Mission operations

Abstract

Space mission operations have evolved over the years as both spacecraft and ground system technology have matured. APL has been at the forefront of the U.S. space program since its inception in the late 1950s, and, therefore, has been a driver in developing and implementing space technology. From the early days of handheld ground antennas tracking Sputnik to today's automated, Web-based mission control centers, APL has helped pioneer that progress. The capabilities of both the spacecraft and ground systems have increased so much that we are able to collect significantly more science data and to control military operational satellites with greatly reduced staff, which lowers the overall program costs. This article examines how mission operations are handled at APL, with an emphasis on how the technology and processes have evolved. We also glance at the future to predict how further technology development will affect the way APL operates future missions.