Web-Based Automated Reporting: Saving Time, Money, And Trees

In the current "smaller, faster, cheaper" world of space programs, there is increased pressure to dramatically reduce costs. This has led to the design of smaller spacecraft and to a reduction in mission personnel. One of the major obstacles in reducing staff in all phases of a mission is the significant amount of paperwork that the staff must complete. For example, during routine operations, the Spacecraft Control Team (SCT) may need to complete a variety of reports including anomaly reports, pass summaries, and weekly summary reports. Boxes of these reports are archived indefinitely. The Spacecraft Emergency Response System (SERS) is an innovative Web-based suite of tools created to support “lights-out” operations. SERS automates many of the reporting activities required during both operations and integration and test (I&T). Currently, SERS is being used by several Small Explorer (SMEX) missions. In *Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Battelle under Contract DEAC06-76RLO 1830. addition, SERS will be used by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and missions from Middle Explorers (MIDEX) and the New Millennium Program (NMP).