Complexity-Based Link Assignment for NASA’s Deep Space Network for Follow-the-Sun Operations

Abstract

NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) recently underwent a paradigm shift in its operations approach called Follow the Sun Operations (FtSO) in an effort to increase efficiency for forthcoming expansion of the network. This change requires each Deep Space Communications Complex (DSCC) to remotely control the other two complexes during their local day shift, in contrast to locally controlling only their own antennas 24x7. Remote operations increases the workload of each complex during their day shift, specifically that of the Link Control Operators (LCOs), and presents a new challenge for planning and managing the distribution of responsibility for each link. A new DSN software assembly, the Link Complexity and Maintenance (LCM) software, was developed to support workload management for LCOs, as well as for planning site-local maintenance activities. The LCM deployment was a vital part of the transition to FtSO in November 2017. This paper discusses the architecture of LCM, its feature set, and lessons learned during its development and rollout.

Integrated Planning and Scheduling for NASA’s Deep Space Network – from Forecasting to Real-time

“…These include: § the Service Quality Assessment (SQA) system for post-track metrics reporting § the complexity-based link assignment software for DSN Follow-the-Sun operations [10], which makes use of downtime, critical events, and holiday information to provide context to station operators for the links they are managing …”