We could no longer ignore the .COM frenzy as we began to see some of our most talented software developers being lured away by various upstarts. How could we capitalize on this new opportunity, yet not compromise the trust and loyalty of our existing customers?

At Interface and Control Systems, our approach was from two fronts. On one side, we knew our customers were looking to move towards "lights-out" operation.

In other words, they want systems that notify them (via pager, cell phone, etc) when there is a problem and they want to use a web browser or even a PDA to check on the system remotely.

On the other side, we were looking for an opportunity to enter a new market while providing a cutting edge opportunity to inspire our staff and fend off the .COM lure.

Data captured from satellites is not significantly different than data captured on a web server. Response time is the most important consideration in real-time systems. With a little architectural finesse, web servers can be used to provide a repository for science or military data.

A control system's primary job is to sift through the volumes of data, filter out the insignificant, correct any problems, and notify the operator of the situation.

Through the development of an intelligent alert system for an existing .COM, we saw the overwhelming need for this .COM infrastructure in the control center environment as well.

This effort forged a vision that will allow users to define personal profiles, use a control system to retain only pertinent data, and alert them with pertinent information using a preferred means of communication, whether that be via e-mail, pager, PDA, or cell phones.

Often, the long term operations of a satellite have either been underestimated or understated. Staffing a 24/7 control center is a tremendous financial burden.

With advanced automation tools, multiple shifts can be eliminated, and day-to-day operations (workflows) can be characterized and automated. With an e-Business infrastructure applied to a control center, collaboration between geographically diverse scientists becomes a reality, rather than a financial burden.

e-Commerce requires 24/7 automation as does the operation of Satellite Control Centers. Skeleton crews or unmanned centers are now possible, and diminishing budgets require this kind of fiscal sense.

Although the web-centric approach has security issues, the opportunities for data dissemination, automation and cost savings far out-weigh the detractions.

Security issues are handled using firewalls and the same software that protects on-line credit card transactions. Collaboration, scheduling, and presentation of data can be accomplished with existing Internet infrastructures.

Utilizing an existing infrastructure, rather than inventing one or licensing a proprietary solution can add man-years to a program's budget, or calendar-years to science return. Add to that the availability of Open Source software to further reduce the issue of licensing costs.

Automation has been a goal for decades, however it has taken shrinking budgets to force radical rethinking of conventional ways. Technology demonstrations and pathfinders remain the most accepted method of introducing cutting-edge technology.

With so many Open Source software packages available, Prime contractors can take advantage of innovation by others to enhance their offerings. Using a standard Open Source licensing approach, Primes can own the derived product and save many man-years of Research and Development to field new and innovative products.

In the end analysis, it is the customer that will benefit. Cost savings can be achieved through fewer license fees, shorter schedules due to less software development, and staffing reductions due to automation of day-to-day operations.

In addition, accurate and more reliable communications among team members can be achieved through automated alerts and data dissemination using a web-centric architecture.

Note: The 2002 IEEE Aerospace Conference will be held March 9-16, 2002. As part of the Mission Operations Concepts and Technologies Interface Control Inc is looking for people that have experience and/or insight to share on the "Use of Automation in Space Systems (12.06)". Contact Pat Cappelaere via email

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Use of Automation in Space Systems
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