Ground Segment

SPACEBEL is a recognized developer of IT systems for the ground segment, supporting both mission operations and user operations. Their Ground Segment Department offers solutions covering almost all aspects of ground segment systems, with a background in several applications deployed to operational services. For satellite control centers, SPACEBEL has developed solutions specifically for smallsat missions, starting with the successful PROBA series (ESA). They develop turnkey systems or specific functions for institutional and agency core infrastructure, as well as advanced and low-cost solutions for small missions and small constellations. These systems can also be used in the context of space system Assembly Integration and Verification when coupled with SPACEBEL’s satellite simulation framework.

Operating a spacecraft, such as a satellite, requires the capability to plan and schedule platform and payload activity. This is a main function developed by SPACEBEL and delivered to CNES and ESA mission operations centers for Earth observation and telecom missions. Leveraging a strong background in automation and mission planning technology, their solutions are built on a generic in-house software designed to meet specific customer requirements. These can be complemented by satellite simulations, optimization software, and artificial intelligence tools.

The payload data ground segment (PDGS) features several functionalities, including mission planning, acquisition, processing, calibration, and archiving of payload data. It also creates relevant catalogues and distributes resulting science or imaging data on demand. SPACEBEL develops and deploys operational systems implementing such functionalities or the entire PDGS as a standalone facility. As part of Ground Data Systems, SPACEBEL develops instrument simulators and provides solutions for instrument data processing. Their main achievements in Ground Prototype Processors and Instrument Data Simulators are related to Earth observation applications, specifically radar, spectrometry, and radiometry technology. These processors are used for mission support or to evaluate instrument performance, and can support instrument development or be integrated into Payload Data Ground Processing Centres after industrialization.

SPACEBEL contributes to advanced system and mission operation concepts through studies, technology investigations, and prototyping for new subsystems and tools. They are actively involved in the technology shift from standalone monolithic software to cloud-based micro-services architecture. Leading-edge R&D activities include migrating control center software from monolithic applications for single satellites to micro-services systems for constellations, developing cloud-native applications using container and cloud orchestration technologies, promoting web applications, offering control center-as-a-service solutions, deploying building blocks for advanced automation with machine learning and AI, and securing the dependability and cybersecurity of operation systems.