The Physical Architecture (original) (raw)

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the implementation of the ground segment infrastructure in terms of computer hardware (servers and workstations), its accommodation into racks, the proper placement of racks in dedicated server rooms, the layout and use of control rooms, and the physical network connections. The client server architecture is described as a basic concept to separate the user interface operated on a smaller client computer from the main application running on a more performant server. The latter one can be mounted inside a rack and placed in dedicated server room together with other racks. The chain separation concept is described in more detail, as it is a typical ground segment architecture with the main benefit to provide operators an isolated environment for the validation of products and training of staff, without joepardising real flight operations. A basic description of a server room layout is provided and the need for adequate temperature regulation emphasised. Some recommendations for rack row arrangements are provided which can reduce the risk of thermal overheating. Generic aspects of racks, false floors and cabling are described. Finally, some considerations and guidelines for the planning and safe execution of large scale ground segment upgrades or even replacements are outlined, which is referred to as system migrations.

Notes

    1. A frequently used storage virtualisation concept is the Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks or RAID architecture which provides a variety of configurations (i.e., RAID 0 to 6) with each of them having a unique combination of disk space, data access speed, and failure redundancy [1].
    1. A false floor is sometimes also referred to as raised or access floor.
    1. There is also the concept of an unplanned handover which needs to be executed in an emergency case and follows a different (contingency) procedure that allows a much faster transition.
    1. The transmission of a test command with no impact (e.g., a ping TC) could still be considered as it does not interfere with ongoing operational activities.
    1. Even if a satellite can in theory survive a certain amount of time in space without ground segment interaction, this should be avoided as it usually implies a degradation or even interruption of the service it provides.

References

  1. Patterson, D. A., Gibson, G., & Katz, R. (1988). A case for redundant arrays of inexpensive disks (RAID). In Proceedings of the ACM ACM SIGMOD international conference on management of data, pp. 10–116. ISBN: 0897912683, https://doi.org/10.1145/50202.50214.
  2. Cohn, L. H. (2017). Cardiac surgery in the adult (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education-Europe. ISBN 13 9780071844871.
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Authors and Affiliations

  1. European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
    Bobby Nejad

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  1. Bobby Nejad
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Correspondence toBobby Nejad .

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Nejad, B. (2023). The Physical Architecture. In: Introduction to Satellite Ground Segment Systems Engineering. Space Technology Library, vol 41. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15900-8\_13

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