ESTCube-2 Mission Control System: Preparation for In-orbit Operation

Abstract

Space missions rely on the mission control system (MCS) for spacecraft health monitoring, commissioning, routine operations, and emergency procedures. However, often the MCS stays in the shadow of the satellite itself, creating a situation where the satellite is launch-ready, but the system necessary to operate the satellite from the ground is not. This is also the case with ESTCube-2, a satellite that started development in 2016 and is soon ready for launch. ESTCube- 2 is a spacecraft mainly developed by student volunteers, and its main mission is to demonstrate deorbiting with plasma brake technology [1]. To operate the spacecraft, there is a need for a functional mission control system. The MCS has been developed through the years, but when it was initially built, the satellite was not ready to be tested with the system. For this reason, the system is not yet widely used and has unresolved issues. The author of the thesis investigates and lists the actions that need to be taken to have an operational MCS by the start of the mission. Furthermore, to understand the needs of mission operating systems, the author used a qualitative research method, interviewing four people with experience with operating satellites. For the final system to be useful for the mission, the author made changes in the mission control system during the thesis and implemented suggestions from interviews with spacecraft operators. Initial tests on the ground were performed with the ESTCube-2 engineering model. Additionally, the author will list ideas and notes regarding what could be done better in the future at the end of the thesis.