The Telecom Forecaster Predictor (TFP) is a multi-mission computer program for analyzing deep space telecommunication links. Analysts use the TFP for link planning, performance prediction, and post-pass trending analysis. For each mission, multiple users access a controlled set of TFP software and models, but can customize their own TFP sessions. Built upon the popular MATLAB software platform, the TFP provides an environment for high-performance numerical analysis and display of results. Link configurations are specified through a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI), and navigation inputs are provided through standard JPL NAIF SPICE ephemeris and attitude files, which the TFP can read directly. The TFP's building blocks are models which are created and examined using the TFP's model editing tool. Multi-mission models shared by all TFP users are provided in a carefully managed common library to avoid errors and duplication of effort. Sharing models and modeling architecture greatly accelerates the development of adaptations to support new missions. Software flow is visually traceable using the TFP's model tree. After execution, results are viewable in plot or tabular form using TFP's data visualization tools. Snapshots of link performance at a given time are provided in link budget tables.
This program was written by Kevin Tong and Ramona Tung of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com under the Electronic Components and Systems category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-20875.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Software for Analyzing Telecommunication Link Performance
(reference NPO20875) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The Telecom Forecaster Predictor (TFP) is a sophisticated software program developed for analyzing deep space telecommunication links, primarily used by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Built on the MATLAB platform, TFP serves multiple missions by providing tools for link planning, performance prediction, and post-pass trending analysis. The software allows users to customize their sessions while maintaining a controlled environment, ensuring consistency and accuracy across different missions.
TFP features a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) that enables analysts to specify link configurations easily. It reads standard JPL NAIF SPICE ephemeris and attitude files, facilitating the modeling of spacecraft pointing strategies, including safemodes. The program supports both spacecraft and ground operations, ensuring consistent predictions throughout mission phases. TFP is currently utilized in mission operations for several space missions, including Deep Space 1, Cassini, Mars 98, and Stardust, among others.
The software architecture is modular, allowing for the integration of mission-specific models, such as spacecraft models and output generation scripts, while also providing access to a common library of models shared across all missions. This approach reduces duplication of effort and minimizes errors, as analysts can rely on a consistent baseline for comparison. The TFP's adaptability is a key feature, enabling it to evolve and support different mission phases, from design to operations.
Future developments for TFP include creating a mission planning tool based on its architecture, which aims to streamline telecom analysis and yield significant time and cost savings. Additionally, there are plans to generalize TFP for analyzing communications between various bodies, such as spacecraft-to-spacecraft or lander-to-orbiter communications.
Overall, the TFP represents a significant advancement in telecommunication analysis for space missions, providing a powerful, adaptable, and collaborative tool that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of mission support. The software is available for commercial licensing, and interested parties can contact the California Institute of Technology for more information.
