Paper ID: 694 The 16th International Conference on Space Operations 2020 Communications Architectures and Networks (CAN) (8) CAN - 3 "Network Operations and Management" (3) Author: Mr. Guillermo Lorenzo Ten European Space Agency (ESA), Germany, [email protected] Mr. Luca Milani LSE Space GmbH, Germany, [email protected] Mr. Yves Doat European Space Agency (ESA), Germany, [email protected] Mr. Pier Mario Besso European Space Agency (ESA), Germany, [email protected] Mr. Marco Lanucara European Space Agency (ESA), Germany, [email protected] Mr. Salvador Mart´ı European Space Agency (ESA), Germany, [email protected] Dr. Fabio Pelorossi LSE Space GmbH, Germany, [email protected] Mr. Kenneth Krekula European Space Agency (ESA), Sweden, [email protected] Mr. Anders Paajarvi European Space Agency (ESA), Sweden, [email protected] Mr. Pier Bargellini European Space Agency (ESA), Germany, [email protected] KIRUNA, ESA POLAR STATION EVOLUTION ROADMAP Abstract Since its inauguration in 1990, the Kiruna Ground Station has played a fundamental role within ESA Tracking Network (ESTRACK), serving as prime TT&C station for most of ESA Earth Observation missions during all phases (launch, commissioning, routine and emergency). Furthermore, over the past decade Kiruna has acted as reference station in support to the deployment and validation of novel tech- nology in the domain of Near Earth Communications and Operations, thus fostering the adoption of innovative solutions by European industry. Every month, an average of 700 satellite passes of up to 16 different missions are supported from Kiruna; accomplishing a total of 776 tracking hours and an average service performance rate of 99.85% Situated at 68 deg latitude, in Salmij¨arvi (38 kilometres east of Kiruna in northern Sweden), an optimum geographical location for the tracking of polar satellites, the station is mainly devoted to the support of Earth Observation missions. The Copernicus (Sentinels-1/2/3/5P) and Earth Explorers (Ae- olus, Swarm-A/B/C, Cryosat-2) constellations, in addition to other mission classes such as Integral and Cluster, are currently part of Kiruna daily tracking schedule. The ground station encompasses two terminals, KIR-1 and KIR-2, of 15 and 13 meters diameter dish respectively. Both antennas feature S-band uplink and S/X-band downlink capabilities. They are connected to a common back-end, which is able to support S-band telemetry and commanding as well as X-band high rate telemetry reception. 1 30 years have passed since its inauguration. Since then, Kiruna ground station has continuously undergone a gradual development and expansion, stimulated by the increasing operational needs of the numerous ESA missions supported. The station began its operational life with the support of ERS satellites, which triggered, back in 1988, the establishment of the ESA site and the deployment of the first antenna: KIR-1. The steady increase in the number of Earth observation missions triggered the need to find new solutions in order to cope with the evolving capacity requirements. Thus in 2000, a new chapter in the station operations concept commenced with the installation of a second terminal: KIR-2. Along these developments, new automatic operations and multi-mission concepts were implemented, aimed at optimising the remote operations approach and efficiency of the station routine activities. After a major refurbishment in 2014/2015, other relevant upgrades are being implemented, such as the migration of the current M&C system and the refurbishment of the KIR-1 front-end. These upgrades aim at enhancing the station functionalities, responding to the ever increasing availability and reliability requirements of operational programmes, and keeping it up to speed with the latest technology trends. ESA aims at further evolving the Kiruna station services in order to fulfil its role as reference station for Near Earth communications. These mid-term plans focus on supporting higher symbol rates and frequency bands, as well as respond to the specific challenges of small LEO missions. The new series of Earth Observation missions, currently under definition, will be characterized by even higher data rates, requiring adoption of new frequency bands. In this context, ESA is assessing both the possibility to upgrade the existing assets and deploy a dedicated solution featuring S/X-Band uplink and downlink capabilities for TT&C and K-Band downlink for the reception of scientific data. In line with the front-end evolution, relevant back-end related studies will be conducted for the adoption of new baseband receivers, featuring high order modulation and coding schemes for the support of the increased symbol rates transported by higher frequency bands. ESA is also assessing pursuing the installation of a dedicated 3 meter dish encompassing both, S-Band and UHF uplink/downlink capabilities. This antenna, planned to be deployed in 2020, will complement the existing small terminals part of ESA/ESOC Special Mission Infrastructure Lab Environment, a set of facilities supporting academia and commercial entities in validating novel operational concepts. This paper will present an overview of the Kiruna ground station evolution strategy, driven by the technological challenges accompanying future space missions. The roadmap defined by ESA aims at ensur- ing Kiruna's reference role within ESTRACK in the Near Earth communications domain, and expanding it capabilities to support adoption of innovative operational solutions. 2.