Operators of the Deep Space Network (DSN) attend to numerous tasks with the overall goal of providing continuous support for the world’s deep space missions. This high-stakes operations environment requires operators to understand the state of the DSN and predict what will happen next. Under the Follow-the-Sun initiative that requires remote operations of the highly complex telecommunications equipment, operators will need to remain aware of the state of the entire network rather than just their own facility, and transition fluidly between periods of low activity and periods of high demand.
A micro-display was designed that enables operators to see, at a glance, the state of a DSN support, including its subsystems. Using in-depth, user-centered, and participatory design techniques to identify information requirements, the Postage Stamp was designed for individual operators to be able to maintain awareness of their assigned supports. However, under Follow-the-Sun, operators must remain aware of all supports. The area occupied by the Postage Stamp must shrink to allow operators to see the state of the entire system, e.g., via a big board posted prominently in the operations room.
Micro-displays are tools for mental model re-alignment, helping operators to keep mental models of how the system works and behaves, aligned with the changing state of the complex system. Data-driven micro-displays, such as the Postage Stamp and Mini-Stamp, display information about the system in a consistent way. Like a traffic light, the format of the micro-display never changes; the operator always knows where to look to find a specific piece of information. The Mini-Stamp always looks like the Mini-Stamp, and all of its data fields always lie in the same place on the micro-display. Real-time data flows through the Mini-Stamp to provide information to the operator.
The main portion of the Mini-Stamp micro-display shows the antenna number and its status. This antenna-centric view of a DSN support reflects staffing and scheduling practices at the sites around the globe. The antenna number corresponds to the unique antenna identifier, and its status is antenna action (stowed, slewing, tracking, stowing, stopped/brakes).
The uplink portion of the Mini-Stamp shows whether the transmitter is enabled, and whether there are errors, warnings, and/or alerts for the uplink of the support. The downlink portion of the Mini-Stamp shows whether the receiver shows a lock on the spacecraft signal, and whether there are errors, warnings, and/or alerts for the downlink of the support. The symbols portion of the Mini- Stamp is intended to show whether data is being received, and whether there are errors, warnings, and/or alerts for the data/symbols portion of the support.
This work was done by Dr. Alexandra Holloway of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Mini-Stamp as a Micro-Display for At-a-Glance Subsystem Information for DSN Links
(reference NPO-49895) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "Mini-Stamp as a Micro-Display for At-a-Glance Subsystem Information for DSN Links" outlines a microdisplay system designed for operators of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). The primary goal of this system is to provide real-time, at-a-glance information about the status of various subsystems involved in supporting deep space missions.
The Mini-Stamp is a compact version of the Postage Stamp, a microdisplay that allows operators to maintain awareness of their assigned supports while also being cognizant of the entire network's status. This is particularly important under the Follow-the-Sun initiative, which requires operators to manage operations remotely and transition smoothly between periods of low and high activity.
The document details the functionality of the Mini-Stamp, which includes several key components:
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Antenna Status: The display shows the status of different antennas, indicating whether they are tracking, stowed, or in other operational states. For example, it mentions specific antennas like Antenna 25, which is radiating but has lost lock on downlink, and Antenna 15, which is actively supporting uplink, downlink, and ranging.
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Uplink and Downlink Information: The Mini-Stamp provides critical information regarding uplink and downlink operations, including whether the transmitter is enabled and if there are any errors or alerts. This ensures that operators can quickly assess the health of communication links with spacecraft.
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Symbols and Status Bits: The display includes indicators for data reception and error states, helping operators to quickly identify any issues that may arise during operations.
The design of the Mini-Stamp is based on user-centered and participatory design techniques, ensuring that it meets the information requirements of operators. The consistent layout of the display allows operators to easily locate specific information, akin to a traffic light system, which aids in maintaining their mental models of the complex system.
Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of real-time data and effective communication in the high-stakes environment of deep space operations. By providing a reliable and intuitive microdisplay, the Mini-Stamp enhances the ability of operators to monitor and manage the DSN effectively, ensuring continuous support for deep space missions.
