A Cutting-Edge Progressive Web Application for Satellite Mission Operations

Paper number

IAC-17,B6,1,3,x41720

Author

Mr. Wei Ting Loke, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of

Coauthor

Mr. Rakkappan Lakshmanan, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of

Coauthor

Mr. Wen Yong, Benedict Chong, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of

Coauthor

Mr. Hassan Ali Askari, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of

Coauthor

Prof. Cher-Hiang Goh, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of

Year

2017

Abstract

Global spending on the space industry reached an estimated \$323 billion in 2015. Accordingly, satellite missions have become increasingly complex. Existing open-source mission control software, such as Orbitron and GPredict, were developed using outdated technology and often insufficient to meet the needs of today. Lack of plug-in features also render these tools difficult to extend in functionality and maintain. For example, to perform an imaging pass, one would require detailed terrestrial information, sunlight, cloud cover and space weather information. Orbitron and GPredict provide only information on satellite passes; all other information require referencing Google Maps, weather forecasting tools and space weather websites. Satellite operations is then performed using a separate ground command software. Mission planning and control is therefore tedious and time-consuming.

Our solution, SpaceCentre, is a web-based application that allows users to perform satellite mission planning and operations effectively. MeteorJS, a full stack framework built upon NodeJS, enable rapid development of safe and secure applications that is remotely accessible via standard web browsers. A plethora of open-source allow functionality to be easily extended.

SpaceCentre provides five key features for mission operations: real-time satellite tracking, mission control, pass prediction, weather information and user settings. For example, to perform imaging operations, a mission location must first be determined – one usually containing interesting terrestrial features. Pass prediction provides information on the satellite’s future passes, filtered according to user preferences e.g. max elevation, visibility, cloud cover, displayed in a responsive table whereby each row may be selected to view the orbital path. This allows easy identification of suitable passes. Real-time tracking allows users to monitor the satellite’s current position before proceeding to communicate with the satellite via the mission control interface. Upon successful imaging, users can crosscheck the image taken against the embedded Google Maps widget to ensure accuracy. 

Teams can collaborate easily via the standard web interface, without requiring remote desktop tools. For instance, round-the-clock operations on satellites in near-equatorial orbit can be achieved with one team in Singapore and another in Brazil. This is of particular importance to commercial satellites looking to maximise every pass. Using mobile deployment in MeteorJS, SpaceCentre has also been made available on the Android and iOS platforms, equipping mission control staff with the power to seamlessly plan, control and execute satellite operations. SpaceCentre is a powerful, full-featured satellite mission planning and control tool, and will be deployed for existing and future satellites of the institute.

Abstract document

IAC-17,B6,1,3,x41720.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,B6,1,3,x41720.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.