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The philosophy of ground station operations at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is to provide a low-cost service to a range of science missions. The low cost philosophy is reflected in the automation of much of the operation and the acceptance of some risk by not having staff permanently present during regular operations. The autonomous nature of the operation of the ground station enables us to be a standard part of the worldwide ground system for taking data from the NOAA Advanced Composition Explorer mission at very low cost. This ground system needs to function 24 hours a day. The paper will describe the operational methods and technology used in the RAL ground station in order to achieve the benefits, while minimising the risk of this method of operation. It will also describe the operations that we undertook in support of two small satellite missions, MarocTUBSAT and BADR-B, and how a versatile system, coupled with innovative staff, recovered one lost mission. Finally the paper will describe the future plans for developing the ground station as part of the European Network of Centres concept.

Verification of analytical models through correlation with ground test results of a complex space truss structure is demonstrated. A multi-component, dynamically scaled space station model configuration is the focus structure for this work. Previously established test/analysis correlation procedures are used to develop improved component analytical models. Integrated system analytical models, consisting of updated component analytical models, are compared with modal test results to establish the accuracy of system-level dynamic predictions. Design sensitivity model updating methods are shown to be effective for providing improved component analytical models. Also, the effects of component model accuracy and interface modeling fidelity on the accuracy of integrated model predictions is examined.

In an evaluation of the current technological basis for a space station, the Space Station Technology Steering Committee (SSTSC) came to the conclusion that a space station could certainly be made with existing technology. It was, however, found that state-of-the-art technology would not provide for the evolutionary growth aspects of a long life system. In the process of its reviews, the SSTSC identified 10 specific disciplines to categorize the technology which was found to be relevant or potentially applicable to a future space station design. Attention is given to the objectives for the advanced development program, systems and operations, data management, crew and life support, power, thermal management, human capability, auxiliary propulsion, fluid management systems, attitude control and stabilization, structures and mechanisms, and communications.

NASA and its contractors have developed an integrated, interdisciplinary CAD/analysis system designated IDEAS(double asterisk)2 in order to conduct evaluations of alternative Space Station concepts' performance over the projected course of the Station's evolution in orbit. Attention is presently given to the requirements associated with automated FEM-building methods applicable to Space Station system-level structural dynamic analysis, and the ways in which IDEAS(double asterisk)2 addresses these requirements. Advantage is taken of the interactive capabilities of the SUPERTAB FEM preprocessor system for Space Station model manipulation and modification.