Configuration Management in a ground station network

Abstract

The paper focuses on the Configuration Management principles applied during the utilization phase in ESA's worldwide network of TT&C Ground Stations (ESTRACK) and the associated Control Centre facilities. Apart from the principles it describes the supporting Configuration Management tools and the benefits for ground operations and maintenance teams. The Product Tree, a functional breakdown of ESTRACK Facilities, is the starting point of the Configuration Control Activities. A comprehensive inventory list contains the installed hardware and software and all the necessary documentation to describe it. Cross references into the Document Management System application ensure consistency and facilitate document retrieval. Configuration Status Accounting is supported by built-in configuration reports. A workflow implementation for Configuration Changes ensures traceability of configuration change requests (CCRs), their approval or rejection from the responsible configuration control board (CCB) and their proper implementation into the ESTRACK network. © 2012 by European Space Agency.