The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission Operations Control Center (MOC) Visualization Display System (VDS)

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the development and integration of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission Operations Control Center (MOC) Satellite Tool Kit (STK) Visualization Display System (VDS). The LRO STK VDS displays in real-time LRO articulations and orientation information in 3-dimensions (3-D) and 2-D based on actual satellite telemetry providing spacecraft controllers and scientists with tools for situational awareness and real-time visualization of the space-based asset, LRO. The LRO STK VDS has supported LRO launch, lunar orbit insertion, commissioning, mission orbit insertion, on-orbit operations, as well as anomaly resolution and mission analysis. This paper provides an over-view of the LRO STK VDS including a discussion of the system architecture, components, and features, as well as details the research, development, integration, and testing required to engineer the LRO MOC STK VDS. Finally, this paper enumerates how the LRO STK VDS has been used operationally during the various mission phases in support of LRO.