Pre-Mission Phase Service and Pre-Mission Phase Client in the context of Offshore Spaceport Solutions for Orbital Launches

Abstract

The integration of space launch operations into air traffic management (ATM) and maritime environments presents unique challenges. DLR's Launch Coordination Centre (LCC) plays a crucial role in coordinating these operations by addressing spaceport operator requirements through a scalable and resilient system architecture. This paper focuses on the LCC's adaptation to the Mission & Launch Control Centre's needs, specifically highlighting its Pre-Mission Phase Service and the corresponding Human-Machine Interface (HMI) via the Pre-Mission Phase Client. The LCC leverages a microservice architecture to ensure flexibility in managing the complexities in the coordination between space, aviation and maritime stakeholders in the planning phase of launch operations. The Pre-Mission Phase Service facilitates structured coordination by processing mission planning data, evaluating ATM constraints, and assessing potential maritime impacts. It facilitates real-time information exchange to enhance situational awareness. The Pre-Mission Phase Client, as the HMI component, provides a graphical user interface designed for efficient interaction, visualization, and decision support. Through interactive functionalities, users can monitor updated planning states and assess risk-based launch window recommendations, incorporating air traffic and maritime hazard analysis. The developed system enhances coordination efficiency by improving information flow between stakeholders involved in launch operations. Real-time data sharing increases situational awareness, supporting proactive decision-making. Additionally, the LCC's predictive capabilities enable optimized launch window selection, balancing safety considerations with operational constraints. By incorporating air traffic impact predictions and maritime risk assessments, the system provides a structured approach to mitigating potential disruptions and enhancing overall mission planning reliability. This contribution presents the advancements in the LCC's pre-mission planning tools and their role in streamlining launch operations within the broader ATM and maritime framework.