Developing Responsive and Agile Space Systems - Space-Library

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The Aerospace Ground Systems Laboratory
Innovators of Computing Solutions for
National Security Space
Thomas Sullivan and Kenneth Austin
The Aerospace Ground Systems Laboratory (GSL) in Chantilly,
Virginia, has provided numerous government customers with invaluable,
hands-on expertise for all aspects of ground system software
and computing architecting, design, development, testing, and
operations since 2003. These customers include the Air Force Space
and Missile Systems Center, the National Reconnaissance Office,
NASA, and the newly formed DOD Operationally Responsive
Space Office.
The GSL offers concept exploration and independent verification
and validation of new ground system architectures for satellite
command and control, mission planning, signal processing, mission
data processing and distribution, and information operations. Aerospace
employees supporting the GSL provide analysis, development,
and independent assessments using the latest in information
technology to support government acquisition decisions.
Quick prototypes in particular are often instrumental in answering
specific technical questions that arise for the government
during the planning and acquisition process. For example, during
2008–2009, the GSL has supported prototypes for the application
of Web 2.0, computer virtualization, mobile computing, and
service-oriented architecture techniques and technologies.
The GSL typically uses the latest in information technology
hardware and software tools from multiple unclassified and classified
networks to develop these prototypes and concepts, which are
designed to meet unique customer requirements. The work includes
analyzing and testing government-developed software systems and
investigating the application of commercial technologies and products
to address mission-critical government requirements.
The GSL is part of the Aerospace Engineering and Technology
Group, Computers and Software Division, and offers the dedicated
resources needed to provide the U.S. Government with the critical
expertise in ground software and computer engineering that
can only come from hands-on experience in a laboratory. National
security space organizations across the government have effectively
used Aerospace GSL capabilities to support current and future
space ground system acquisitions.
52 • Crosslink Summer 2009