On-Orbit Servicing Missions: Challenges and Solutions for Spacecraft Operations

TLDR

The DLR German Space Operations Center is preparing two on‑orbit servicing missions, DEOS and OLEV, and the ground segment design must address new challenges arising from these missions. This paper aims to present the challenges and solutions for the communication architecture, including teleoperation and extended contact time, in these missions. The authors describe a vision‑based navigation method bridging absolute and geometric navigation, and outline communication architecture solutions for teleoperation and extended contact time.

Abstract

The DLR German Space Operations Center (GSOC) is currently involved in the preparation of two On-Orbit Servicing missions, DEOS and OLEV. Due to the many new challenges within those missions the ground segment design requires new concepts. Accordingly, the paper presents the challenges and solutions regarding the communication architecture including teleoperation and extended contact time. Additionally, we discuss a method of vision based navigation which bridges the gap between absolute and purely geometric navigation. Finally, an integrated system test including GSOC’s new EPOS facility is described.