Space Station Data Management: A System Evolving From Changing Requirements and a Dynamic Technology Base

Certain aspects of the space station data system set it apart from any other spacecraft data system ever developed: serviceable and repairable to a degree never before possible; operational lifetime spans generations of technology; dynamically extendible to accommodate evolutionary growth; unprecedented levels of complexity will occur early in the life cycle; unprecedented levels of data storage and onboard processing capacity will be required early in the life cycle. These factors, as well as others that are known, top-level space station requirements, form the basis from which derived data management system requirements (again top-level) are assembled. From these requirements, the architectural properties that need emphasis in the architectural selection process are identified. Additionally, other issues that may influence the architecture are identified and an architectural baseline is established. From this base, an example of controlled growth helps to identify other technology issues, so that the architectural discussion ends with a summary of technology issues that result from the requirements and the need for tools and techniques to support controlled growth. The architecture discussion is followed by a discussion of generic technology areas as well as related technology areas and the challenges to initial space station development. Technology areas that offer promise of enhanced capabilities in the future are also identified. This paper is not a comprehensive assessment of data management system technology, nor is it advocating a particular approach. Its purpose is to illuminate design and technology areas for further discussion and formal investigation.