Project

NITRO

Intelligent measurement and control systems

The Nitro (Next generation Interface for Test bench Regulation and Operation) project aims to develop a flexible measurement and control platform for space propulsion systems at DLR that uses commercial off-the-shelfs from the automation industry in combination with modern data acquisition systems.

Next generation Interface for Test bench Regulation and Operation (NITRO)

 

Duration

2021 – 2024

Fields of application

  • Measurement and control system for testing propulsion components for space flight
  • Training of machine learning models
  • Implementation of "predictive maintenance methods"

Budget

120,000 euros

The system is currently being implemented and approved on the M3.1 test bench and will then be used on the larger test benches at P6. The system will be scalable in terms of both performance and the number of actuator and sensor channels. It will enable the testing of machine learning algorithms for control strategies and also of new hardware controllers for space propulsion systems. As the system provides full access to all subroutines, it can be adapted and extended in the future. The use of this system on an appropriate number of test benches will facilitate maintenance and seamless interoperability of test articles during the technology readiness level increase.

DLR Institute departments involved

Department

Test Bench Technology

High-performance, modern and flexible test benches and supply systems are required to test liquid-chemical space propulsion systems or entire rocket stages. The development, design and layout of these systems is one of the DLR Institute's core competencies.

Department

Rocket Propulsion Technology

Researching and understanding the fundamental processes in a rocket engine is essential in order to develop new technologies and bring them into application. In order to understand and see the processes, researchers go to the limits of physics.

Research and Test Infrastructure

Research and Test Infrastructure

Technical Center M3

The M3 Technical Center investigates the basic processes in rocket combustion chambers, in particular fuel preparation, injection, ignition and combustion of rocket propellants, and develops rocket combustion chamber technologies.