Virtual Mission Operations of Remote Sensors with Rapid Access To/From Space

Abstract

This paper describes network-centric operations, where a virtual mission operations center autonomously receives sensor triggers, and schedules space and ground assets using Internet-based technologies and service-oriented architectures. For proof-of-concept purposes, sensor triggers are received from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to determine targets for space-based sensors. The Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) Disaster Monitoring Constellation satellite, the UK-DMC, is used as the space-based sensor. The UK-DMC's availability is determined via machine-to-machine communications using SSTL's mission planning system. Access to/from the UK-DMC for tasking and sensor data is via SSTL's and Universal Space Network's (USN) ground assets. The availability and scheduling of USN's assets can also be performed autonomously via machine-to-machine communications. All communication, both on the ground and between ground and space, uses open Internet standards.

Large File Transfers from Space Using Multiple Ground Terminals and Delay-Tolerant Networking

“…Thus, there is a mix of manual processes and automation for scheduling assets. Eventually, this scheduling will be fully automated [1].…”

“…In Figure 1, the second ground station is at USN's site in Alaska. A limited demonstration of the overall concept occurred in July 2009 [1] [2]. This paper describes a later demonstration of large-file transfer over multiple ground stations, corresponding to steps 6 and 7, in September and October of 2009.…”