Search

Storage is one of the main limiting factors to the recording of information from proton-proton collision events at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), at CERN in Geneva. Hence, the ATLAS experiment at the LHC uses a so-called trigger system, which selects and transfers interesting events to the data storage system while filtering out the rest. However, if interesting events are buried in very large backgrounds and difficult to identify as a signal by the trigger system, they will also be discarded together with the background. To alleviate this problem, different compression algorithms are already in use to reduce the size of the data that is recorded. One of those state-of-the-art algorithms is an autoencoder network that tries to implement an approximation to the identity, f(x) = x, and given some input data, its goal is to create a lower-dimensional representation of those data in a latent space using an encoder network. This way when collisions happen on the ATLAS Collider, we run the encoder on the produced data and we save only the latent space representation. Then using this latent representation online the decoder network can reconstruct the original data. The goal of this project is to experiment with different types of Autoencoders for data compression in-depth and optimize their performance in reconstructing the ATLAS event data. For this reason, three kinds of Autoencoders are proposed, and in specific, the Standard Autoencoder, the Variational Autoencoder, and the Sparse Autoencoder. The above Autoencoders and thoroughly tested using different parameters and data normalization techniques, as our ultimate goal is to obtain the best possible reconstructions of the original event data. The proposed implementations will be a decisive contribution towards future testing and analysis for the ATLAS experiment at CERN and will assist overcome the obstacle of needing much more storage space than in the past due to the increase in the size of the data generated by the continuous proton-proton collision events in CERN's Large Hadron Collider. Link to the Implementation of the Project

CubeL is the first COTS cubesat to be operated by the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) utilizing cubesat space protocol (CSP). Scheduled for launch in summer 2020, it will initially be monitored and controlled via UHF using a compatible COTS ground segment to perform an IOD of “OSIRIS4CubeSat”, a miniaturized OSIRIS space-to-ground laser communication terminal developed by DLR-KN in cooperation with Tesat-Spacecom. Afterwards, CubeL will be integrated into the GSOC multi-mission environment and be operated via S-Band. The GSOC ground segment architecture and software focuses on institutionally standardized communication, such as CCSDS frame (132.0-B-2) and packet standards (133.0-B-1) and the ECSS packet utilization standard (E-ST-70-41C). At the core of GSOC's multi-mission environment is the SCOS-2000 based monitoring and control system “GECCOS”, which supports all satellite missions currently operated by GSOC. CubeL however depends on CSP for most communication. This page briefly introduces the CubeL mission and ground segment design, presents relevant protocols and the subsequent tailoring of CCSDS protocol features before describing the required CSP to CCSDS adapter, to enable communication between CubeL and GECCOS. For concept validation a minimal prototype is tested against the CubeL engineering model. This work concludes with a critical review of the chosen approach.

Laser communication is of growing importance for space programs and is utilized in several recent satellite missions, since it offers the advantages of high data rates over long distances. Since 2007, the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is involved in a number of projects in which laser communication plays a significant role, such as TerraSAR-X, TDP-1, EDRS-A and the upcoming EDRS-C. The role performed by GSOC is different for each of these missions, thus it covers a broad portfolio of operational experience in laser communication. For TerraSAR-X, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, GSOC performs the satellite as well as all payload operations. TerraSAR-X is equipped with a Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) as secondary payload, which is capable of inter-satellite (ISL) as well as space-to-ground links (SGLs). The development of these LCTs is led by the Space Administration of DLR, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and performed by TESAT Spacecom GmbH. In contrast, EDRS-A is a hosted payload on a geostationary (GEO) satellite and the first step in the European Data Relay System, which will soon be supported by a second relay terminal, EDRS-C. The relay system offers LEO satellites more possibilities for high speed data downlinks via laser. It is a commercially used service with quite demanding requirements concerning the availability of this downlink. For EDRS-A, GSOC fulfills the role of the LCT payload control center. For EDRS-C, the task of GSOC is extended to dedicated satellite operations including the LCT payload. To address the demanding requirements, all processes on GSOC side are completely automated. ESA´s TDP-1 (Technology Demonstration Payload No.1) project is the proof-of-concept for EDRS. It is a collaboration between DLR, ESA, and TESAT-Spacecom. The mission involves LCTs installed as secondary payloads on board a variety of LEO and GEO satellites as well as on ground, allowing for ISLs as well as for SGLs. Here, GSOC fulfills the role of the Mission Control Center, which includes collection of orbit and availability data, calculation of feasible link slots, scheduling of customer link requests, and generation of operational products for the LCT payloads of the involved spacecraft. One important aspect of this advanced concept is the connection to multiple control centers or associated facilities (like TECO, INMARSAT, ESOC), which is a necessary prerequisite for successful laser communication between different satellite projects. This paper gives an overview of the operational concepts of GSOC within the four mentioned projects, with a focus on our involvement in the TDP-1 program.

After the successful Global Coverage of the Digital Elevation Model, the TanDEM-X Science phase was initiated in September of 2014, dedicated to the demonstration of innovative techniques and experiments. The TanDEM-X Science phase had a large impact on the TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X Mission Planning System. The two main challenges were the formation flying changes and the activation of a new acquisition mode, the so called Dual Receive Antenna (DRA) acquisition mode. This paper describes all actions and quantitative analyses performed in order to achieve the twofold target of the Mission Planning System: a) support the new TanDEM-X mission’s requirements, while b) proceed seamlessly with the TerraSAR-X mission fulfilling both its scientific and commercial demands. Regarding the first objective, several system reconfigurations are presented which were executed either due to the new flying formations or due to enabling the new DRA acquisition mode. In parallel, various analyses are included for the ground station visibilities of each formation and the distribution of the S- and X-Band contacts. For the second objective, it is presented how, via new concepts and mechanisms, it was possible to continue the TerraSAR-X mission undisturbed. Statistical analyses depict their successful integration and performance in the operational system. As a heritage of the TanDEM-X Science phase, the statistical analyses have become a very useful tool for the daily operations of both satellites and missions.

Chapter 6 describes the operation tasks of the various subsystems of a classic unmanned satellite in Earth orbits.

This chapter describes the design aspects of a typical Mission Control Center (MCC) and the Ground Station Network. The Mission Control Center—as the name implies—is the central ground facility of a space mission. It is the central point where all data and management information concerning the spacecraft are consolidated. These data are received, checked, and processed, decisions are made and—in case of an emergency—the respective procedures are performed in order to restore the nominal conditions of the mission. The way how the MCC operates is defined by its design which specifies its capabilities, flexibility, and robustness.

The TanDEM-X mission is based on the close formation flight of two radar spacecraft (TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X) currently flying with a minimum separation of only 150m. Ground station contact times for the uplink of the master timelines are taking place in parallel over different ground stations. Two operators at the same time are needed for commanding both spacecraft in order to ensure a safe uplink of the onboard timeline. As the operators are not only performing the command uplink but many other actions prior, during and after the contact, the risk for operator errors increases. Beside this fact, the operators at GSOC are not uniquely assigned to the TanDEM-X mission but supporting multiple missions operated by the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) within different control room areas and with different required needs of support.

At DLR-GSOC, the German Space Operations Center, the Satellite Monitoring and Control System (MCS) originating from ESA-SCOS-2000 was adapted for the first time for the mission CHAMP, beginning from the year 2000. Since then a custom GSOC branch of this MCS is in active development, both with respect to mission-specific adaptations as well as multi-mission related , ultimately leading to GSOC’s own MCS called “GECCOS” – the GSOC Enhanced Commandand Control System for Operating Spacecrafts. GECCOS, based on SCOS-2000 Release 3.1, represents a generic MCS and supports a broad set of scientific and commercial satellite platforms: CHAMP, GRACE, TSX (TerraSAR-X, TanDEM-X, PAZ), EnMAP, TET, SmallGEO (HAG-1, EDRS-C, H2Sat), Spacebus 3000 (COMSATBw 1&2), Eurostar 3000 (EDRSA) and in future SWARM Bus (GRACE-FO). Additionally, GECCOS has the capability to act as MCS as well as Central Check-out System (CCS) so it is capable of supporting S/C projects from AIT phase until mission operations phases. This has been demonstrated in the context of the missions TerraSAR-X, TanDEM-X, PAZ, TET and BIROS. That approach offers significant advantages regarding inherent validation of the future S/C operational MCS, being compatible with the S/C database (in SCOS2000 terms Mission Information Base, MIB) as well as with flight control procedures (FCP), already within early AIT and S/C checkout phases. This is a key driver for the use of GECCOS within SmallGEO platform based S/C operations as their CCS is also based on SCOS-2000 Release 3.1. kernel. The combination of CCS and MCS data handling kernels is an important paradigm which is also one of the key drivers for future MCS/CCS projects like the European Ground Systems Common-Core (EGSCC), a project led by ESA. In this contribution we present the main adaptations and advantages GECCOS offers when compared to classical MCS like ESA SCOS-2000 and point out how it can fulfill the MCS requirements for upcoming Missions operated at modern control centers.

Dieser Bericht gibt eine Zusammenfassung des PRISMA Missionsbetriebs durch das GSOC sowie eine Übersicht über die erzielten Ergebnisse. In Kapitel 3 werden zunächst die Zielsetzungen des Vorhabens sowie die Rahmenbedingungen beschrieben, unter denen das Projekt durchzuführen war. Anschließend gibt Kapitel 4 eine Übersicht über den Projektverlauf und beschreibt die wichtigsten Ereignisse. Kapitel 5 beschreibt die wichtigsten Ergebnisse des Vorhabens und schildert gemachte Erfahrungen.

The experimental satellite project PRISMA was initiated in 2005 by Sweden, France, Denmark, and Germany, with the Swedish Space Cooperation (SSC) as the project lead. The purpose was the demonstration of necessary techniques and the validation of the respective sensor technology for future missions that involve close formation flight and rendezvous in space. At that time, the German Aerospace Center DLR was not only involved in providing satellite GPS hardware and navigation software components but also as one of the experimenters for GPS-based navigation and autonomous formation flight. The idea of also conduction a part of the flight operations phase from Germany came into discussion at the end of 2009, with the purpose of sharing mission operations cost. This was agreed by Sweden and Germany shortly before launch of the two PRISMA satellites, which took place in June 2010. Nine months later, mission operations were handed over from SSC’s control center in Solna, Stockholm, to the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. After successful operations by GSOC, the re-hand over of the mission back to Solna was performed in August 2011. The baseline concept for the German PRISMA ground segment foresaw cloning of the Swedish ground segment developed by SSC at GSOC to minimize the development and test effort, but specific adaptations were needed to integrate PRISMA into GSOC’s multimission environment. Furthermore, the original station network, which consisted only of the Kiruna ground station in North Sweden, was extended by two additional DLR ground stations in Weilheim, Germany, and in Inuvik, Canada. That extension proved especially beneficial to the shift concept. Another important aspect was the training of the German operations personnel in a short time. This was realized by training on the job concept, which kept the additional workload for teaching and training on acceptable levels and at the same time supported the Swedish flight operations team during their operations phase. This paper gives an overview of the GSOC ground segment and the flight operations activities. It reflects the challenges with regard to personnel and to the technical implementation of PRISMA flight operations at GSOC with limited available time. It also summarizes the lessons learned after five months of successful flight operations.

The ISS Columbus Ground Segment Network is a complex communication network which connects sites located in the USA (NASA), Russia (RSA), France (ATV-CC), Germany (COL-CC) and several user centers all across Europe. For the WAN communication between the different control centers and facilities MPLS technology is being used while the LAN setup employs Ethernet technology. One of the challenges within the IGS network is the simultaneous transport of different datastreams like TM/TC, voice, video, science data, etc., with separate and sometimes competing needs for quality of service parameters. While travelling from end to end, the datastreams cross different realms of the network. In addition limitations have been imposed by the wide area network provider. Some of those, well known in theory, have proven to yield surprising effects in reality. While most of the limitations were known at the design phase of the overall structure, a few have revealed themselves later during the test and implementation phases and had an impact on operations. The network in its present design is being used for more than two years. This article will present the building blocks and design parameters that shaped the setup of the network as it is being used today. Unused alternatives will be shortly discussed and the reasons for the choices that lead to the current setup will be given. A short outlook of the future development of the network will be presented together with a discussion of the limitations and consequences that cost driven technology changes imply.

At the German Space Operations Center a new monitoring- and control-system has been developed. The concepts of a generalized and modular setup using an object oriented design were not only applied to the software itself, but also extended to the definitions of procedures and parameters used to operate DLR's ground station antennas at Weilheim in a multimission context. This paper describes the ideas behind this new software and the consequences for operations using it. In case studies the benefits of this software design for fast and safe operations as well as for an easy configuration management are highlighted. The effort needed to run the station using the new M&C-system in daily routine-operations is compared to what would have been needed to achieve the same with the tools previously in use.

Verbal coordination via voice loops is still an essential part of space operations. This is especially true for human space flight and even more for the highly distributed operations for the International Space Station (ISS). Coordination between on-board and ground and between all operations centres relays to a major extend on voice loops. Consequently the voice conferencing system is one of the most critical systems in a mission control centre. The Voice System (VoCS) of the Columbus Control Center (Col-CC) supports not only the Columbus operations done from Col-CC, but all European User Centres including the ATV Control Centre and supporting sites are connected via the Col-CC voice system to the International Partner systems/sites. This paper describes the complex migration to a new voice system at the Columbus Control-Centre (Col-CC) in 2011. This had to happen during the on-going ISS operations with minimal service impact. After a short overview of the general set-up of voice communications within the European ground segment and a summary of the reasons for exchanging the system after just about 6 years in operations is given. The different possible migration scenarios with their technical and perational impacts are discussed with the conclusion and explanation on the step-by-step approach chosen for this migration. Problems during the migration, dependencies to systems of other control centres as well as operational dependencies and planning issues are described. The step-by-step migration implied also a staggered testing and operational validation sequence. The testing had to be carefully planned and integrated in the migration steps. Operational validation had to be done during operations with roll-back possibilities rather then a final validation before a hand over to operations.

At the end of a mission the final result left will be the data. The spacecraft will be deorbited. The ground segment will be deployed or used for other missions, but the mission data remains, being the most important asset of the whole mission. This data can be knowledge, pictures, measurement results or whatever … but at the end - this is (just) computerized data. For most of the space missions the data acquired will be stored and used for many, many years. At the end of a mission, the data is all that remains usable. It is valuable and needs to be handled carefully. This data can also be important for follow-on missions and compared as “historical data” in order to evaluate differences or evolutionary changes of the missions. For these reasons keeping the data safe is a real important part of the whole mission. Acquisition of the valuable data normally is very expensive, but many times project planning underestimates both the value of the data and the cost to keep the data usable for a long time. Nevertheless electronically stored data is volatile. So the question is not “IF”, the matter is “WHEN” the data will be lost.

The workplaces typically found in control rooms for spacecraft operations are rather plain and old-fashioned. This results in many limitations. Workplaces nowadays consist of one or more PC-type computers with one or multiple monitors attached to it. These usually have a locally installed operating system. The system is configured for one type of task in one dedicated project. Flexibility, cross-operability and redundancy are limited. They are usually provided by restricting the users into identical setups - a lowest common denominator. Free computing resource allocation is additionally restrained by separation of networks due to network security aspects. From the user-side it is however desirable to allow a user to choose from a variety of setups, regarding the allocation and arrangement of computing resources to monitors, the easy access to redundant resources and the parallel use of resources. The ultimate desire is the elimination of the physical assignment of resources like keyboard and mouse to specific computers and monitors. The goal is to have flexible workplaces that allow rapid reconfiguration of control rooms for temporary use, training and simulation areas as well as multi-mission operations with heterogeneous systems resulting in vastly higher efficiency in control room usage with reduced administrational efforts. Based on virtualization techniques a framework has been developed that allows secure access to server-hosted desktops. It ensures existing security policies while giving access to all control center resources. This paper demonstrates first results of the approach taken by GSOC for implementation in an evaluation environment and the plans for implementation in control rooms in the near future.

The ISS Columbus Ground Segment is a complex system with several subsystems using a central Storage Area Network (SAN). The Project operates 24/7. Therefore the migration from old to new hardware had to be performed without any interruption to operations. The migration became necessary because the subsystems’ software has to be updated together with an update of the operating system. With the complexity of the old SAN that would only have been possible with 4 to 6 week interruption to ongoing operations. To avoid such a situation in the future, it was decided to replace the system completely and to use the K.I.S.S. approach (Keep It Simple and Stupid) for the new system design. The Columbus system uses a variety of different applications running on different operating system versions. Projecting this into the future, it is very important to be able to update the storage system while maintaining the subsystems independently.

This paper introduces a service-oriented approach for managing the Video Distribution System. The main focus lies on the service of delivering a video stream from source to destination rather than on configuring the affected devices. This service approach implements a more transparent user interface for management and uses automation of system functionalities which makes procedures faster and less error-prone than low-level configuration as it is today. Moreover, error handling can be organized more effectively using the service-oriented system design. Additionally, subsystem requirements and Service Level Agreements (SLA) are monitored for compliance which enables an overview of the stability and functionality of the subsystem.

In the early preparation phase for the upcoming robotic dual-satellite DLR mission several technical and operational challenges presented themselves. The mission itself shall produce advanced scientific findings for the on-orbit servicing missions. One of the satellites includes a sophisticated robotic arm with automated as well as manual operation modes. Very restrictive robotic payload requirements with respect to ground station visibilities as well as the quality of the data link became a main driver for the ground data system design. The real-time control and feedback of the robotic arm represents the particular challenge. Analysis of these requirements as well as technical and operational solutions will be presented, whereas some results are based on the successful ROKVISS mission. The usage of a dual-uplink antenna is discussed with regard to parallel operations of two satellites, here again, with already existing results provided by operations of the TanDEM-X mission. The design of the ground communication network as well as possible solutions allowing parallel robotic and housekeeping operations is shown. Results of this mission analysis and preparation are not only valuable for particular robotic, but for all dual-satellite, high data rate or realtime communication missions.

The ISS Columbus Ground Segment is a complex MPLS-based WAN communication network witch connects sites located in USA (NASA), Russia (RSA), France (ATV-CC), Germany (COL-CC) and several user centres across Europe (network consists of more than 17 sites). For the communication between the different control centres and facilities a proprietary network is used. This network is called IGS (International/interconnected Ground Segment). The Columbus IGS WAN was migrated - in 2007/2008 - from ATM/ISDN-technology using presently MPLS as network communication platform. The change in the technology used for the network communications implied big changes in the concept used to support operations. The migration from ATM/ISDN to MPLS reduced the communication costs and a made a new technology available, but implied also new challenges while delivering quality assured end-to-end operational services. Here we would like to address one challenge resulting from the usage of complex network communication structures and protocol interactions in the MPLS backbone network that may result in complete “silent” outages of communication between various sites. The silent outages also called “black holes” are outages that are not discovered by the “normal” network monitoring tools as the network and physical layers are still operational. Communication “black holes” in most cases are not seen by network monitoring instances – therefore their detection, localization and elimination is a time consuming process needing often also manual intervention correcting them. For critical operations they represent a risk that needs to be addressed. In this article we will present the reasons why such outages occur together with their effect on network availability and operations. We also describe how such events can be detected and - in case of redundant sites - automatically bypassed. The presented procedures and event avoidance is IGS-WAN network specific but the experience gained here can definitely be implemented in other proprietary networks.

Despite the great advances of technology in networking areas, space missions sometimes face difficulties to achieve a successful operational state when high reliability data links are not available between their control centres and the ground stations, causing loss of data and disconnections. The reasons are varied, from time and cost constraints to design and implementation restrictions, as well as additional limitations imposed by the Mission Control System (MCS). The objective of this paper is to share the experience gained at different stages of past spacecraft missions where CCSDS Space Link Extension services were not offered in the initial design, to present the solutions found to mitigate the data losses and to illustrate the positive impact to the overall mission following the implementation of CCSDS SLE services. Comparisons between different ground protocols, used extensively in space operations, to transport telemetry at higher data rates in real time between remote ground stations and control centres, and appropriate parameter fine-tuning that led to improved data delivery reliability are taken into consideration as well. This paper presents the operational success of the deployment of the SLE protocol to overcome the difficulties caused by the specified restrictions and limitations. The result of this analysis, or just parts of it, could be useful to space agencies in planning and designing their future missions in an optimal manner with respect to the ground network design and costs.

In the beginning the space programs were self standing national activities, often in competition to other nations. Today space flight becomes more and more an international task. Complex space mission and deep space explorations are not longer to be stemmed by one agency or nation alone but are joint activities of several nations. The best example for such a joint (ad-) venture at the moment is the International Space Station ISS. Such international activities define complete new requirements for the supporting ground segments. The world-wide distribution of a ground segment is not any longer limited to a network of ground stations with the aim to provide a good coverage of the space craft. The coverage is sometimes – like for the ISSanyway ensured by using a relay satellite system instead. In addition to the enhanced down- and uplink methods a ground segment is aimed to connect the different centres of competence of all participating agencies/nations. From the space craft operations point of view such transnational ground segments are required to support distributed and shared operations in a predefined decision/commanding hierarchy. This has to be taken into account in the technical topology as well as for the operational set-up and teaming. Last not least increases the duration of missions, which requires a certain flexibility of the ground segment and long-term maintenance strategies for the ground segment with a special emphasis on nonintrusive replacements. The Russian space station MIR has been in the orbit for about 15 years, the ISS is currently targeted for 2020, to be for over 20 years in space.

This paper will illustrate the challenges and preliminary solutions in operating the EDRS constellation. The EDRS network will include two communication payloads, one hosted on a dedicated spacecraft and one as piggy-back on a commercial satellite. The two satellites will be positioned in geosynchronous orbit to provide nearglobal coverage for satellites in low earth orbit (LEO). EDRS is designed to reduce time delays in the transmission of large amounts of data and to allow faster access for the end users. This is achieved by using an optical Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) for the link between the LEO and the EDRS payload and a Ka-band link between the EDRS payload and the ground. The latter will be established via three dedicated feeder link ground stations in Europe from where the data is distributed to the users. The users may also use their own ground stations to receive the data directly. By using the EDRS infrastructure extended capabilities for TM/TC operations will be possible with LEO satellites. This will enable short-time changes to the payload timeline and better reactions to anomalies while optimizing the number of necessary ground stations. DLR with its German Space Operations Center (GSOC) plays a major role in the EDRS operations. This role includes design, development and integration of ground infrastructure and operations of the satellites and ground stations. The EDRS concept of operations differs from the conventional communication satellites. Two challenging new technologies will be integrated in order to provide faster data turnaround times and downlink capabilities of up to 1800 Mbit/s: 1. Laser-Optical Inter-satellite link: The large distance between a satellite in GEO and one in LEO makes the pointing of both laser terminals very difficult. Good attitude information and control of both satellites is required. A good quality orbit determination and time synchronisation is vital for good Laser acquisition times and both payloads need to keep accurately track of their fast moving counterparts. Thus, development of the operations concept requires consideration about establishing the interfaces and coordination of operations with the low flying satellites, which are operated by different control centres. 2. Ka-band downlink: The wavelength of the Ka-band signal leads to significant atmospheric and rain attenuation. Thus, requirements for ground stations (for front- and back-end) in terms of pointing accuracy and the specific hardware are very challenging compared to standard S/X/Ku-band ground stations. Careful consideration has to be taken designing the ground stations and during link establishment and station operations. 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, SA. Copyright 2011 by Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)

Different kinds of satellite missions require different approaches to manpower teaming, software configuration and the use of operations infrastructure. The German Space Operations Center GSOC tries to harmonize the setup of manpower and tools wherever possible, taking into account that all projects require some specific solutions. The GSOC multimission approach uses a common team of operators for more than one mission. This makes maximum use of the available manpower and it allows preserving the operational experience while essentially reducing the costs. To ease the work in different missions it is very important that a common user environment is offered to the different users that follows a generic approach. An additional aspect and benefit from harmonizing the user environment is a more consistent installation and a very compatible computer inventory. This paper gives detailed insight into this approach and the operations tools that are used within GSOC.

Seit 1983 ist das deutsche Raumfahrtkontrollzentrum (German Space Operations Center, GSOC) in Oberpfaffenhofen aktiv an einer langen Reihe von amerikanischen und russischen bemannten Raumfahrtmissionen beteiligt. Basierend auf diesen Erfahrungen wurde DLR/GSOC 1998 von der ESA beauftragt, das Columbus Kontrollzentrum (Col-CC) aufzubauen. Parallel zum Aufbau der Infrastruktur wurde auch ein integriertes Flight Control Team am Col-CC zusammengestellt, das sich aus Mitgliedern von DLR und Industrie zusammensetzt. Das Columbus Kontrollzentrum wurde im Oktober 2004 offiziell eingeweiht und wird Mitte 2006 formal qualifiziert. Der erste operationelle Einsatz des Col-CC war die Eneide-Mission mit dem italienischen Astronauten R. Vittori, der im April 2005 mit der russischen Sojus-Kapsel zur ISS flog. Während der nun folgenden Nutzungsphasen der ISS bis zum Start von Columbus wird das Col-CC den Betrieb der europäischen Experimente auf dem merikanischen und russischen Teil der Raumstation betreuen und gleichzeitig sich auf den Columbus-Betrieb vorbereiten. Die Veröffentlichung beschreibt die Einbettung des Col-CC in das ISS-Umfeld, die eingesetzten Subsysteme im Col-CC, das geplante Konzept für den Columbus-Betrieb sowie die bisher gemachten Erfahrungen.

A generic multi-mission environment for simultaneously operating the Earth science satellites CHAMP, BIRD, GRACE 1 and GRACE 2 from a single control room by a multi-mission team was developed at GSOC and has been successfully implemented over the last couple of years. The efficiency of such an operational approach and numerous other tangible benefits appear to be relevant for a wide range of different operational facilities, which face increasing budgetary constraints while demands in terms of operations complexity and reliability are steadily increasing. The multi-mission control room personnel at GSOC comprises several groups of DLR mission specialists whose expertise is developed in specific lines of past, current and future missions in order to transfer valuable operations heritage. These groups are supplemented by a round-theclock multi-mission support team, which performs the routine tasks and is also capable, for example, to prepare and perform various analytical tasks during peak work periods. This approach assures a permanent readiness and allows the execution of less time critical tasks during normal working hours. Consequently, a sophisticated personnel management approach together with a novel control room design and innovative technical management measures are central elements of multi-mission operations at GSOC. All missions at GSOC are using a common user interface and are usually employing the DLR-owned ground stations in Weilheim and Neustrelitz (both in Germany) for routine contacts, whereas additional stations are requested on a case-to-case basis from other agencies or commercial providers. A common core system with mission-related adaptations is used for multi-mission telemetry and command processing, but migration to an integrated new system (SCOS 2000) is in progress. In order to achieve an adequate level of reliability for all missions, work has lately focused on improving the routine configuration control, which is developed in permanent interaction between the missions. The overall multi-mission concept at GSOC satisfies the individual needs of the serviced projects and is sufficiently flexible for the implementation of new missions. IAC-03-IAA.11.2.01