Lesson 101: Introduction to Space
This lesson describes the various types of satellites and the typical onboard subsystems necessary to maintain their performance. The space environment in which satellites operate is discussed to include radiation, space debris, drag and electrostatic charging. Fundamental orbital mechanics terms and concepts are also introduced to familiarize the student with orbital and launch considerations.
Lesson 102: Satellite Operations Overview
This lesson introduces the student to the ground and flight segments comprising a typical space mission architecture along with the makeup of a typical operations support team. The roles and responsibilities of the operations team will be addressed for each position. Phases of flight are introduced along with the unique operations responsibilities of each phase.
Lesson 103: Satellite Subsystems Overview
This lesson explores the features common to modern satellites necessary to overcome the challenges of the harsh space environment and to execute the mission goals. Discussion will focus on a satellite’s supporting structure, the generation, management and distribution of its power as well as the satellite’s movement and orientation.
Lesson 104: Satellite Subsystems Overview II
This lesson explores the features common to modern satellites used to overcome the challenges a of space environment and to execute the mission goals. Discussion will focus on the causes and management of thermal conditions, the creation, execution and storage of data commands, and the components that comprise the communication subsystem.
Lesson 201: Satellite Pre-Shift Support
This lesson details key activities performed by a Satellite Controller prior to shift support. Pre-shift situational awareness topics such as changes in procedures, upcoming schedule of activities, planned pass activities, current space vehicle status, and ground system status are discussed.
Lesson 202: Satellite Pre-Contact Console Operations
This lesson will discuss console operations prior to a ground station pass/contact. The lesson introduces the basics of system logon, workstation configuration, and team communication protocols. After discussing common handover processes, Satellite Controller preparation for Acquisition of Signal (AOS) is introduced.
Lesson 203: Satellite Pre-Contact Console Procedures
This lesson will present the student with simulated exercises and activities related to Satellite Pre-AOS activities on-console to be completed following Lesson 202: Satellite Pre-Contact Console Operations.
Lesson 204: Satellite Contact Operations I
This lesson will discuss a number of the tasks involved during a ground station contact with a satellite, including the initial Acquisition of Signal (AOS), verification of two-way communication and determination of satellite state of health. Commanding will also be reviewed, from command generation and preparation, to sending and executing commands, and verifying proper execution.
Lesson 205: Satellite Contact Operations I Procedures
This lesson will present the student with simulated exercises and activities related to the beginning of a satellite contact to be completed following Lesson 204: Satellite Contact Operations I. Specific procedures to be exercised and completed include communicating and establishing command lock with a satellite, validating the satellite state of health, and sending commands to a satellite.
Lesson 206: Satellite Contact Operations II
This lesson will discuss a number of the tasks involved during a ground station contact with a satellite with a focus on spacecraft state of health and handling contingencies. After confirming ground station carrier lock and continuous telemetry, requested or expected down-link data will be discussed. Telemetry monitoring for out of limits events will be presented, followed by anomaly resolution and finally the task of logging events at the conclusion of the contact.
Lesson 207: Satellite Contact Operations II Procedures
This lesson will present the student with simulated exercises and activities related to the beginning of a satellite contact to be completed following Lesson 206: Satellite Contact Operations II. Specific procedures to be exercised and completed include spacecraft state of health, handling contingencies and end of a contact with Loss of Signal (LOS).
Lesson 208: Satellite Housekeeping Operations I
This lesson will discuss operations to perform routine satellite housekeeping functions. This lesson introduces satellite power management including load shedding and battery management, as well as satellite sensor calibrations and satellite momentum management activities. Additional satellite housekeeping functions are presented in companion lessons Lesson 209: Satellite Housekeeping Operations II and Lesson 210: Satellite Housekeeping Operations III.
Lesson 209: Satellite Housekeeping Operations II
This lesson will discuss operations to perform routine satellite housekeeping functions. This lesson introduces satellite ephemeris updates and its operational impact on a satellite's trajectory, as well as satellite maneuvers for stationkeeping, orbit raising and collision avoidance. Additional satellite housekeeping functions are presented in companion lessons Lesson 208: Satellite Housekeeping Operations I and Lesson 210: Satellite Housekeeping Operations III.
Lesson 210: Satellite Housekeeping Operations III
This lesson will discuss operations to perform routine satellite housekeeping functions. This lesson will introduce the concept and operational implications of satellite clock correlation including the main methodologies commonly employed, onboard memory management and performing flight software updates. Additional satellite housekeeping functions are presented in companion lessons Lesson 208: Satellite Housekeeping Operations I and Lesson 209: Satellite Housekeeping Operations II.
Lesson 301: Satellite Housekeeping Operations I Procedures
This lesson will present the student with simulated exercises and activities related to routine satellite housekeeping functions to be completed following Lesson 208: Satellite Housekeeping Operations I.
Lesson 302: Satellite Housekeeping Operations II Procedures
This lesson will present the student with simulated exercises and activities related to routine satellite housekeeping functions to be completed following Lesson 209: Satellite Housekeeping Operations II.
Lesson 303: Satellite Housekeeping Operations III Procedures
This lesson will present the student with simulated exercises and activities related to routine satellite housekeeping functions to be completed following Lesson 210: Satellite Housekeeping Operations III.
Lesson 211: Satellite Post Contact Operations
This lesson will introduce the procedures and tasks following a ground station contact. It will encompass scheduled and unscheduled spacecraft Loss of Signal (LOS), LOS verification, post LOS activities, reporting, and anomaly resolution will be discussed in relation to Satellite Controller responsibilities. After discussing LOS operations, this lesson will discuss the procedures related to finishing a shift with a Shift Handover. The importance of logging vehicle status, ground station status, spacecraft configuration, and anomaly summaries are discussed.