Ground Segment File Handling for Ground Station and Spacecraft Operations
Felix Flentge, Rui Santos · SpaceOps 2010 Conference · 2010
A large part of ground segment operations relies on the use of files. Operational data often comes in the form of files (like tracking data) but also configuration data and logging for ground station subsystems is based on files. The reliable and timely transfer of all these files to their final destinations is of utmost importance. Routine file transfers can be fully automated but also file transfers that are only needed under special circumstances (troubleshooting) should be supported. In order to ensure the correct usage of the files and to facilitate the handling of different file versions additional features like version control and support for user-defined file metadata are very desirable. The paper describes the new ESOC approach to ground segment file handling. The FIDES (File Disseminator for ESTRACK Stations) system is used for archiving files in a centralized file archive at the ground stations and for the transfer and retrieval between the station and the control center in ESOC. There, GFTS (Generic File Transfer System) takes care of delivering the files to the users at the control center and EDDS (EGOS Data Dissemination System) provides access to Mission Control System data to external users.