Portable Simulators, a Constructive Idea on Modern Training Tools
  
Klaus Pelka, Uwe Mittag, Andy Pleniazek
klaus.pelka@dlr.de
DLR/Cologne

Abstract:
A portable simulator is a software modul or a package of moduls reflecting
the kernel of an experiment or subsystem.  It has well defined interfaces to
the outer world.  By this it can be embedded into different environments
where adapting moduls convert data flow from and to the new application.
Experiments in space projects are excellent candidates for using portable
simulators: the computer based experiment control, the s/w-model for
classroom training, the s/w used to control a training or ground lab model
and the onboard s/w-model for maintenance, all are parts of an experiment
which profit from using the portable simulator scheme, thus saving costs,
being homogenous on each level and speed up development time.
Typical requirements for the interface definition of a portable simulator
are presented.  Ideas for managing the maintenance, the update and
distribution are given, which may be a basis for standards for s/w
development in this field.