Automated Data Analysis in Satellite Operations
Dilene Cruickshank · SpaceOps 2006 Conference · 2006
Satellite operators often are challenged to efficiently retrieve selected real-time and archived data from their spacecraft fleet and subsequently perform the appropriate data analysis and reporting. In the past, this process involved time-consuming manual intervention that tended to be overly prone to error. Now, the EPOCH Scripting Client enables satellite operators to leverage the capabilities of Windows-based scripting engines to fully automate the data analysis process. Satellite data retrieval from the satellite ground system, data analysis and plotting using existing Windows-based tools, data reporting in formal document and presentation formats, and data distribution of these results via email to key personnel all can be automated completely. A wide variety of implementations are possible with multiple ways to use the EPOCH Scripting Client with Windows-based scripting engines. One of the most useful options for satellite operators involves incorporating the Microsoft Office suite into an automated scenario with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) Scripting. The scripting approach employed by EPOCH Scripting Client affords operators a pleasant experience with interactive tools with which they are familiar as well as “completely” hands off automation.