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OrbitalOS module

GroundNet

GroundNet is the ground segment module of OrbitalOS. It predicts satellite passes over ground stations, schedules communication contacts across those stations, detects conflicts between requests and keeps a record of each contact, so that a spacecraft is in contact when its operators need it to be.

The problem it addresses

A low Earth orbit satellite passes over a given station for a few minutes at a time. With several satellites and stations, contact requests overlap. Resolving them by hand costs operator time and risks missed contacts.

Technical capabilities

GroundNet is designed to provide the following.

  • Pass prediction for each spacecraft and station pair.
  • Contact scheduling across stations, with conflict detection.
  • Station inventory with availability and constraints.
  • Contact records that link to telemetry received.
  • Hand-over of confirmed contacts to MissionOS.

Sample workflow

An example of how an operations team would use GroundNet. The steps are illustrative.

  1. Passes are predicted for the planning period.
  2. Operators request contacts for each spacecraft.
  3. Conflicts between requests, or with station availability, are listed.
  4. The operator resolves each conflict and confirms the schedule.
  5. Confirmed contacts appear in MissionOS and are recorded after the pass.

Integration

GroundNet sends confirmed contacts to MissionOS and takes constraints from OrbitalIntel. Access to a station network depends on the partner agreement with its operator. Station interfaces are specified per station with the partner.

Expected deliverables from a design partner pilot

  • A schedule model of the partner stations and spacecraft.
  • A sample contact plan for one planning period.
  • A conflict report comparing manual and generated plans.
  • A list of station interfaces to be integrated.

Pilots are scoped with each partner. See the Design Partner Program.

Limits

GroundNet schedules contacts. It does not provide antenna time or radio equipment. Third-party antenna access is arranged separately.

Other OrbitalOS modules

  • MissionOS

    Satellite telemetry, commanding, health and mission workflows.

  • OrbitalIntel

    Orbital intelligence, conjunction monitoring and risk awareness.

  • Aplark AI

    AI-assisted anomaly analysis and mission intelligence.

  • SpaceShield

    Security, permissions, command controls and auditability.

Try the workflow without a real spacecraft: OrbitalOS Simulator.