Remote Access Multi-mission Processing and Analysis Ground Environment (RAMPAGE) is a Java-language server computer program that enables near-real-time display of spacecraft telemetry data on any authorized client computer that has access to the Internet and is equipped with Web-browser software. In addition to providing a variety of displays of the latest available telemetry data, RAMPAGE can deliver notification of an alarm by electronic mail. Subscribers can then use RAMPAGE displays to determine the state of the spacecraft and formulate a response to the alarm, if necessary. A user can query spacecraft mission data in either binary or comma-separated-value format by use of a Web form or a Practical Extraction and Reporting Language (PERL) script to automate the query process. RAMPAGE runs on Linux and Solaris server computers in the Ground Data System (GDS) of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and includes components designed specifically to make it compatible with legacy GDS software. The client/server architecture of RAMPAGE and the use of the Java programming language make it possible to utilize a variety of competitive server and client computers, thereby also helping to minimize costs.
This program was written by Ted Specht of Caltech and David Noble of Oak Grove Consulting for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-2827. Refer to NPO-41168.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Internet Distribution of Spacecraft Telemetry Data
(reference NPO-41168) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA, specifically focusing on the Internet Distribution of Spacecraft Telemetry Data, referenced as NPO-41168. It serves to disseminate information about advancements in aerospace technology and the development of tools for spacecraft mission support.
The introduction outlines the increasing complexity of spacecraft missions and the reliance of engineers, scientists, and flight controllers on reliable data displays and analysis tools. Traditional systems, often requiring UNIX workstations and specific network connections, are costly and limited by security restrictions. To address these challenges, the Remote Access Multi-mission Processing and Analysis Ground Environment (RAMPAGE) subsystem was developed. RAMPAGE allows for platform-independent access to mission data, enabling remote users to monitor instrument health and status effectively.
The document details the history of RAMPAGE, which was created to facilitate the acquisition and viewing of state representations—measurements taken from spacecraft telemetry streams. This tool is essential for mission analysts to assess spacecraft health in near real-time.
Key features of RAMPAGE include the ability for remote users to subscribe to specific data queries, receiving notifications via email when data is available. The system is designed to manage data efficiently, automatically removing outdated files to conserve storage space. The implementation of SSL for secure data transmission led to the acquisition of the Netscape FastTrack HTTP server, enhancing system performance.
The conclusion highlights trends observed in multi-mission ground data systems, emphasizing the need for integrated information, easy access to mission data, and low-cost, responsive systems. RAMPAGE aims to meet these needs by providing standard interfaces, scalability, interoperability, and user-customized displays. The anticipated benefits of RAMPAGE include reduced hardware costs, minimized maintenance expenses, and improved access to mission data for analysts, regardless of their location.
Overall, the document underscores the importance of RAMPAGE in supporting the growing number of spacecraft missions and the need for efficient, cost-effective solutions in the field of aerospace engineering. It serves as a resource for understanding the technological advancements that facilitate mission operations and data analysis in the context of modern space exploration.
