Method for operating satellites, device for carrying out such a method and control environment for preparing and / or carrying out satellite missions

Abstract

Method for operating satellites (114, 115, 116), characterized in that a standardized control environment (100) with access options for external service users is provided for the preparation and / or execution of satellite missions, wherein different satellite missions are operated in the control environment (100) as separate information technology instances (102, 104) and the external service users can each access the instances (102, 104) depending on their authorization in order to create, manage and execute test procedures, to analyze telemetry data from satellites (114, 115, 116) and to command satellites (114, 115, 116).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating satellites. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for carrying out such a method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control environment for preparing and / or carrying out satellite missions.

[0002] Satellite mission control centers are well known. Such centers are also referred to as mission control centers (MCCs) and / or satellite control centers (SCCs). Typically, such centers include control rooms, ground stations, communications networks, and data processing systems. Such centers are primarily used to operate satellites and to develop and operate communications infrastructure during the preparation phase and mission operations. Satellite mission control systems are installed and operated in such centers. Such systems are also referred to as mission control systems (MCSs). Operating personnel are trained and trained in such centers.

[0003] From the document DE 698 33 965 T2 a shared communication system is known for communicating between a plurality of independent satellite users and all their respective orbiting satellites, comprising: a) a user interface for each of the plurality of independent satellite users, which accepts user data to be sent to a selectable one of the plurality of orbiting satellites from one of the plurality of independent satellite users, or accepts user instructions to receive satellite data from a selectable one of the plurality of orbiting satellites;b) a central controller connected to the user interface, which receives the user data to be transmitted or receives the user instructions to receive the satellite data from the selectable one of the plurality of orbiting satellites, which interacts with one of the plurality of independent satellite users via the user interface to enable one of the plurality of independent satellite users to control the selectable one of the plurality of orbiting satellites to which the user data is to be transmitted and / or from which satellite data is to be received, and to schedule a time at which the user data is to be transmitted and / or at which satellite data is to be received;and c) a plurality of remote ground stations, each ground station comprising: (i) a transmitter that transmits the user data to the selectable one of the plurality of orbiting satellites, and (ii) a receiver that receives the satellite data for the one of the plurality of independent satellite users from the selectable one of the plurality of satellites and communicates the satellite data to the user interface or the central controller, the central controller cooperating with the one of the plurality of independent satellite users to control from which of the plurality of remote ground stations the user data is to be transmitted and / or satellite data is to be received.;

[0004] US Pat. No. 5,713,075 A discloses a mobile satellite system with a network engineering / systems engineering (NE / SE) system. The NE / SE carries out the processes for comparing expected traffic loads with the capacity and availability of space and ground resources in the mobile satellite system, formulates tactical plans to maximize the satellite's available resources, creates frequency plans for different geographical regions, and defines circuit pools for different user groups of mobile earth stations (METs). The NE / SE also carries out the processes for defining emergency plans for failure situations, such as satellite failure or failure of ground-based equipment.Configure the mobile satellite system, including logical resources and physical components. Create logical and physical configurations designed to expand the capacity of the mobile satellite system to meet increasing traffic demand while supporting new mobile satellite system features and services. The NE / SE also configures communication paths to external organizations operationally connected to the mobile satellite system and tracks the logistics of network expansions for the mobile satellite system through the creation of work orders.

[0005] From document US 5 842 125 A, a mobile satellite system is known comprising a satellite communications switching center and a network system with a satellite antenna for receiving and transmitting a satellite message via a satellite to and from a mobile ground station. The network system comprises a mobile communications system, a satellite interface system, and a central control unit that receives and transmits the satellite message from the mobile ground station via the satellite and the satellite interface system. The mobile satellite system comprises a network operations center (NOC) that manages and controls the resources of the satellite network system and performs the administrative functions associated with managing the satellite network system. The NOC communicates with the various internal and external units via a control network.A network communications controller (NCC) manages the allocation of circuits between the mobile communications system and the satellite switching center to support communication. Available circuits are held in circuit pools managed by at least one group controller (GC) within the NCC, which communicates with the NOC via the control network. The GC includes components that control the establishment and monitoring of connections, the management of satellite resources during connection setup and teardown, database management, the management of call records, congestion control, the compilation of performance and traffic statistics, and periodic performance verification tests.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of enabling satellite operation with reduced effort, reduced complexity, a shortened implementation phase, reduced costs, and increased flexibility. In particular, the required effort is to be reduced. In particular, the complexity of required adaptations is to be reduced. In particular, the implementation phase is to be shortened. In particular, the cost is to be reduced. In particular, implementation costs are to be reduced. In particular, the costs of satellite operation are to be reduced. In particular, flexibility is to be increased. In particular, the integration of external satellite operators and / or external satellite manufacturers is to be enabled or simplified. In particular, maintenance effort is to be reduced. In particular, the documentation effort is to be reduced.In particular, the aim is to improve adaptability, resource efficiency, ergonomic design, and process integration among stakeholders. In particular, the determination of an optimized process flow should be enabled or simplified.

[0007] The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, by a device having the features of claim 10, by a standardized control environment having the features of claim 11 and / or by a computer program product having the features of claim 12.

[0008] The method according to the invention is used for operating satellites, wherein a standardized control environment with access options for external service users is provided for the preparation and / or execution of satellite missions, wherein different satellite missions are operated in the control environment as separate information technology instances and the external service users can each access the instances depending on their authorization in order to create, manage and execute test procedures, to analyze telemetry data from satellites and to command satellites.

[0009] "Operating satellites" in this context includes a preparatory phase and / or mission operation. The preparatory phase includes mission analysis, testing, in particular manufacturing, adaptation, configuration, and testing of software and hardware together with the satellite and simulator, and / or adapting a ground station concept. Mission operation includes mission planning, in particular the creation of schedules, a Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), an acceptance test phase, a routine operation phase, in particular commanding and status monitoring of the satellite, and / or decommissioning. Furthermore, "operating satellites" in this context includes adapting and operating a communications infrastructure, exchanging telemetry and / or communications data, and / or maintenance.

[0010] The method is particularly suitable for operating small satellites with a maximum mass of 500 kg. The method is particularly suitable for operating mini-satellites with a mass of 100 to 500 kg. The method is particularly suitable for operating micro-satellites with a mass of 10 to 100 kg. The method is particularly suitable for operating nano-satellites with a mass of 1 to 10 kg.

[0011] The procedure is used in particular for carrying out satellite missions for earth exploration, technological satellite missions, scientific satellite missions and communications satellite missions.

[0012] A "control environment" in this context is an environment used to "operate satellites." The "control environment" includes, in particular, structural, functional, and / or virtual components and / or modules. The "control environment" includes, in particular, information technology components and / or modules. The "control environment" can also be referred to as a Mission Control System (MCS).

[0013] "Access options" in this context are structural, functional, and / or virtual access options. "Access options" are, in particular, interfaces. The interfaces can be hardware and / or software-based. The interfaces can be customized.

[0014] In this context, "instance" can refer to both a specific satellite mission and the IT framework within which a specific satellite mission operates. Instances can be operated independently of one another. An instance can be tested in a test environment before being operated in the control environment.

[0015] The instances can meet the requirements of highly flexible operation of a large number of satellite missions. The instances can be highly adaptable. The instances can be adapted down to a batch size of 1. The relevant information can be made available in real time. The participants in the process chain can be networked with each other. The setup of instances can be at least largely automated.

[0016] The present method and / or device can be used to provide a service provider-service user structure. The present method and / or device can be used to be operated by a service provider. The service provider can be, in particular, a space agency and / or a space control center. The present method and / or device can be used to be used by external service users. External service users can be, in particular, satellite operators and / or satellite manufacturers. The present method and / or device can also be used by a service provider itself. The internal service user can be, in particular, a space agency and / or a space control center."Internal" refers to a service provider and / or a service user who is also a service provider, for example, a space agency and / or a space operations center. "External" refers to a service user who is not a service provider, for example, a satellite operator and / or satellite manufacturer. A permission can restrict access to instances belonging to the respective service user. This allows a dedicated instance to be provided for each service user. Access by a service user to an instance belonging to other service users can be prevented.

[0017] A test procedure can be used to prepare for satellite operation. A test procedure can be converted into an actual satellite flight procedure.

[0018] Telemetry data can be analyzed during a satellite mission. Telemetry data can be analyzed automatically. Telemetry analysis tools can be used to analyze telemetry data. Telemetry parameters can be monitored. Nominal parameter behaviors can be learned using data mining techniques and machine learning methods. A change in the behavior of a parameter can be detected, enabling early anomaly detection. Changes in parameter behavior can be detected automatically and communicated to a service user.

[0019] Satellites can be commanded while a satellite mission is being carried out. Satellites can be commanded automatically. Both geostationary satellites and satellites in low Earth orbit can be commanded. For low Earth orbit satellites, a function can be provided that detects when telemetry is being received, when a ground station has successfully established a carrier signal, and when commanding is therefore possible. This can also detect when contact is about to be lost and how many commands can still be transmitted during this time. For example, only complete flight procedures can be transmitted. Procedures that cannot be transmitted within this time can be postponed for the next contact. A temporal assignment of procedures to a given passage, including priority, can also be enabled.Automated commanding can be implemented as part of flight procedure management tools. A unified tool can be provided for the creation of test procedures and automated test execution, which can also be used in routine operations with modified and extended functions for the automated execution of flight procedures.

[0020] The method can be used to execute predetermined process steps by the computer in order to solve the problem underlying the invention in the technical field of satellite missions. The method can be used to control, regulate, and monitor the sequence of satellite missions and / or satellites.

[0021] The control environment can be preconfigured for different satellites. The control environment can be preconfigured for different small satellites, in particular for microsatellites, nanosatellites, picosatellites, and / or femtosatellites. Preconfigured instances can be set up in the control environment for different satellites. Preconfigured instances can be set up in the control environment for different small satellites, in particular for microsatellites, nanosatellites, picosatellites, and / or femtosatellites. The preconfigured instances can be customized.

[0022] External access can be provided via an internet interface. External access can be provided via a web interface. External access can be provided via a secure interface. External access can be provided via a dedicated interface.

[0023] At least one sample solution for a satellite mission can be provided in the control environment. The at least one sample solution can be adapted. An exemplary mission database can be provided with the at least one sample solution.

[0024] The control environment can be operated at least partially internally. Data can be archived in the control environment. A flight dynamics system can be operated internally in the control environment. Collision avoidance can be operated internally in the control environment. The control environment can be operated internally to provide monitoring, for example, continuous monitoring.

[0025] The device according to the invention serves to carry out such a method and has a terrestrial information technology infrastructure, an interface for external service users and an interface for communication with satellites.

[0026] The device may have user interfaces. The device may have technical interfaces. The device may have logical interfaces. The device may include a communications infrastructure. The communications infrastructure may be used for radio communication. The communications infrastructure may include antennas. External antennas may be connectable to the communications infrastructure.

[0027] The standardized control environment is used for the preparation and / or execution of satellite missions with access options for external service users, whereby the control environment is used in such a procedure.

[0028] "Standardized" refers to a standard defined jointly by a service provider or by a service provider and external service users. The standard may be adapted.

[0029] The computer program product according to the invention comprises program code sections with which such a method can be carried out when the computer program product is executed on a computer.

[0030] The computer program product can be executed on a programmable computer, a programmable computer network, a programmable controller, or another programmable device. The computer program product can be used to execute predetermined method steps by the computer in order to solve the problem underlying the invention in the technical field of satellite missions. The computer program product can be used to control, regulate, and monitor the sequence of satellite missions and / or satellites.

[0031] In summary, and in other words, the invention thus results in, among other things, a Hosted Control Center (HCC). The goal of the Hosted Control Center is to eliminate both a complex control room infrastructure and a dedicated operations team. Instead, a standardized MCS with configuration and access options for customers / satellite manufacturers is to be provided, which meets the vast majority of customer requirements, especially for small satellites.

[0032] Using the Hosted Control Center, a multi-tenant mission control system can be developed on which different satellite missions can be operated as individual instances. Only one system needs to be maintained for a large number of (small) satellites. A corresponding test system can be provided on which the individual instances can be tested for compatibility before a major update. The MCS offered can be preconfigured for a wide range of small satellites.

[0033] "Multi-tenancy" can describe the ability of the overall system to provide similar, predefined functionality to multiple service users at the same time in a uniform manner. Particular emphasis can be placed on similarity, predefinition, and uniformity.

[0034] Mutual insight between service users into other service users' data is guaranteed. There is no limitation to a single, integrated, monolithic system instance. Multiple existing components can be targeted at individual service users and can also be installed individually for each customer. Similarity and conformity may be decisive.

[0035] Service users can be offered a choice of building blocks. These building blocks can be used across multiple projects. A project can be a satellite mission. Subsystem specifications can be established in a structured and backward-compatible manner. This enables migration capability across service users.

[0036] A tenant can represent a project. A project can encompass multiple users. Different participants can operate the same satellite. Users can assume different roles. These roles may have limited access to resources. For example, a participant could be a flight team at a space operations center. A fleet capability may exist. A service user can operate multiple satellites from the same system.

[0037] A dedicated environment can be provided for each tenant. Cross-project services can be provided. Service users can be restricted to accessing upstream applications and not core applications.

[0038] Operation of the control environment may include monitoring and / or maintenance of satellite missions. The control environment may be expandable and / or scalable.

[0039] The control environment may include a mission planning interface. The control environment may include interactive interfaces, for example, for creating procedures and / or a satellite database. The control environment may have command interfaces, for example, ground-to-satellite interfaces. The control environment may include a flight procedure editor. The control environment may include at least one telemetry display. The control environment may include an interface for providing orbit-related information. The control environment may enable mission analysis.

[0040] Customers / satellite manufacturers can access the MCS operated in the control center with increased flexibility. This applies both to the implementation phase, in which an MCS configurator allows the customer / satellite manufacturer to adapt a ground system to a satellite, and to the operational phase, in which the customer can perform a large portion of operational activities themselves. This not only allows for more flexible responses to customer requests but also reduces personnel costs for a control center operator. Furthermore, software installation and maintenance costs at the customer's site can be eliminated or reduced if the software can be operated via a web interface (application hosting).

[0041] To support satellite manufacturers in adapting an interface between the MCS and the satellite, a sample solution with an exemplary mission database (MIB) can be provided. The instances operated in the MCS can correspond to highly flexible serial production, which can be customized down to a batch size of one. If the implementation of an MCS instance is no longer tied to setting up a control room and installing hardware, the implementation time can be reduced from currently several years to just a few days.

[0042] With the Hosted Control Centers, the same MCS instance can also be used as a Central Checkout System (CCS) for testing an Engineering Model (EM) and / or Flight Model (FM) at the customer / satellite manufacturer through a bidirectional customer connection.

[0043] "May" refers in particular to optional features of the invention. Accordingly, there is always an embodiment of the invention that has the respective feature or features.

[0044] The invention reduces the effort required for satellite operation. The complexity of required adaptations is reduced. The implementation phase is shortened. The cost effort is reduced. Implementation costs are reduced. The costs of satellite operation are reduced. Flexibility is increased. The integration of external satellite operators and / or external satellite manufacturers is enabled or simplified. Maintenance effort is reduced. Documentation effort is reduced. Adaptability, resource efficiency, ergonomic design and process integration of those involved are improved. The determination of an optimized process flow is enabled or simplified. A method for implementing and operating satellites can be made significantly more flexible. This allows (sub)tasks to be flexibly shifted between service users and operators and optimized.Both implementation and operation can be partially or completely outsourced from a service provider and internal service users to external service users. Separate construction of a satellite and the construction of a corresponding ground segment in separate units is not required. The use of a hosting solution allows the satellite manufacturer to develop the ground segment as an integral part of the mission, as if the ground segment were just another subsystem of the satellite.

[0045] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to a figure. Further features and advantages will become apparent from this description. Specific features of this exemplary embodiment may represent general features of the invention. Features of this exemplary embodiment that are combined with other features may also represent individual features of the invention.

[0046] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary Hosted Control Center (HCC). The Hosted Control Center uses a multi-tenant Mission Control System (MCS) 100 to control satellites. A hosting solution is used. The hosting solution enables, among other things, external service users, such as 108, 110, extensive access to instances, such as 102, 104, through a standardized interface 106. These instances 102, 104 are used to control different satellites, such as 114, 115, 116. "Multi-tenant" in this case means, in particular, that individual instances 102, 104 are cleanly separated in terms of data and resources. The connection between external service users 108, 110 and the Mission Control System 100 is secure. The mission control system 100 also has an interface 118 via which antennas such as 122, 123, 124 are connected to the mission control system 100.

[0047] During an implementation phase, an MCS configurator is available via the user interface 106, with which external service users can individually adapt ground segments to their satellites, such as 114, 115, 116, and adapt them to their needs.

[0048] For both the test and operational phases, external service users will then have access to an intuitive user interface for commanding, also known as the CMD cockpit.

[0049] An instance such as 102, 104 can also be used as a Central Checkout System (CCS) for testing an Engineering Model (EM) 107 for external service users through a bidirectional connection via the user interface 106.

[0050] The multi-tenant Mission Control System 100 contains a modular system of various options implemented on a satellite, such as 114, 115, 116, both with regard to the standards used in a space segment, such as CCSDS, PUS,..., as well as with regard to the components implemented on a satellite, such as 114, 115, 116, such as attitude control, propulsion,...

[0051] Templates for implementation are available to external service users, such as a mission database (MIB).

[0052] In this case, interface 118 contains a pre-selection of a worldwide antenna network that is already integrated into the overall system. The external service user also has the option of integrating their own antenna, such as 126, into a network of service users, which represents a cost-effective alternative.

[0053] The hosting solution is modular. External service users can order individual service modules in the Hosted Control Center, similar to a menu. These optional modules include, for example, 24 / 7 first-level support, a data archive, a flight dynamics system, and collision avoidance. Reference symbol 100 Control environment, Mission Control System 102 Instance 104 Instance 106 Interface 107 Engineering Model 108 external service users, satellite operators 110 external service users, satellite operators 114 Satellite 115 Satellite 116 Satellite 118 Interface 120 communications infrastructure 122 Antenna 123 Antenna 124 Antenna 126 Antenna

Claims

[1] Methods for operating satellites (114, 115, 116), characterized by that a standardized control environment (100) with access options for external service users is provided for the preparation and / or execution of satellite missions, wherein in the control environment (100) different satellite missions are operated as separate information technology instances (102, 104) and the external service users can access the instances (102, 104) depending on their authorization in order to create, manage and execute test procedures, to analyze telemetry data from satellites (114, 115, 116) and to command satellites (114, 115, 116). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that an instance (102, 104) is tested in a test environment before operation in the control environment (100). [3] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control environment (100) is preconfigured for different satellites (114, 115, 116). [4] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control environment (100) is preconfigured for different small satellites. [5] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that external access is via an Internet interface and / or a dedicated interface. [6] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one sample solution for a satellite mission is provided in the control environment (100). [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that an exemplary mission database is provided with at least one sample solution. [8] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the control environment (100) is operated at least partly internally. [9] Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that data is archived in the control environment (100). [10] Apparatus for carrying out a method according to at least one of claims 1-9, wherein the apparatus comprises a terrestrial information technology infrastructure, an interface (106) for external service users and an interface (118) for communication with satellites. [11] Standardized control environment (100) for preparing and / or carrying out satellite missions with access options for external service users, wherein the control environment (100) is used in a method according to at least one of claims 1-9. [12] Computer program product comprising program code sections with which a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 9 can be carried out when the computer program product is executed on a computer.

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