Satellite ground station emulator: An architecture and implementation proposal

Abstract

The need to train satellite ground station operators is of critical importance for the success of a space mission. An operator is responsible for monitoring the health of a spacecraft and recording of payload data. This paper proposes an architecture that uses an existing ground station for training purposes in the form of emulation. Telemetry is simulated and transmitted to a ground station from a remote location, thus allowing the use of all the available physical equipment. In addition, means are provided for the simulator to inject noise and incorrect telemetry that test the operator's understanding not only of a satellite mission, but also their ability to react to anomalies that may occur. The paper also suggests incremental modes of training that guide an operator through different scenarios leading to communicating with an amateur satellite.