Ground-control system for Satcom satellites

The degree of automation, reliability, redundancy, and autonomy of the whole and parts of the worldwide ground control system (GCS) for Satcom satellites is described. System computers, antennas, tracking system, commands, telemetry, and software are outlined. The two principal U.S. GCS, one on each coast and exercising dual autonomous control, are described. Load sharing, handover of control, updating for hot standby, and flowcharts depicting GCS arrangements for a transfer-orbit operation and GCS computers interconnections for transfer of data and commands between eight system computers, are depicted.