Abstract
TERMA GmbH, Brunnenweg 19, 64331 Weiterstadt, Germany MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd, 13800 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC, Canada Vitrociset S.p.A., Space Business Area, Via Tiburtina 1020, I-00156 Rome, Italy Abstract The RADARSAT-2 mission presented an ideal opportunity for automating the spacecraft control operations. A cost-effective and requirements-compliant system was developed, making use of COTS hardware and re-use of existing software wherever possible. By employing innovative ways of integrating an existing spacecraft control kernel, procedure automation and a database management tools, the system developers were able to minimise new developments and fulfil the operational needs at low cost. This paper presents the design decisions made, explains how some of the more demanding requirements were fulfilled and presents the results of the system integration. We show how modern technology allowed a spacecraft control system designed essentially for manual operation to be adapted for automatic control. We also show how the concept of spacecraft control automation evolved to include controlling the control system itself. Finally, we conclude by summarising the lessons learned and additional benefits from the approach taken for the RADARSAT-2 spacecraft control system.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
