J FLIGHT SOFTWARE FAULT TOLERANCE VIA ME BACKUP FLIGHT SYSTEM

A generic software error in the quadruply redundant primary flight system could result in the catastrophic loss of Space Shuttle vehicle control in the hostile environment of ascent or reentry. The Space Shuttle backup flight system was designed to protect the crew and vehicle In this eventuality. The significant challenges met in the design and development of this state-of-the-art protective system Is the subject of thls paper