech Aerospace are therefore jointly developing an intelligent solution that integrates deterministic data transmission as critical capability directly into the on-board camera system. This modified video system will include its own rugged TTEthernet® switchboard, capable of interfacing directly with the launcher network, avoiding the need for an additional avionics unit (data bridge). This will simplify integration and operation of the on-board camera system. This technology development is supported by the ESA Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP).
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