FUSE is the first orbital mission to use SCL as the control system for both ground and flight operations. SCL is used on the flight Instrument Data System, in the mission control center, and for integration and test of the payload and spacecraft. Using scripts and rules uploaded to the spacecraft by mission operators; SCL will allow the FUSE telescope to perform astronomical observations autonomously for periods of 24 hours or more. ICS delivered the SCL system to the FUSE program under contract to the Johns Hopkins University in late 1997.

"At the time that the FUSE mission was restructured, Johns Hopkins University recognized that using COTS solutions and onboard autonomy were key to controlling cost", says Dennis McCarthy, JHU FUSE Program Manager.

"With SCL, ICS could deliver a COTS solution with a successful flight record that was designed to automate operations."

The objective of the FUSE mission is to explore the primordial chemical relics of the Big Bang, from which all the stars, planets, and life evolved. SCL will allow operators to communicate with the spacecraft in real-time, as well as allow it to operate on its own using both a traditional scripting language and an integrated expert system that will respond to asynchronous events. Scripts and rules may be written and run on the ground and later uploaded to provide mission support and progressive autonomy.

SCL provided command and control support for NASA’s Clementine mission in 1994. It also will be onboard the Interim Control Module for the International Space Station and the Navy Earth Mapping Observer, both scheduled for launch next year.

ICS is a product development and engineering services company specializing in the development of real-time, embedded, and autonomous command and control software systems. Services include software systems engineering, integration and test, and project and software life cycle management. ICS is a privately held company with main offices in Columbia, Md., and Melbourne, Fla.