Columbus Payload Data Handling

Abstract

This paper presents the handling of payload data for the Columbus module, which is now part of the International Space Station. It addresses payload data in a widened scope, including not only the data generated by the payload, but also data from other sources that the payloads require for operations and analysis. The path taken by these data is quite complex, involving the on board payload systems, the Columbus module Data Management System, the International Space Station data management systems, NASA ground data handling systems, and the European resources that have been designed and developed for this specific purpose, installed at the Columbus Control Center in Oberpfaffenhofen and the User Support Operations Centers throughout Europe. There are many different ground systems in which these data are processed, buffered and archived, and as many different concepts for handling the data. These are presented in the paper in terms ofwhat processing is or can be achieved at each stage, different archive and retrieval concepts, and an overview of how each contributes to a quite redundant and fail-safe end to end chain designed to ensure the integrity and timely arrival of data needed to properly interpret scientific results from the payloads.