Session
Poster Session 1
Event Website
https://www.smallsat.org/index
Abstract
This paper investigates three software standards and applies them to the use case of setting up a C2 to RF (end-to-end) satellite ground system. It can be shown that through the use of these standard interfaces, flexible, multi-mission ground system architectures can be operationally capable in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional satellite missions. In addition to the shortened timetable, integration and operational costs are reduced through the use of this approach.
Today's satellite industry has seen advances in technologies, driven by design and manufacturing advances, allowing for the introduction of Small Satellites and forcing ground system architectures to shift from static, program oriented architectures to flexible, multi-mission architectures. Similar to large, satellite program ground architectures, Small Satellites require complete C2 to RF solutions, yet many do not have the budget or schedule for a traditional approach. These constraints have facilitated the use of software standards to decrease timetables and reduce both integration and operational costs.
Representational State Transfer (REST) is an adaptive software architecture used in the development of higher-performing and more maintainable communications architectures. Leveraging common interfaces, REST allows an open, web-based approach to communicate with ground system equipment and satellite busses.
The XML Telemetric and Command Exchange (XTCE) standard is used for defining and sharing telemetry and command (T&C) data streams using Extensible Markup Language (XML). Through the use of XTCE, Small Satellite mission no longer rely on proprietary C2 databases or complex, negotiated Factory to Ground ICDs to share and store telemetry and commands. Use of the XTCE standard allows developers, operators and integrators the ability to construct and test their own satellite databases using unifying database formats across satellites and ground systems.
The Ground Equipment Monitoring Service (GEMS) standard creates an interface for ingesting telemetry, sending commands, and controlling ground system equipment. Interfaces to Front End Processors, Modems, AFSCN Interfaces and Antenna Control Units no longer need to be custom processes, but are available for use out-of-the-box using GEMS-compliant equipment. Using GEMS, new equipment can be readily adopted, tested and incorporated into the existing ground system.
As part of a flexible ground system architecture, use of REST, XTCE and GEMS standards allow for operational capabilities in weeks instead of months or years, filling the Small Satellite need for shorter timetables compared to traditional architectures. Through the use of these standards, programs can focus on the development of payloads and mission unique applications instead of integration of ground system components. This paper will detail the three standards, their use and applicability in the Small Satellite industry and how Small Satellite missions can benefit by incorporating a standards based approach in their ground system architecture.
Facilitating the Standup of Small Satellite Ground Systems through the Use of Adaptive Software Standards
This paper investigates three software standards and applies them to the use case of setting up a C2 to RF (end-to-end) satellite ground system. It can be shown that through the use of these standard interfaces, flexible, multi-mission ground system architectures can be operationally capable in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional satellite missions. In addition to the shortened timetable, integration and operational costs are reduced through the use of this approach.
Today's satellite industry has seen advances in technologies, driven by design and manufacturing advances, allowing for the introduction of Small Satellites and forcing ground system architectures to shift from static, program oriented architectures to flexible, multi-mission architectures. Similar to large, satellite program ground architectures, Small Satellites require complete C2 to RF solutions, yet many do not have the budget or schedule for a traditional approach. These constraints have facilitated the use of software standards to decrease timetables and reduce both integration and operational costs.
Representational State Transfer (REST) is an adaptive software architecture used in the development of higher-performing and more maintainable communications architectures. Leveraging common interfaces, REST allows an open, web-based approach to communicate with ground system equipment and satellite busses.
The XML Telemetric and Command Exchange (XTCE) standard is used for defining and sharing telemetry and command (T&C) data streams using Extensible Markup Language (XML). Through the use of XTCE, Small Satellite mission no longer rely on proprietary C2 databases or complex, negotiated Factory to Ground ICDs to share and store telemetry and commands. Use of the XTCE standard allows developers, operators and integrators the ability to construct and test their own satellite databases using unifying database formats across satellites and ground systems.
The Ground Equipment Monitoring Service (GEMS) standard creates an interface for ingesting telemetry, sending commands, and controlling ground system equipment. Interfaces to Front End Processors, Modems, AFSCN Interfaces and Antenna Control Units no longer need to be custom processes, but are available for use out-of-the-box using GEMS-compliant equipment. Using GEMS, new equipment can be readily adopted, tested and incorporated into the existing ground system.
As part of a flexible ground system architecture, use of REST, XTCE and GEMS standards allow for operational capabilities in weeks instead of months or years, filling the Small Satellite need for shorter timetables compared to traditional architectures. Through the use of these standards, programs can focus on the development of payloads and mission unique applications instead of integration of ground system components. This paper will detail the three standards, their use and applicability in the Small Satellite industry and how Small Satellite missions can benefit by incorporating a standards based approach in their ground system architecture.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/smallsat/2016/Poster1/9
