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RF and baseband electronics maintenance
. Since all satellite monitoring
and control are exercised through the TT&C system, the ground equipment
used for that function must be maintained in full working condition at all
times. The maintenance technicians who do that are familiar with the RF
equipment for the uplink and downlink with the satellites and the baseband
equipment that provides the modulation/demodulation and encoding/
decoding functions. The type of training and experience base may be
sufficiently different between the two areas to warrant separate teams.
Also, in cases where the RF equipment is part of a remote TT&C Earth
station or gateway, the separation of the specialties also will be required.
Repair of particular failed subsystems usually is effected by replacing
printed circuit boards, modules, or entire units, as appropriate for the
specific piece of equipment. Often, the TT&C ground maintenance engi-
neers work hand in hand with the other maintenance experts discussed in
the following functions.
7.
Information systems and software maintenance
. Both the TT&C station
and the SCC rely heavily on computer systems, networks and software to
carry out their many functions. There is often a variety of computing
machines in each of those facilities, ranging from PCs on desktops and
servers in equipment rooms. In some organizations, all the computing and
network resources are put under one manager and his or her group. That
promotes standardization and the possibility for efficiencies in buying and
maintaining equipment and services. On the other hand, some organiza-
tions prefer to segregate computing and software according to the activities
of the particular major group. If that is the case, multiple computer hard-
ware and software maintenance activities will be spread around the satellite
operator’s organization. There has been a trend since the 1990s to out-
source the generic aspects of computing; however, the specialized needs
of satellite control often dictate that some software expertise be maintained
in-house.
8.
Telecommunications network management
. The telecommunications
requirements of the satellite operator are satisfied by the ICN, discussed
in Section 11.2. The size and sophistication of the ICN reflect the complex-
386
Satellite Operations and Organization
ity of the space segment and service networks being managed. In the case
where the satellite operator is able to perform the mission using a single
combined TT&C station and SCC, the ICN is reduced to providing good
access to the public telephone network. That is still a minimum requirement
because of the need to interface with customers and other outside entities.
As more sites are added, the network and its management become a
considerable challenge. Systems of this type demand that a separate tele-
communications network management function be established and sup-
ported throughout the operating life of the system. Personnel for this
area would have received specialized training in telecommunications and
networks. Technology has been changing rapidly in this field, so it is
important that the manager and certain of the lead engineers and techni-
cians continue their educational and research activities. A detailed discus-
sion of network management can be found in Section 11.2.3.
9.
Facilities and mechanical equipment maintenance
. Just as a communica-
tions payload needs a properly working bus, an Earth station or SCC is
just as dependent on support functions that allow the critical electronic
equipment to continue to work properly. These systems include the prime
electrical power, derived from the commercial power grid of the country
where the facilities are located; backup power in the form of the UPS;
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); internal telecommuni-
cations (telephone and LAN); water; gas (if required); and physical housing
in buildings. Maintenance of those facilities must be performed on a timely
basis and staffed to respond immediately to problems. This is one of those
areas where, when things are going normally, no one notices nor cares.
But when an element of the facility fails to perform its function, everyone’s
patience is put to its limit. A simple thing like a heavy downpour of rain
or a snow-clogged access road can put the system at risk, so the right
human resources with the right tools need to be available, either on site
or on call.
10.
Training and development
. The final organizational capability deals with
what is the fundamental purpose of this book, that is, to develop and
enhance the capability of professionals who are either new to the field of
satellite communications or who need to update and extend their knowl-
edge and skill level. Any well-run satellite operation needs to have a perma-
nent training and development function that has the role of providing the
training systems and materials and ensuring that they are used properly.
Satellite control personnel, maintenance engineers, and other experts must
be trained and retrained over time. That can be done in-house with trainers
who are on staff, combined with training provided by the various vendors
that supply the hardware and software. For a new system, it is common
for the satellite or ground station provider to conduct training courses and
on-the-job training both prior to handover and for several months after
the first satellite is launched. From that time forward, it would be an
internal responsibility of the satellite operator to make sure training and
development needs are satisfied.
11.4
Human Resources for Satellite Operations
387
Our final word on human resources is simply to say that the most important
activity in bringing a new system into operation is the proper selection and training
of staff. That is not as simple as it sounds because there are many considerations
in finding the right people and making sure they are prepared to do their jobs. In
any organization, the structure is never perfect, so staff will always find that there
are overlaps and gaps. That is normal and to be expected. Every organization must
locate and retain people who are willing and able to pick up the slack and make
sure the needs of the system are met. Choosing high-quality people is extremely
important; providing them with the right training and tools is just as crucial.
References
[1]
Howard, R. E., ‘‘Low Cost Little LEO Constellation,’’
AIAA 16th Internat. Communica-
tions Satellite Systems Conf
., Washington, D.C., February 25–29, 1996, Collection of
Technical Papers, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, New York, paper
no. 96-1050, 1996.
[2]
Smith, D., ‘‘Operations Innovations for the 48-Satellite Globalstar Constellation,’’
AIAA
16th Internat. Communications Satellite Systems Conf
., Washington, D.C., February 25–29,
1996, Collection of Technical Papers, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics,
New York, paper no. 96-1051, 1996.
[3]
Aidarous, S., and T. Plevyak,
Telecommunications Network Management-Technologies
and Implementations
, IEEE Series on Network Management, New York: IEEE, 1997.
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