[Satnews]  General Dynamics has selected Orbit Logic’s STK Scheduler software to enhance their NASA Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) solution.

Orbit Logic's STK Scheduler screen shots

Top: Task Definition GUI
Bottom: STK Scheduler Gantt View Scheduling GUI.

STK Scheduler will process communication service requests to produce a deconflicted schedule for NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS).  TDRSS provides communication services between ground based users and government spacecraft operated by NASA and other organizations and is referred to as the Space Network.

General Dynamics is the prime contractor for NASA’s Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) project that is modernizing the space agency’s ground infrastructure systems for their Space Network, and provides for continuous technology insertion and system upgrades for the next 25 years.  The mission of the Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment (SGSS) Project is to implement a flexible and extensible ground segment that will allow the Space Network to maintain the high level of service in the future, accommodate new users and capabilities, while reducing the effort and cost required to operate and maintain the system.

For SGSS, STK Scheduler provides a low cost, configurable scheduling software solution that can handle the size and complexity of the TDRSS scheduling problem. Orbit Logic has significant experience with aerospace scheduling solutions across a broad user and mission base. Orbit Logic’s STK Scheduler COTS software product is configurable software for space system schedule generation.  STK Scheduler provides multiple scheduling algorithms that generate valid and deconflicted schedules for configurable resources and tasks.  Configurable task and resource attributes and constraints allow virtually any type of scheduling challenge to be defined and solved.  SGSS is taking advantage of STK schedulers comprehensive API that supports full integration with 3rd party software for a fully integrated solution.