The next generation of satellite data management capabilities must be scalable, modular and adaptive to an evolving threat landscape.
Each day, ground stations receive vast amounts of data from satellites in orbit. Using complex algorithms, they process all of the bits and bytes received and turn them into useable information for the end users who consume this data. As the volume of data grows and new threats emerge, ground stations need to evolve and adapt.
The Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution Mission Data Processing Application Framework — FORGE MDPAF for short — is a ground system framework that collects and processes data from satellites. FORGE MDPAF generates warnings, alerts and other information for combatants and eventually, civilian first responders and researchers.
The ground station framework processes Overhead Persistent Infrared or OPIR satellite data from both the U.S. Space Force’s evolving Space Based Infrared System constellation and the future Next Gen OPIR constellation. It is also capable of processing data from other civil and environmental sensors.
Chief Engineer Karen Casey shares what it is like to build a high profile program from the ground up while keeping the mission top of mind.
The mission
The U.S. Space Force tasked Raytheon with building a framework that improves mission operations that could be operational and available to users as quickly as possible.
Raytheon accepted this challenge and set out to create a simple and elegant solution providing a foundation on which best of breed technology provides a streamlined end-user experience.
This new framework provides common services for the enterprise ground and communications systems that the U.S. Space Force requires for this critical national security mission.
A new approach
Building a robust framework of applications that would evolve for the future requires a new way of approaching solutions. Leveraging the best of commercial innovation and deep mission knowledge, FORGE MDPAF is modular, flexible, adaptable and resilient to cyber-attacks.
Best of breed technology partners bring commercial innovation to this defense grade solution. Raytheon has brought together world-class technology providers to bring their technical expertise to a robust, defense grade platform that meets the U.S. Space Force’s mission objectives.
FORGE MDPAF was designed using an open architecture framework, which enables a “plug-n-play” of current and future data types and sensors — immediately adding value to any mission. Defense and eventually civil and commercial users gain rapid access to data that is quickly ingested and tailored to support their special interest in a single, integrated view.
Because FORGE MDPAF is being developed using a cloud based infrastructure, Space Force commanders deployed around the globe will have the ability to access satellite data cost effectively and quickly.
FORGE MDPAF is being developed using a DevSecOps pipeline process to write and install new applications as new missions are added.