What SW looks like

What is this chaotic scene then about? Well, it is rather hard to visualize software doing a good job!

This is the Delta-Utec tether deployment test rig, simulating space dynamics in a real-time, hardware-in-the-loop test of the YES2 tether deployment. The hardware present are engineering models (flight replica's) of YES2 tether, barberpole brake system (hidden behind tether), optical loop detection system, on-board computer (on table), stepper driver (in shiny box). The real thing under test however is Mathieu & Fernando's On-Board Computer software's deployment control: how robust and accurate can we control the deployment when problems occur? YES2 deployment control effectiveness was already tested with simulated hardware, and with real hardware but a breadboard computer and earlier software version. This is the first time flight software and hardware come together in a closed-loop deployment test. Due to the enormous time pressure this is done while the rest of the YES2 team is moving to Baikonur, the launch site.

Luckily the test was very successful! Despite introduced disturbances, such as a wrong ejection speed, 2 failing tether length sensors of 3, and heavily distorted friction levels and even a full computer reboot, deployment was accurate and smooth. It must also be said that Ilias' and Rafal's stepper driver was doing great and talking friendly with Mathieu's software!