Table of Contents

Payload Mission Support Centre

The PMSC is a centre consisting of the Payload Telescience Operations Centre (PTOC) and the Payload Support Centre (PSC). It has been developed and is maintained by the Payload Certification, Integration and Operations Group (PCIOG).

Payload Telescience Operations Centre (PTOC)

Payload Support Centre (PSC)

Payload Certification, Integration and Operations Group (PCIOG)

Payload Telescience Operations Centre (PTOC)

The PTOC has been developed to support real time operations for Canadian Payloads onboard the International Space Station.

Introduction

The PTOC has been developed to support real-time operations for Canadian Payloads onboard the International Space Station. It is a facility that allows Principal Investigators (PI) and ground operations personnel to monitor and control payload operations, acquire data telemetry, monitor and communicate on voice loops and monitor ISS video for payloads onboard the International Space Station.

PTOC Facility

There are three operator control consoles, the prime to be used for mission operation; one for simulation testing; and the last for payload validation (it will also act as a back up to the prime). Each console is equipped with voice loops and, eventually, the TReK software. Viewing of the video channels is common to all three consoles via a projector and TVs. Click on the images below to view full size pictures:

Click images to enlarge

PTOC Objectives

• Provide small payload operations facility for Canadian users;
• Provide video monitors to view ISS video and NASA TV video;
• Provide voice loop interface used to communicate with other ground support personnel and with the crew aboard the ISS;
• Provide command and control of experiments from the facility;
• Provide experiment downlink data to the Principal Investigators site which includes telemetry, voice and video at the CSA;
• Provide provisions to forward experimental data to PI location;
• Monitor displayed telemetry;
• Provide recording capabilities for voice and video data;
• Provide telephones for contacting NASA sites during mission operation.

Payload Support Centre (PSC)

The PSC has been developed to support certification and integration for Canadian Payloads.

Introduction

The PSC has been developed to support certification and integration for Canadian Payloads. It is a facility that allows Payload Developers (PD), Principal Investigators (PI) and ground operations personnel to train, verify operating procedures, verify payload communication protocols, simulate missions and support real-time payload operations. The PSC could also be used for integration of samples, for certain payloads, and to conduct control sample runs in the future.

PSC Facility

The PSC is located within the PMSC at the CSA and is maintained as an access controlled area. There is a PI support area, a payload workbench area and an EXPRESS Rack Simulator located in the US Lab Mock-up. A TReK station will be used in conjunction with the Suitcase Simulator to test the communication interface between the payload and the EXPRESS Rack. To enhance the environment fidelity during training or simulations, the PCIOG has build a partial US Lab (Destiny) Training mock-up. While not a true replica of the Destiny module, it simulates it and retains the style as much as possible by incorporating panel drawings in the mock-up. Certain International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR) drawings are of payload racks not located in the US Lab, but have been included in the mock-up to give the general look of the ISS. It also includes the EXPRESS Rack Simulator (ERS) and associated computer and test equipment integrated within the mock-up structure.

Click images to enlarge

PSC Objectives

• Provide area to support PD and PI during the certification phase of the payload;
• Provide a US Lab Mock-up to give the general look and feel of the ISS during mission simulations and training;
• Provide an EXPRESS Rack Simulator, located in the US Lab mock-up, with the following characteristics:
  • Mechanical interface for: 4 Mid-Deck Lockers and 6 4-Panel Unit ISIS Drawers
  • Power supply for the payload
  • Use of ambient air for payload cooling
  • Similar front connector panel layout as the EXPRESS Rack;
• Provide a Data Acquisition System to monitor and store environmental data such as:
  • Temperature
  • Air flow
  • Water flow
  • Power
  • Payload unique signals;
• Provide a Water Cooling System respecting the water purity requirements of the ISS.

Payload Certification, Integration and Operations Group (PCIOG)

Introduction

The Payload Certification, Integration and Operations Group (PCIOG) will provide a single interface/point of contact to ISS Program for all Canadian payloads. They are responsible for the development and maintenance of the Payload Mission Support Centre (PMSC), composed of the Payload Support Centre (PSC) and of the Payload Telescience Operations Centre (PTOC).

Other tasks include:

• Verification and Certification of payloads;
• Payload Integration/De-Integration;
• Support to Users in interpretation of ISS requirements;
• Participation in committees and working groups;
• Maintenance of a library including all applicable ISS specifications, standards, guidelines and others Payload development support;
• Mission operations with near real-time telescience support;
• Science monitoring by Payload Investigators through Websites;
• Ground experiments and end-to-end mission simulations.