A scripting framework for automated flight SW testing: Van Allen Probes lessons learned

This paper summarizes the lessons learned from implementing and utilizing an automated flight software test framework for the Van Allen Probes mission. This includes a recommended list of features/characteristics that a test framework should support. This paper also presents two test scripting design patterns that are useful for constructing an automated regression test suite. These design patterns are intended for non-object-oriented scripting environments - which is typical of space mission ground systems. A process flow is described for developing and utilizing an automated test scripting framework for future missions based upon the design patterns presented herein.