MySQL-Based Automation for Checking Mars Science Laboratory Communications Windows

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Telecom Operations Team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has implemented an automated system for checking Comm Behavior Manager (CBM) window load sequences. CBM manages MSL's Telecommunications subsystem, and CBM windows are defined periods of time when the MSL spacecraft communicates either with Mars orbital assets via UHF or directly with Earth via X-Band. CBM windows must be verified against a long list of flight rules in order to enforce proper configuration of the Telecom subsystem and to ensure the spacecraft is operated in a safe way throughout the pass. In addition, the windows are verified against corresponding orbiter Telecom configurations for UHF passes or ground station configurations for X-Band passes in order to confirm agreement on both sides of the link. Errors in timing, geometry, or hardware configuration will result in a failed communication session, potentially preventing uplink of commands to the rover or delaying the return of critical data to the ground. Due to the complexity of the process in which dozens of windows must each be individually checked against many flight rules and against corresponding Earth station or orbiter configurations and timings, manual verification is an arduous task and highly susceptible to errors. The CBM window checking tool makes extensive use of a MySQL relational database to keep track of communications windows and to check their correctness in an automated and reliable way, eliminating many sources of error. Additionally, since CBM sequences must often be verified with a short turnaround when real-time changes to parameters, configuration, and timing are required during operations, it is important for the checking process to be swift in addition to reliable.