Low cost satellite ground control facility design

A design approach common to the areas of satellite operations command and control, tracking, subsystem analysis, system planning and scheduling, orbit determination and maintenance, and data routing and control is discussed. Specific satellite mission applications and operations are isolated from the remainder of the design to allow application to a broad variety of satellite systems. Discussions of specific satellite missions are limited to the context of understanding the general magnitude and scope of what a ground control facility is required to support. By isolating the common satellite operational functions, a low cost generic approach that allows for phased implementation of system changes with minimal impact to on-orbit assets and mission performance is developed. The goals of this approach are to provide the capability for growth, maintainability, and operability of the satellite system. A brief discussion of satellite systems followed by the introduction of the general function of any satellite control facility sets the stage for the overall design approach. The factors that define the design along with the key design features are presented, with a discussion of each product available in each functional area.<>