At the “Information Exchange and Technology Platform Seminar” held at STM on October 31, 2009, Önder BELCE from the Systems Department made a presentation on “Command Control and Operations in Earth Observation Satellites”.

In the presentation, BELCE gave some general information on earth observation satellites and explained the command control subsystems used in them. Addressing the significant requirements that affect the design of relevant subsystems and the operations carried out after the earth observation satellites are launched, BELCE gave detailed information on the working principles of earth observation satellites that are becoming more and more important today in both military and civil applications.

BELCE gave detailed information on the autonomous functions of these satellites and their reflections onto design, and emphasized the importance of determining the automation levels in earth observation satellites. Saying that there should be a function allowing the satellite computer to shut down the power switch feeding any equipment that is drawing too much current on the satellite, BELCE suggested that this is a requirement that directs design.

BELCE said that allowing the satellite to give the decision on whether or not to enable the backup of the equipment drawing excessive current may be risky in terms of operations, and suggested that the decision to enable to backup equipment should be made by the satellite operator after conducting the necessary analyses. Giving some examples, BELCE emphasized that a fully automated satellite is not be best satellite in all cases, and finished the presentation.