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The Launch Information Processing and Display Center (LIPDC) has been set up by Khrunichev Telecom specialists to support reception, documenting and visual presentation of information describing launches of Khrunichev-manufactured launch vehicles (LVs) and status of payload injection into target orbits.
LIPDC receives telemetry and ballistic data online via satellite, telephone ("Telecomsvyaz" networks) and dedicated lines and via email. The sources of such data are the Ground Telemetry & Tracking System, Space Control Center (SCC) and other space observation facilities.
Based on the results of processing the data, and with regard for a priori information, the aggregate vector of state is generated for the flying object describing its center of gravity, attitude, events and the most important parameters that need to be monitored.
Such a vector is being followed by LIPDC in real-time. The flying article's condition is being documented and displayed on screen using the projection equipment installed in a dedicated hall. Voice running comment on the mission progress is also provided from the ballistic and telemetry measurement centers. The liftoff is covered from the launch pad.
The hardware and software being used by LIPDC fully support complete and graphic display of key phases/parameters of SC launches in almost real-time. Such display is possible not only within KhSC. The processed mission data in compressed format is made available to a remote customer where it also can be displayed.
Channels of Interaction
LIPDC exchanges data with its partner units using the telecommunications facilities of "Telecomsvyaz", dedicated lines and public telephone networks.
For the facilities at Baikonur and Plesetsk launch bases that are connected to "Telecomsvyaz", digital ISDN lines have been generated (64 kbps) as well as 16 kbps voice channels for operators and running comments. Two 64 kbps and video-conferencing are used to support running comments from the launch pads. To ensure higher-quality picture in MPEG-2, a mobile system is used which is based on Fly Away technology.
Simulation examples
Using the routers with ISDN interface of Cisco 1600, 2600, 3600 series, the local components of computer networks in Moscow and at the launch bases are united into a network with common resources that support robust exchanges.
Dedicated lines are used for exchanges with Ministry of Defense facilities. These lines can support modems that provide digital connection, and state-of-the-art modems operate at ~ 33.6 kbps.
Exchanges with quantum-optical facilities of the Russian Laser Network and "Ritm" phase locator take place using e-mail, FTP-access to these entities' servers and public telephone lines.
Data Display
Arrays for display are generated based on the processing of incoming ballistic and telemetry data, as well as on the use of a priori information. They may be subdivided into two categories:
For internal usage (display of LIPDC hardware/software status, monitoring of incoming data, supervision of Ballistic Data and TLM processing, etc.).
For external use (display of the article's status, center of gravity motion and trajectory in the pointing plane, the trace in cylindrical projection, motion around the article's center of gravity, display of exposure to the Sun and Moon, passage of timeline milestones).
Transmission of Flight Data and Display at External Entities
Real-time flight data may be transmitted to external subscribers and interested entities in other locations (cities) where appropriate facilities and displays may be deployed.
To reduce the requirements to the data channel throughput, it is not necessary to transmit the entire display but only the data to generate such display which is by one or two orders of magnitude smaller than the complete screen. The screens unfold at the display location using the software which was custom-made by LIPDC.
The transmitted data arrays include the most important parameters describing the flight in real time:
- timing of past events (lift-off signal, separation of Stages I - II, separation of Stages II-II, PLF jettison signal, preliminary command, main command, separation of Stages III-IV, etc.)
- time-related measurements
- parameters of motion around the center of gravity (pitch, yaw and roll, their velocities, their errors vs. nominal values)
- the article's center of gravity motion parameters (Keppler's orbit elements, parameters in Earth-centered stationary coordinate system, geographic coordinate system and their errors vs. nominal values)
- monitoring timeline by Russian ground tracking stations
- monitoring timeline by external facilities.
The overall data volume for displaying purposes does not exceed 64 kbps. Therefore delivery to subscribers may be ensured using ISDN telephony or satellite data line (64 kbps).