Remote station management using spacecraft control software (The ERS-1 PRODIS system)

The European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1), the first remote sensing mission to combine all ground and on-board activities into one integrated system, is considered. The main objectives of the mission include development and promotion of applications related to a better knowledge of ocean parameters, sea state, and ice conditions; increase of the scientific understanding of coastal zones and ocean processes; and integration of the satellite and ground segment to provide the performance necessary to deliver high-resolution data to commercial customers in the areas of fishing, navigation, and pollution control. The attempt to handle the principal ground station using a spacecraft control system as though it were an independent spacecraft is considered to be successful to a great extent and provides a possible option for consideration by future projects.