Improving Electrical Ground Support Equipment development for satellite testing

This paper examines the basic test method employed with Electrical Ground Support Equipment; evaluates the technical merits associated with enhanced capabilities and compares the relative cost of these enhancements. In addition, the paper explores the pros and cons of replacing current manual operations with integrating automated test methods. This study is not intended to be a precise cost analysis but is intended to provide a comparison of technical enhancements along with a basic measure of cost. This paper will provide some practical examples to support the premise that automated test methods give rise to a more thoroughly tested spacecraft, reduced test times and potential cost savings.