On behalf of ESA, CNES has chosen Clemessy to renovate the Ariane rocket test bench by replacing the real-time controller and the data acquisition tool (DAQ) with a new system for high-reliability control command and first-class cybersecurity.

Rich in its know-how in the engineering and implementation of computer and control-command installations, Eiffage Energie Systemes, through its Clemessy brand, has been selected to be the integrator of the European launcher powder thruster test bench system.

Our experts have integrated Syclone, a fully modular control-command software. Operating like a toolbox, it makes it possible to develop a totally customized solution adapted to all needs and environments, from the simplest to the most complex systems. This software structure perfectly combines the worlds of supervision, real-time process management and physical hardware. Our solution is particularly suitable for piloting tests and trials on processes with a high level of availability, safety and traceability.

In terms of cybersecurity, the convergence of information technology (IT), operational technology (OT) and high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) has made it possible to implement an effective policy and provisions to protect the booster testbed against cyberattacks. From the beginning of the system integration, our experts advocated the reinforcement of cybersecurity in operational technology (OT) and IT systems, with a strategy called 'defense in depth'. Defense in depth means addressing cybersecurity at every layer of the system, with each layer implementing mostly independent security measures.

Thus, the Syclone software was configured so that it could handle high-speed data acquisition from multiple systems scattered throughout the test facility. They combine to provide 1,000 channels, each of which can record up to 200,000 sample data per second. All these measurement channels are synchronized with each other and at absolute time, and will be available to the control system with a latency of less than 500 microseconds. It is a 100% European solution that is implemented via our Slovenian partner DEWESoft.

100% French, Syclone software controls, monitors and implements the entire booster testing process, including driving actuators that move the nozzle of the rocket itself. Upon receipt of the firing signal, all analog channels start and record the physical quantities. On this type of test that implements a specimen of several tens of millions of euros, we have the obligation to succeed the first time.

(C) 2022 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire