System and method for providing automatically processed, network-accessible telemetry data

• US 20020095270A1
• Filed: 12/21/2001
• Published: 07/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SES AMERICOM, Inc. (SES SA)
• Original Assignee: SES AMERICOM, Inc. (SES SA)
• Inventors: Watts, Jeffrey Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 6,915,238 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/188
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18519 Operations control, administration or maintenance

Abstract

A method for monitoring the operation of a spacecraft make telemetry data directly accessible to customers of a satellite services provider over a network. The method may be completely automated at least from the perspective of the provider so that the need for human intervention during telemetry data retrieval and processing is eliminated. This, in turn, will substantially reduce the delays, costs, and inefficiencies associated with conventional telemetry data processing and customer service methods. In one application of the method, helix current data is automatically retrieved, processed, and made accessible at a service provider'"'"'s website for retrieval by customers. The website may be password-protected for security purposes. If desired, telemetry data may be provided on the website on a real-time or near real-time basis. The method may advantageously be integrated into a customer service management model for a satellite service provider in order to streamline efficiency and reduce costs.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring operation of a spacecraft, comprising:

retrieving telemetry data from a storage device;

processing the telemetry data; and

making the processed telemetry data accessible on a network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least said processing and making steps are automatically performed in response to a request received from a customer or technician.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said request is received through the network.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

automatically creating an accounting record in response to said request, said accounting record indicating a cost of downloading the processed telemetry data to the customer or technician from said internet website.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein said making step includes:

making the processed telemetry data accessible on an internet website.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said internet website is a secure website.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said website is secured by password-protection, and wherein said method further comprises downloading the processed telemetry data to said customer or technician only after said customer or technician enters a valid password.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said retrieving, processing, and making steps are automatically performed on a periodic basis.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

automatically sending the processed telemetry data to the customer or technician through said network.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said telemetry data includes helix current data for said spacecraft.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said processing step includes generating a graph of said helix current data over a predetermined period of time.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said processor controls the communications module to automatically send the processed telemetry data through the network in response to an electronic request.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said processor automatically creates an accounting record in response to said request, said accounting record indicating a cost of sending the processed telemetry data through the network.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein said communications module makes the processed telemetry data accessible on an internet website.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said internet website is password protected.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein said processor automatically processes the telemetry data on a periodic basis.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said processor controls the communications module to automatically send the processed telemetry data through the network on said periodic basis.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein said telemetry data includes helix current data for said spacecraft.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said processor generates a graph of said helix current data over a predetermined period of time.

12. A system for monitoring operation of a spacecraft, comprising:

a storage device for storing telemetry data;

a processor for processing the telemetry data; and

a communications module which makes the processed telemetry data accessible on a network.

21. A method for providing an interactive website which relates to spacecraft operation, comprising:

displaying information on said website which provides an indication of how to obtain data relating to spacecraft operation;

receiving a request from a user for said data;

retrieving said data from a storage device in response to said request; and

processing said data retrieved in said generating step.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said information is a hyperlink.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said request is made by a user selecting said hyperlink.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein said information is a selectable icon.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said request is made by a user selecting said icon.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein said information is an electronic form.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said electronic form includes a data entry window for allowing a user to specify at least one of a particular spacecraft and a type of data corresponding to operation of said particular spacecraft.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein said processing step includes:

generating a graph of said operation data over a predetermined period of time, and wherein said displaying step includes displaying said graph.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein said operation data includes helix current data for said spacecraft.

30. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

performing said retrieving and processing steps based on entry of a valid password.

31. A method for monitoring operation of a spacecraft, comprising:

receiving telemetry data from the spacecraft; and

making the telemetry data accessible on a network on a real-time basis.