Software and Systems

Abstract

The monitoring and control system (MCS) is the heart of a control center. In this chapter, we focus on the description of this system, since other important software (SW) systems of a control center are described in other chapters of this book. After clarifying some basic MCS terms, the data stream exchanged between the spacecraft and the MCS is explained in more detail. Using the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) as an example, it is shown which SW modules make up the MCS and which SW modules can usefully supplement the operations. An outlook on SW development and maintenance within a control center concludes the chapter.