1. Technology for a NASA Space-based Science Operations Grid Internet2 Members Meeting Advanced Applications Track Session April, 2003
Robert N. Bradford
Marshall Space Flight Center
Flight Projects Directorate
Ground Systems Department
Sandra H. Redman
Information Technology and Systems Center
University of Alabama at Huntsville
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2. Scope
Propose a concept and approach for a Space-based Science Remote Operations Grid for on board International Space Station (ISS) payloads and experiments to support research scientists located at various universities, both nationwide and international
Perform a feasibility study to include the necessary grid enabling technologies, networking infrastructure, control systems, tools and end user ground systems
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3. Purpose of Study
With the evolution, proliferation and growth associated with computer system and network technologies and the evolution of standards and technologies of ground systems in support of space-based science operations, a Space-based Science Operations Grid can be implemented which will apply the benefits of grid technology to space operations systems
Providing a dynamic, secure and scalable architecture based on standards and next-generation reusable software
Enabling greater science collaboration and productivity through shared resources and distributed computing
Lowering costs while increasing capabilities for remote Principle Investigators to perform scientific research
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4. Objectives and Methodology
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Objectives and Methodology
Objective:
Initially, determine the feasibility of implementing a Space-based Science Operations Grid to support NASA space based science operations
Determine if there are issues with providing voice, video, telemetry services and planning services, including security, to support free flying satellites, Shuttle based science and the International Space Station ground science operations located at various telescience support centers (TSCs) and other remote user locations
Methodology:
Identify existing systems, standards and networks which can fulfill the space-based science services listed above, on which ISS payload operations are dependent
Conduct an examination of current Grid implementations, technology developments
Measure network performance between NASA site cities to determine if network performance levels are adequate to support NASA real-time operations when used in a grid architecture
Develop prototype system as proof-of-concept
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5. Approach and Assumptions
Work within NASA requirements
Use the Internet Protocol (IP) end to end (except for ISS)
Identify and use standards-based technologies, existing systems and software
Where existing systems, standards and software do not fully meet the service requirements, reassess the NASA requirement for relevancy, i.e., network packet loss
Assumptions:
Only one solution need be identified to fulfill a specific service requirement ,i.e., voice and IVoDS or one adequate network to be considered a feasible solution
No network link encryption is provided by vendor network providers
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6. Grid Definitions High Level Definition of a Grid:
“Grids are persistent environments that enable software applications to integrate instruments, displays, computational and information resources that are managed by diverse organizations in widespread locations”
(Source:
Definition of a Space-based Science Operations Grid:
“a persistent environment that enables ground system applications to integrate space based scientific instruments, telemetry displays, computational and information resources that are managed by diverse organizations at remote ISS Principal Investigator sites”
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7. Payload Operation Integration Control (POIC) Services
Payload Data Services System (PDSS)
acquires, stores, and distributes ISS data to the EHS, IPs, TSCs, and other payload-unique facilities.
Enhanced Huntsville Operation Support Center (HOSC) System (EHS)
performs command processing and real-time and near-real-time telemetry processing for pre-launch integration and checkout, simulation training and flight operations.
Payload Planning System (PPS)
provides a set of software tools to automate planning and schedule payload activities.
Enhanced Mission Communications System (EMCS)
receives voice, video and data from external interfaces and distributes voice, video and data to the wide area network service providers for distribution to remote users.
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8. Payload Operation Integration Control (POIC) Services
Internet Voice Distribution System (IVoDS)
Distributes encrypted ISS voice to remote users via the Internet
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9. Telescience Resource Kit (TReK)
Telemetry Receive, Process, Record, Forward, and Playback Telemetry data, perform exception monitoring
Commanding Send command, command tracking, command session recording and viewing
Displays Automatically generate a display to view any telemetry TReK is processing 
Database Telemetry Database, Command Database
Application Programming Interface access telemetry and command functions, and build data displays, computations, and scripts using COTS products.
Test & Checkout Stand-alone training mode, Flight Tools Checkout (Test your displays, computations, scripts, and commands using a Suitcase Simulator and your payload hardware)
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10. Space-based Science Operations Grid - Phase 1 Prototype
Internal HOSC/
NASA I/Fs
Grid Services in MSFC B4207 Annex
Network Services
Remote Users
TLM PC (TReK)
EZStream®
Web Server N P o r R E A M P T H R E U N A P D S
UofChile
Santiago
Star
Light A B I L E N
= Outreach Enabling
TLM PC (TReK)
UAH
CMD PC (TReK)
IVoDS Conf
Server
IVoDS
Admin
Server
IVoDS Conf
Server
CVoDS Server
External to MSFC
Grid Services
CSOC DL
Video
GViDS Server
ARC Info Power
UofWisc
TBD
LDAP &
Grid
Profiles
Stanford Univ
Video Auditorium
UAH Data Mining

11. A Defined Concept for Ops Services
by Component
Component Potential Solution
Security Component Grid Services
PKI, IPSec, SecureDNS, etc.
Payload/Experiment Control
Telemetry processing, distribution EHS
Command processing EHS
Database Services EHS
Display Services EHS
Telemetry acquisition and distribution PDSS
Payload planning PPS
Voice Distribution IVoDS
Network Component Abilene, Grid Services
Remote User/Instrument Portal Component
Mission voice including space to ground links IVoDS
ISS Video IViDS
Commanding and command data basing TReK
Telemetry processing and data display TReK
Planning and re-planning Web, Rose & other
Educational and Public Outreach Component EZStream® & other
Collaboration Environment Grid Services
Integration of Custom Applications Grid Services
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12. Space-based Science Operations Grid - Phase 2
Internal HOSC/
NASA I/Fs
Grid Services in MSFC B4207 Annex
Network Services
Remote Users
TLM PC (TReK)
EZStream®
Web Server N I S A M P T H R E U N A P D S
TLM PC (TReK)
EZStream®
Web Server
UofChile
Santiago
Star
Light
TLM PC (TReK)
EZStream®
Web Server
TLM PC (TReK) A B I L E N
= Outreach Enabling
TLM PC (TReK)
UAH
CMD PC (TReK)
VPN
HOSC
CMD
CMD PC (TReK)
VPN
IVoDS
CVoDS Server
External to MSFC
Grid Services
CVoDS Server
IVoDS
Admin
Server
IVoDS Conf
Server
VPN
IVoDS Conf
Server
ARC Info Power Grid
CSOC DL
Video
GViDS Server
Other TBD
UofWisc
TBD
GViDS Server
Stanford Univ
Video Auditorium
LDAP
UAH Data Mining

13. Conclusions and Follow On
Grid technology development is well funded, backed by major computing and networking vendors and has been implemented worldwide
MSFC’s ISS Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) is well positioned to participate in a Space-based Science Operations Grid by leveraging TReK, IVoDS and EHS Remote Services applications as grid services
Network measurements are on-going
Introducing real-time, high end performance processing, the ability to integrate custom applications and collaboration tools into Space-based science operations may have significant applications for future operations and science
Follow On:
Develop a prototype Space-based Science Operations Grid for ISS payloads collaborating with MSFC/POIC, UAH and ARC
Determine the applicability by polling the science community
Continue participation in Grid development initiatives
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14. Future
Successful application of grid technology to ISS Payload Operations can be extended to other spacecraft and free-flyers, as well as potential Control Center functions
Once IP is available space to ground, the experiment or payload on-board the spacecraft can become a grid node also, achieving even greater cost reductions and providing flexibility for the scientist
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