Command Chain Automation

The TanDEM-X mission is based on the close formation flight of two radar spacecraft (TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X) currently flying with a minimum separation of only 150m. Ground station contact times for the uplink of the master timelines are taking place in parallel over different ground stations. Two operators at the same time are needed for commanding both spacecraft in order to ensure a safe uplink of the onboard timeline. As the operators are not only performing the command uplink but many other actions prior, during and after the contact, the risk for operator errors increases. Beside this fact, the operators at GSOC are not uniquely assigned to the TanDEM-X mission but supporting multiple missions operated by the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) within different control room areas and with different required needs of support.