| Popis: |
UMETSAT has gained substantial experience concerning the automation of operational meteorological satellite missions through both its Geostationary (GEO) and more recently Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. Currently based on heterogeneous ground segments, new programs under development will also bring a move towards a homogeneous monitor and control system architecture, raising questions concerning the benefits, as well as drawbacks accrued from current automation approaches and how to build upon the lessons learned for implementation on the upcoming new systems. Furthermore, the relationship between advances in on-board automation capabilities and the corresponding impact on ground automation concepts also needs to be addressed. The paper therefore overviews the current EUMETSAT automation approaches in the context of both the GEO and LEO systems, highlighting which kind of automation is implemented for both spacecraft and ground segment monitor and control, over the end-to-end system. Experience gained in the usage of the various aspects of automation is highlighted, in the context of mission operations safety, robustness, availability and the related effort and cost to prepare, operate and maintain these approaches over the long durations which are characteristic of EUMETSAT missions. The impact of the automation systems on the knowledge and skills of the teams who interact with them is specifically addressed, considering technician operators, operations and facility engineering teams, as well as operations management. Taking into account expected advances in on-board autonomy on the upcoming EUMETSAT missions, the above considerations are summarized with a view to the effective and efficient implementation of the various levels of automation in new generation homogeneous ground segments. |
