The future of space exploration and satellite operations is heavily reliant on the advancement of ground systems. In a recent webinar hosted by Payload, industry experts delved into this topic, exploring the evolution and future trends in space ground systems. This blog aims to summarize the key points discussed and highlight the role of Meridian Flight Dynamics Ground Systems, powered by FreeFlyer®, in shaping this future. Watch the full webinar here or review the article for key takeaways about the future of space ground systems.
What Are Space Ground Systems?
Space ground systems encompass all the terrestrial infrastructure and operations necessary to support space missions. These systems manage data transfer, commanding, spacecraft astrodynamics, and mission planning, ensuring space assets perform their intended functions effectively. Ground systems include:
Mission Control Centers: The hubs where spacecraft operations are planned and the results are observed
Ground Stations: Facilities equipped with antennas and receivers for communication with spacecraft.
Data Processing Centers: Locations where raw data from spacecraft is processed into usable information.
Ground systems play a vital role in the success of space missions by communicating with spacecraft, monitoring their orbit, and planning maneuvers. They are essential for tasks such as:
Orbit Determination and Maneuver Planning: Calculating and adjusting the orbit of a spacecraft to ensure it stays on its planned trajectory.
Collision Avoidance: Predicting and preventing potential collisions with space debris or other spacecraft.
Data Downlinking: Transmitting data collected by spacecraft to Earth for analysis.
For a more detailed overview, refer to our previous blog post on what space ground systems are.
Current State of Space Ground Systems
Currently, ground systems are integral to various space missions, from the International Space Station to Artemis missions. They provide critical flight dynamics support, manage spacecraft orbits, and perform essential functions such as orbit propagation and eclipse prediction. However, the increasing number of satellites and the complexity of missions are pushing the boundaries of existing ground systems.
Andrew Werner, Chief Product Development Officer at a.i. solutions, highlighted, “Automation is a huge piece of the future of ground systems. Lights-out operations, where systems can handle nominal and anomalous situations without human intervention, are already a reality in many cases. The key is to extend this capability to handle more complex scenarios and larger constellations.”
Emerging Trends in Space Ground Systems
As space missions become more complex, the need for advanced ground systems grows. Key trends identified in the webinar include:
Proliferated Constellations
The shift from managing individual satellites to constellations and fleets demands scalable ground systems capable of handling vast amounts of data and complex operations. With hundreds or even thousands of satellites operating simultaneously, ground systems must evolve to manage these large-scale operations efficiently. This requires not only robust infrastructure but also innovative software solutions that can automate many of the traditionally manual processes involved in satellite management.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Automation through AI and ML will play a significant role in managing these systems. Cognitive agents, smaller focused AI tools, are expected to assist operators in managing large constellations, reducing cognitive load, and enhancing operational efficiency. These AI tools can predict potential issues, optimize resource allocation, and even make real-time decisions to respond to operational anomalies that typically require an operator in the loop.
Mandy Rogers, VP Engineering of Spacecraft Design at Terran Orbital, mentioned, “One of the biggest bottlenecks we face is anomaly resolution time. Using AI and ML to predict and resolve anomalies quickly is crucial. We need to leverage technology to allow humans to focus on the harder problems while machines handle routine issues.”
Cloud Integration
Leveraging cloud resources allows for scalable and flexible ground system architectures. This approach enables handling increased data loads and computational demands efficiently. Cloud-based solutions offer the advantage of scalability, allowing ground systems to expand their capabilities without the need for significant upfront infrastructure investments. Moreover, the cloud provides a platform for integrating various data sources and tools, enhancing the overall functionality and responsiveness of ground systems.
The Role of Meridian Flight Dynamics Ground Systems
Meridian Flight Dynamics Ground Systems, powered by the FreeFlyer® engine, are at the forefront of this transformation. By integrating advanced flight dynamics capabilities and scalable architectures, Meridian Flight Dynamics Ground Systems offer robust solutions for managing complex space operations. Some key features include:
Scalable Architecture
Utilizing cloud resources and containerization, Meridian ensures scalable and efficient operations, capable of handling increasing mission demands. This scalability is crucial as the number of satellites and the complexity of their missions continue to grow. By leveraging cloud technology, Meridian can dynamically allocate resources, ensuring optimal performance even under high data and processing loads.
Advanced Automation
Meridian enables lights-out operations, handling nominal and anomalous situations with minimal human intervention. This level of automation not only reduces the need for constant human oversight but also allows for faster and more accurate responses to unexpected events. In the future, this could expand to use cognitive agents within Meridian’s framework that learn from past experiences and improve its decision-making processes over time.
Comprehensive Support
From planning spacecraft maneuvers to real-time anomaly resolution, Meridian provides end-to-end support for space missions. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of satellite management, from initial launch to ongoing operations, is covered. Meridian’s integration of advanced analytics and predictive modeling tools further enhances its ability to manage complex space missions effectively.
Advantages and Benefits of Space Ground Systems
The future of ground systems promises several benefits:
Increased Efficiency
Automation and scalable architectures reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. By automating routine tasks and utilizing advanced algorithms for more complex operations, ground systems can operate more efficiently and with fewer resources. This increased efficiency translates into lower operational costs and the ability to manage more satellites without a proportional increase in staff.
Enhanced Reliability
Advanced AI tools provide predictive insights and anomaly resolution, enhancing mission reliability. These tools can identify potential issues before they become critical, allowing for proactive measures to be taken. This predictive capability is particularly important in the context of space missions, where unexpected failures can have significant consequences.
Cost-Effectiveness
Cloud-based solutions eliminate the need for extensive on-premises infrastructure, offering a more cost-effective approach to ground systems. The pay-as-you-go model of cloud services allows organizations to scale their operations up or down based on current needs, avoiding the large capital expenditures associated with traditional infrastructure.
Challenges and Considerations of Space Ground Systems
Despite the advancements, several challenges remain:
Data Bottlenecks
Managing the exponential increase in data from proliferated constellations requires innovative solutions. As the number of satellites increases, so does the volume of data that needs to be processed and analyzed. Developing efficient data processing pipelines and storage solutions is critical to avoid bottlenecks that could hinder mission performance.
Mandy Rogers emphasized, “The ability to use smarter technology for real-time spectrum management and to minimize and optimize RF comms link capability will be crucial. We need to prioritize and process data on orbit to reduce latency and improve decision-making.”
Cybersecurity
Ensuring the security of ground systems and data transfer is paramount, especially with increased cloud integration. The reliance on cloud services introduces new security risks that need to be managed carefully. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring, is essential to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of ground systems.
Andrew Werner added, “The first sprint of your product development must include security from the ground up. This involves making sure containers are developed securely and can only be accessed in the intended way and ensuring compliance with frameworks like CMMC.”
Human Trust in AI
Building trust in AI-driven operations will require a cultural shift and demonstrable reliability over time. Operators need to feel confident that AI tools can make accurate and reliable decisions. This trust can be built through extensive testing, transparency in AI decision-making processes, and demonstrating the benefits of AI in improving mission outcomes.
Kajal Pancholi serves as the President & Chief Executive Officer of Avatar Technologies. Founded in 2006, Avatar specializes in systems engineering, mission assurance and software development solutions for federal government and commercial customers in the space exploration, civil aerospace, national defense, and intelligence sectors.
Kajal is a licensed professional engineer with over 20 years of space and defense industry experience as a business development executive, aerospace engineer, program manager, and quality assurance professional. Prior to her current position, she was Millennium Engineering and Integration Company’s Business Development and Marketing Director. In this role, she led Millennium’s proposal development and corporate marketing initiatives to include industry partnerships, client opportunity management, and corporate branding & marketing strategy.
Kajal started her career as an aerospace engineer focused on infrared sensor development and flight testing for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), for which she earned the MDA Annual Award for Program Management. She progressively supported various space and defense systems design, development, integration and testing projects for the NASA, MDA, US Navy and US Air Force. She has also helped establish and manage college-level STEM Internship, Engineering Quality Management (as a certified ISO 9001 & AS9100 Lead Auditor), and DoD Mentor-Protégé programs.
Kajal has both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, and currently resides in Ellicott City with her husband, daughter, and pet tortoise. She currently serves on the University of Maryland’s Women-In-Engineering Advisory Board, advocating for and supporting women and minorities in STEM fields, as well as a Clark School Corporate Sponsor, sponsoring scholarships and promoting various student organizations.
Deborah Hickox
Chief Financial Officer
Deborah Hickox has over 35 years of professional experience in the fields of finance and accounting. She has deep expertise in strategic planning, accounting, and mergers and acquisitions.
In 2010, Deborah joined the a.i. solutions leadership team to provide strategic financial and contractual leadership in support of a.i. solutions’ growth objectives. Partnering with executive leadership, Deborah developed financial guidance that contributed to a growth rate of over 300%. Deborah is a shareholder of a.i. solutions.
Prior to joining a.i. solutions, Deborah led the finance team at Analex Corporation, a publicly traded company. During her time at Analex, she supported obtaining a Wall Street venture capital investment to fund the company’s growth strategy. Deborah was integral to the completion of multiple acquisitions, leading to the sale of Analex to Qinetiq, NA.
Deborah has earned a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland and subsequently achieved her Certified Public Accountant status.
Deborah has led teams of up to 50 members and is passionate about mentoring team members through promoting education and providing opportunities for professional development. Several of her former team members have gone on to hold senior financial leadership positions at various companies around the metropolitan DC area.
As a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Deborah enjoys the outdoors with her husband and their 3 rescue pups.
Marisa Achée
Vice President of Business Development
Marisa Achée has over 33 years of professional experience in engineering and the development of launch vehicles for earth-observation spacecraft. She possesses exemplary expertise and background in business development, operational services, and project management.
In 2018, Marisa was named the Vice President of Business Development at a.i. solutions. In this role, Marisa leads a team of strategic, capture, proposal, and marketing professionals, in multiple locations, to support the operating units’ opportunities. She is responsible for developing business relationships, interacting with the company’s Operating Unit Directors to support their business development activities, maintaining a healthy opportunity pipeline, and ensuring adherence to the company’s Business Development Process. In 2016, Marisa led the capture team that submitted the winning proposal for the company’s largest contract to date, Expendable Launch Vehicle Integrated Support 3 (ELVIS 3). Most recently, Marisa directed the effort to win the Prototype Operations-I (POPS-I) contract.
Marisa joined a.i. solutions in 2002 as the Director of Launch Services in the company’s regional office in Cape Canaveral, Florida. She managed a staff of over 40 Systems Engineers and IT professionals responsible for providing expendable launch vehicle support, mission assurance, and mission-critical IT services on several major contracts for customers. During her tenure as Director, Marisa grew the Launch Services Division from nine people supporting one contract in 2002 to 86 people supporting five contracts in 2011. Marisa is a shareholder of the company and serves on the Board of Directors for a.i. solutions.
Prior to joining a.i. solutions, Marisa held several senior-level management positions at companies including Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) and Boeing.
Marisa earned her Master of Science in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California. She holds a number of professional certifications, spanning Program and Business Management to Performance Measurement. She is the recipient of several awards for professional excellence, including the NASA Recognition Award and Office of Space Systems Development award. Marisa is an active member of Women in Aerospace. In addition, Marisa serves as the Executive Vice President for the Maryland Space Business Roundtable (MSBR) and as a member of Goddard Contractors Association (GCA).
Marisa lives in Cocoa Beach, Florida with her husband. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and is active in her church.
Christy Fenner
Chief Human Resource Officer
Christy Fenner has over 25 years of professional experience as a Human Resources business partner, developing and executing strategy in support of the overall business planning and strategic direction of organizations. She has developed comprehensive total compensation, talent acquisition, and innovative benefit plan designs, while championing large-scale leadership, and career development initiatives.
In 2005, Christy joined a.i. solutions to lead the critical alignment of total compensation and talent performance to business objectives at a.i. solutions. As an early adopter of the wellness and healthcare cost containment connection, she has received recognition from across the industry. She was highlighted in the Wall Street Journal for the creation of a benefit market where employees shop for coverage, known today as a private marketplace exchange. A fearless disruptor and proponent for diversity, equity and inclusion, Christy serves as the Affirmative Action Officer for a.i. solutions. In this role she advocates and oversees inclusion efforts, external partnerships, and overall engagement strategy to ensure the a.i. solutions workforce reflects the ever-increasing STEM population across the globe. Christy is a shareholder of a.i. solutions
Prior to joining a.i. solutions, Christy served as the founding Director of Operations at Adams Communication Engineering Technology (ACET). She successfully grew the four-employee Veteran Owned company to a 100+ person 8(a) graduate. After more than twenty years in business, ACET is a multi-million dollar services provider in the Intelligence, Defense, and Federal IT market space.
Christy holds several professional certifications and memberships including an active role in the Society of HR Managers Executive Network and the National Association of African Americans in HR. She serves in varying capacities as a panelist, guest speaker, and executive roundtable contributor for her experience as an early adopter of human capital strategies and change agent in modernizing HR functions. Christy is an alumnus of Bowie State University, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer of everfourward, LLC – a partnership with her husband, Derrick Fenner, committed to uplifting the underserved and underrepresented in their community. As a resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, she is a wife, mother to four adult children, a certified yoga instructor, and endurance athlete.
Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd
Gwendolyn E. Boyd joined AGB Search in 2017 as an executive search consultant. Dr. Boyd is an engineer and a prominent advocate of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. She is described as a dynamic and relevant leader, a prolific motivational speaker, and a powerful preacher. Since joining the firm she has assisted in senior leadership searches for:
Edward Waters University (FL) – President
Chicago State University – President
Tougaloo College (MS) – President
Dr. Boyd’s professional career of more than three decades at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics laboratory was highlighted by exemplary leadership and dedicated services as part of engineering teams. Boyd was a direct report to the President of Johns Hopkins University serving as chair of the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council from 2001-2014.
Dr. Boyd returned to her alma mater, Alabama State University, in 2014 to serve for three years as the 14th and first female president of ASU. Highlights of her presidency included establishing the university’s first engineering degree program with approval for a BS in biomedical engineering. She and her team had the university removed from SACSCOC warning status from previous financial instability. The largest freshman class was documented during her tenure.
Dr. Boyd is a nationally recognized champion of education, especially in the STEM disciplines. She was nominated by President Barack Obama and was confirmed by the Senate to serve as a trustee to the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation in 2009. She later served on the President’s Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for African Americans in 2014.
Rev. Dr. Boyd is an ordained itinerant elder in the African American Methodist Episcopal Church. She serves on the ministerial staff of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD.
Dr. Boyd was elected to serve from 2000-2004 as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Known as the “Technology President”, Boyd helped to establish technology in all facets of the sorority’s activities and administration. Her four-year tenure included transformative accomplishments, such as the launching of Project SEE (Science in Every Experience), an initiative funded by a $1.6 million National Science Foundation grant with a goal of promoting math and science for middle school African-American girls. She led the sorority’s humanitarian and education advocacy efforts in various African nations. In 2013, Boyd served as chair of the sorority’s Centennial Celebration, culminating in its Washington, DC-based convention that drew more than 40,000 participants from around the world.
Dr. Boyd has been awarded four honorary doctorates; Congressional recognition; 32 “Keys to the City”; a Key to the “State of Florida”; declaration of Gwendolyn E. Boyd Day in eight cities; leadership awards, and professional awards, and professional awards for her achievements in the fields of engineering and higher education. She is a member of the Capital City Chapter of the Links, Inc., the Washington, DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Leadership Greater Washington.
Dr. Boyd earned her B.S. from Alabama State University with a major in mathematics and a double minor in physics and music. She received a fellowship and was the first African-American female to earn an M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University. She has earned both the M. Div. and D. Min. Degrees from Howard University.
Jackie Schmoll
Jackie Schmoll is Vice President for Requirements and Capabilities for the Raytheon Space Systems strategic business unit at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. As the Requirements and Capabilities Executive for Raytheon Space Systems, Jackie is responsible for developing and executing growth strategies across the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Communities, international and civilian space, and command and control markets. She provides critical thought leadership to shape and lead market trends while maintaining a thorough understanding of customer environments.
Before coming to Raytheon Technologies, Schmoll was General Manager and P&L executive for the ISR Space division in the Space Systems sector at L3Harris Technologies in their Space and Airborne Systems segment. She was responsible for over $300M in annual sales for multiple end-to-end space mission prime contracts across the DOD and Intelligence customers, driving 50% year over year growth for the previous two years. Schmoll assumed this position in 2020, reporting to the president of Space Systems. The ISR division provides high performance, end-to-end responsive space solutions for critical missions on reduced timelines for National Security Space customers. Reconfigurable, multi-mission payloads within the business provide on-orbit mission flexibility solutions for responsive satellites & hosted payloads.
Schmoll is a member of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and supports the Modeling and Simulation Technical Committee. She received her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor’s Degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland. She successfully completed a L3Harris leadership development program from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2018, and was recognized for the Space Coast Business 40 Under 40 Award in 2019.
Lisa McLeod
Lisa is an advisor, consultant, and speaker who works with senior executives and sales teams around the world. She is the author of five bestselling books and a sought-after keynoter. Known for her authenticity and humor, Lisa has been the #4 Sales Guru in the world by Global Gurus.
Lisa has inspired millions of learners on LinkedIn Learning with courses on sales, leadership, and purpose at work. Her work has also been featured in Forbes, Fortune and The New York Times.
Colonel Yvonne Spencer
Colonel Spencer is the Senior Air Force Advisor to the Office of Local Defence Community Copperation (OLDCC), a field activity under the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), responsible for assisting state and local governments to respond to impacts from Defense activities. Prior to joining OEA, Colonel Spencer served as the Detachment 6 Commander for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center which serves as the single intermediate-level headquarters supporting Air Force wide installations and expeditionary support activities for 177 bases. In this role, she led a 43 member staff in providing security, emergency services, communications, engineering, logistics and financial services for eight bases nationwide with a $55 billion infrastructure supporting 90,000 civilian and military members.
Colonel Spencer holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master of Science in Environmental and Engineering Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Throughout her 26 year career, she has served in a variety of positions at the installation, major command and headquarters levels to include six command assignments. Her deployments include contingency support of Operation DESERT STORM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Education
1994 Bachelor of Science, Engineering Mechanics, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Co.
1999 Basic Developmental Education, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2002 Master of Science, Environmental and Engineering Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
2004 Intermediate Developmental Education, Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence
2011 Senior Developmental Education, Air War College, by correspondence
