Session
Technical Session II: Defining How Standards Should Be Implemented
Abstract
Internet Protocol (IP) is gaining more and more attention as a means for achieving “net-centric” operations for satellite programs. The reason for this is the fact that the computer and Internet industries have defined and continue to improve a global network that the government, commercial, and private sectors rely on everyday for their business infrastructure and operations. It only makes sense to strive for an efficient means of integrating our routine and secure operations of satellites into this network. There is evidence of moving toward this strategy within NASA’s Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and the DoD’s Transformational Communications Architecture (TCA) and Satellite Control Network modernization programs. IP commanding and management of satellites dramatically increases the “sensor to shooter” capability in an operations network. Combined with other common Internet tools and applications, it also allows for rapid development of a single system’s software development, operating system, data routing, and displays. With IP, a “standard” for data communications is already defined; it is the implementation of this standard from earth to space that is the challenge. This paper will focus on how IP might be implemented as a standard for satellite operations. It will consider lessons learned from recent IP satellite demonstrations, the impact of the typical satellite operator and user needs, and the physical limitations of a strict implementation of the network and transport layers used with the terrestrial Internet. The paper will address how IP is best utilized within communication architectures and how that gets transformed to an interface standard for mission operators. The small satellite industry is an ideal match for reaping the benefits of an initial implementation, and such an effort is currently underway with sponsorship of the California Space Authority (CSA). The end result will be a demonstration of a prototype IP network management center for command and control of a future satellite that meets the required interface standard.
Presentation Slides
Internet Protocol (IP) as a Standard for Command and Control of Satellites
Internet Protocol (IP) is gaining more and more attention as a means for achieving “net-centric” operations for satellite programs. The reason for this is the fact that the computer and Internet industries have defined and continue to improve a global network that the government, commercial, and private sectors rely on everyday for their business infrastructure and operations. It only makes sense to strive for an efficient means of integrating our routine and secure operations of satellites into this network. There is evidence of moving toward this strategy within NASA’s Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and the DoD’s Transformational Communications Architecture (TCA) and Satellite Control Network modernization programs. IP commanding and management of satellites dramatically increases the “sensor to shooter” capability in an operations network. Combined with other common Internet tools and applications, it also allows for rapid development of a single system’s software development, operating system, data routing, and displays. With IP, a “standard” for data communications is already defined; it is the implementation of this standard from earth to space that is the challenge. This paper will focus on how IP might be implemented as a standard for satellite operations. It will consider lessons learned from recent IP satellite demonstrations, the impact of the typical satellite operator and user needs, and the physical limitations of a strict implementation of the network and transport layers used with the terrestrial Internet. The paper will address how IP is best utilized within communication architectures and how that gets transformed to an interface standard for mission operators. The small satellite industry is an ideal match for reaping the benefits of an initial implementation, and such an effort is currently underway with sponsorship of the California Space Authority (CSA). The end result will be a demonstration of a prototype IP network management center for command and control of a future satellite that meets the required interface standard.
