MSFC-RQMT-3098 REV C

Abstract

<strong>System Overview</strong><br>The Microgravity Science Glovebox Laptop Computer Server (MLCS) is a suite of tools that executes on the Payload dedicated Payload and General Support Computer. The MLCS runs under the Windows NT 4.0 Workstation (service pack 5) and Windows 2000 (service pack 4) operating systems. The purpose of the MLCS is to abstract the inputloutput of the system when Experiment 1 Operations applications are running. The MLCS abstracts the 1553B interface to the Microgravity Science Glovebox Rack Controller, the Serial (RS232lRS422) connections to the experiments, the Medium Rate Data Link (Ethernet) interface to the lnternational Space Station (ISS), and the Payload and General Support Computer&apos;s local hard disk drive. Instead of each applications developer spending the time and effort required to get familiar with each of these interfaces, they may instead concentrate upon their specific application. The MLCS presents to the applications developer a simple API that uses the basic Windows system function calls. The MLCS will provide a consistent interface to each application and allow multiple applications to share information through the defined applications interface. The MLCS provides extensive ground commanding support (Timelines, Process Control, Aux Keyboard ...) in an effort to reduce overall external support requirements. Support for basic payload display functionality is also provided as part of the MLCS.