GAIA TELEMETRY RATE SIMULATIONS: A FIRST LOOK AT THE COMPLETE PICTURE

摘要

The first study on science telemetry data rates and volumes considering all instruments (Astro, RVS, MBP) has been carried out. We present results from simulations over a nominal 5 year mission duration which give for the first time an overall picture and assessment of the telemetry rate situation in view of expected massive pay load-generated data volumes on the one hand, and limited downlink capabilities on the other hand. Two central quantities of fundamental importance for the total amount of downlinkable data are the daily satellite-ground station contact times and the size of the onboard Solid-State-Mass-Memory. A first attempt has been made to optimise both quantities in the context of this work and those results are likewise presented. The calculations depend on a large number of parameters and assumptions many of which are not frozen but will evolve with time as the satellite's design and mission profile consolidate in subsequent project phases. Thus, the presented results and conclusions can not be regarded as static or final but repeated studies are warranted in due time.