Network Operations Center

The heart of the network.

From Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich, the NOC connects ground stations, control rooms and customers all over the world — with defined, standardized services and 24/7 network control.

24/7staffed network control
12partner networks worldwide
Network links of the GSN Weilheim is connected to the NOC via MPLS with 8 Mbps. O’Higgins is connected to the EOC via prime VSAT (3.5 Mbps up, 1.5 Mbps down) and a 1.5 Mbps backup VSAT. Inuvik via fiber (1 Gbps) and VSAT (1 Mbps). Neustrelitz via two VPNs or X-WiN with 3 Gbps. NOC and EOC in Oberpfaffenhofen are linked by direct dark fiber. WeilheimWHM O’HigginsOHG InuvikINU NeustrelitzNSG NOCOberpfaffenhofen EOCOberpfaffenhofen MPLS8 Mbps Prime VSAT3.5 / 1.5 Mbps+ backup VSAT Fiber 1 Gbps+ VSAT 1 Mbps 2× VPN or X-WiN3 Gbps Direct dark fiber
Wide-area links between the stations and Oberpfaffenhofen. EOC = Earth Observation Center.
Service-oriented by design

The NOC provides infrastructure, communication and ground station services for satellite missions — from cubesats and Earth observation to geostationary and deep-space missions.

It leverages the existing infrastructure of the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) and optimizes resources across many missions. All network, hardware and software systems are redundant to ensure highly reliable service.

The essential tool is the CCSDS standard Space Link Extension (SLE) between control center and ground stations — today a widely adopted protocol for terrestrial communication in space applications. GSOC uses the SLE switchboard and the Weilheim service provider for Cortex to connect mission control systems and the baseband equipment in the stations.

Troubleshooting, data and network security, commissioning of third parties, frequency coordination and support of tests and validations are also part of the NOC’s competence.

At a glance

Ten functions. One control room.

  • Security

    Physical and IT security for all systems and connections.

  • Independent power

    Redundant power supply with additional UPS.

  • Network monitoring

    Network infrastructure and continuous monitoring.

  • Control facilities

    NOC control rooms and server virtualization.

  • Station networks

    Design, integration and support of station networks.

  • File distribution

    Automated File Distribution system (AFD).

  • SLE communication

    Standardized data links to and from ground stations.

  • Voice subsystem

    Voice conferencing with all projects and stations.

  • Scheduling

    CCSDS-based ground station scheduling system.

  • Engineering support

    Engineering and troubleshooting support for missions.

Station scheduling

How a satellite contact gets booked.

The GSOC scheduling office plans and coordinates the antenna time of all missions — so that no pass is wasted and no two missions collide.

  1. 1

    Visibilities

    Flight dynamics deliver when each satellite is visible from each station.

  2. 2

    Requests

    Internal and external projects request passes; stations report maintenance.

  3. 3

    Coordination

    Conflicts between missions are resolved, rule-based where possible.

  4. 4

    Schedule

    A weekly schedule is published in XML and text format.

  5. 5

    Notification

    Everyone involved is notified automatically by e-mail.

International cooperation

Beyond our own antennas.

Through the NOC, GSOC works with partner networks around the globe, extending coverage far beyond the DLR stations.

  • ESA
  • CNES
  • NASA / GSFC
  • CSA
  • KSAT
  • EUTELSAT
  • Intelsat
  • Telesat
  • PrioraNet
  • ISRO
  • KARI
  • ZUP
Teams

The people behind the NOC.

Ten specialised teams keep the network running — from project management to the 24/7 shift crew.

GDS Project Management
Manages NOC projects: contracts, orders, personnel and resource planning. Every project gets a responsible GDS manager who coordinates the NOC teams and external partners.
GDS Network Operations Engineering
Each mission is accompanied by a dedicated GDS engineer from phase C onwards — for mission preparation including LEOP, connection tests, device configuration, troubleshooting and analysis.
Network Control
24/7 shift team in the Network and Systems Control Room — the central hub where all operational connections between GSOC control rooms, partners and ground stations are routed. Also the voice contact center for all projects and stations.
Scheduling Office
Provides the weekly contact plan for all GSOC missions and resolves conflicts, using the station scheduling subsystem.
Network Infrastructure
Maintains, configures and troubleshoots the GSOC internal network and integrates WAN lines.
Data Center
Maintains and improves the GSOC data center — server and network application infrastructure for all NOC services.
Infrastructure & Hardware
Provision, maintenance and repair of the control center infrastructure, including the roof antennas and the voice and video hardware.
Security
Supports project security management and the technical aspects of security, and supervises the GSOC admission control system.
Software
Develops the operational software of the NOC based on CCSDS standards: SLE communication software, antenna monitoring & control for Weilheim, and automation of spacecraft contacts.
Technical Services
Operation of voice and video systems, archives and the wide-area network, system engineering, maintenance and logistics, and project support according to ECSS standards.
Services

Plan your mission with the NOC.

Compare the service levels for core services, station integration, WAN links and engineering support.

See service catalogue