Communications
Hardware
Our experiment uses a LOT of data resources.
In order to get all our data from the shuttle to our ROCC at Rensselaer,
it must be routed through two T-1 data lines. T-1 data lines each
have a capacity of 1.5 million bits per second. These two T-1
lines are equilivant to over 100 home PC modems! (28.8 kBaud)
Our data includes several video and audio signals as well as a regular
stream of data that tells us details about our experiment such as the temperature
and how many photos we have used. In addition to our data, the T-1
lines also carry the data for our OMIS computer terminals (see below).
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OMIS Terminals
In order to conduct our experiment, we must have
good lines of communication with the rest of our co-workers located at
several NASA centers around the country. One device that helps us
do this is our OMIS system. Using this computer terminal, we are
able to post and receive messages, request opportunities to use the data
path between the ground and the shuttle, or even request that an astronaut
arrange for the video recorder to turn on at a particular time (Yes, astronauts
know how to operate VCR timers, unlike many of us). [Back
to Map]
Video Data
Displays
We have many video signals traveling in, out, and
within our control room. NASA
Television , available on many local cable systems is very helpful
to us. We also frequently have video images straight from the payload
bay of the shuttle showing us our crystals as they grow! Ground tracking
displays such as STS
Orbit PLUS let us know where the shuttle is over the earth at any time.
This is important because there are some spots where the shuttle temporarily
loses communication with the ground. We need to know when this will
happen so that we can plan our experiments appropriately.
The most important video signal we have is the video
of our dendrite crystals growing. This information has never been
seen before, so we are excited to have this capability on this shuttle
flight! [Back to Map]
Network
Workstation
We have three computers in this room connected to
the internet. This workstation is and IBM RS6000 Unix workstation
where we will manage our web pages during the flight and monitor all sorts
of mission related web sites for important information. You can get
this information yourself at NASA
Shuttle Web and USMP-4
. [Back to Map]
Science
Analyis Workstation
The science analysis workstation consists
of a multi-purpose PC, a video monitor, a science data display, and voiceloop
communications system that lets us monitor several dozen audio channels
at once. Examples of audio channels would include Air-to-Ground,
the payload commander, the flight director, all the individual science
teams, and the teams that make it all happen by operating and maintaining
all the ground-based communications equipment during a shuttle flight.
The PC is connected to the internet and also includes
an ISDN video conferencing setup that allows us to have face-to-face conversations
with our other IDGE team members in Cleveland Ohio and Huntsville Alabama.
We also use this PC to do calculations and write progress reports during
the flight.
The video monitor lets us select from 3 video channels
related to the work we do during the mission. These video channels
are also available at other locations in the room, but having a display
right where we will be sitting is very convenient.
The science display (called the EGSE) gives us continuous
status reports of all the various aspects of our experiment. When
dendrite crystals are growing, we also see snapshots of the crystals every
90 seconds to let us know how it is going. [Back
to Map]
Storage
Space
We have operated similar experiments on the space
shuttle on two other occasions. The results and data from these experiments,
combined with the results from all our work done on the ground is all important
to us. We need to have it readily accessible, and store it on shelves
close to where we work. We also use this space to keep any needed
documentation about how to do our jobs during the shuttle flight.
[Back to Map]
Science
Data Workstation
The science data workstation is where we
have someone working around the clock to make sure that we get and analyze
all of our data. It is identical to the analysis workstation
except there is no ISDN video conferenceing equipment and we have an additional
EGSE data display that can play back any data we might have missed.
[Back to Map]
Work
& Storage Space
At any time during the mission, we will have a minimum
of 4 people in the ROCC. This makes work space quite valuable!
The table in the middle of the room holds the fax machine off the floor
and gives a little more work space for us to spread out! [Back
to Map]