Telematics Applications for the Remote Control of Space Missions

Abstract Telematics plays a major role in space exploration, as all space missions involve remote control from ground In addition, some control loops can be closed on-board, by human beings for manned missions, or by automation processes of increasing complexity for unmanned missions. The large distances between the spacecraft and the ground and the irreversibility of hardware failures are key features for the design of telematic applications used for space missions. This paper describes the mission control process on-board and on-ground. Examples taken from the operational experience with a near-Earth spacecraft and a deep-space scientific probe are presented and discussed.