Architecture and Implementation of IoT Middleware for Ground Support Systems in Launch Site

Abstract

The ground support systems (GSS) at launch sites include the test and launch system of launch vehicles, satellites, payloads, test equipment, and ground support facilities such as propellant loading, gas supply, etc. Various devices or equipment in GSS are interconnected through Internet of Things (IoT) to achieve integrated application, e.g. data interaction, interoperation, and application management. Because there are a large number of heterogeneous software and hardware in GSS, an IoT middleware is the key to the integrated application of GSS. We propose an architecture of IoT middleware for GSS at the launch site. This architecture solves the heterogeneity problems of GSS in launch sites such as heterogeneity between embedded sensor devices and mobile terminals, conversion between mobile network and backbone network, communication and data exchange, integration of different application systems, and system interconnection. Through the integrated portal of IoT middleware based on the architecture, heterogeneous systems of ground support facilities are realized on integrated application and deployment. An integrated access gateway is developed to make the IoT middleware accessed various devices or equipment of GSS. The integrated access gateway has good extensibility and adaptability to accessing interfaces or connectors. A simple application case of the IoT middleware is introduced in the paper. Good results have been achieved through practical application in China launch sites.