Although a first for the UAE, the ground satellite control station built by Astrium for Yahsat’s satellites Y1A and Y1B stands as a unique showcase for a communications network controlled completely by IT and networking systems. Built using modular and commercially available equipment, this project is a clear demonstration of easily renewable and replaceable solutions can help build a more sustainable operation. TEXPO was an integral part of this build out as the exclusive solution and IT services partner for Astrium.
“This was one of the major projects that came to us after we had completed the launch of four satellites as part of the UK MoD’s Skynet 5 programme, where I was the site manager,” says Gary Clark, Astrium Technical Support Manager for the UAE ground station.
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services signed a five year contract end of 2010 with Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) a satellite communications company initiated and owned by Mubadala Development Company to offer a wide portfolio of voice, data, video and internet connectivity solutions designed to accommodate the demand for emerging applications in the satellite industry like HDTV and other broadband satellite services.
As part of the agreement, Astrium provides comprehensive support to manage and control the operations, training and maintenance of the Civil Ground and Management Segments of the UAE’s Armed Forces new, state-of-the-art, military satellite communications system.
“This ground station might be the first such project for UAE however it is unique even on a global level because of its network management system that is controlled by IT and networking. The design of the ground station itself sports a unique layout defined as TTNC – Telemetry, Tracking and Control,” adds Clark.
Another interesting aspect of the project is the extensive use of commercially available equipment that helps reduce the proprietary solutions. “The idea was to use easily available products and solutions thereby making the network
easily renewable and replaceable and therefore more sustainable. Only the control software developed by Astrium is a proprietary component,” he shares. Having started its involvement in the project in 2008 during the initial stages prior to the CDR (Critical; design review) Astrium also had to work to align the building architecture to fit in with the curved design structure that Yahsat had in mind. The building needed to be the right design and constructed to support the large scale cabling that was required. As a large ground-up new build project, it was critical for Astrium to work with key partners to ensure the success of mission. With a large IT networking being implemented, TEXPO with its strong networking expertise was brought into play.
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“TEXPO was introduced to us by Yahsat as they were the partners for the commercial part of the ground station. We roped them in as our main support partner for the entire project to help implement the network design that we wanted,” Clark says.
With the project now standing as a unique showcase for UAE, it also represents a technological achievement in that the satellite functions on the KA frequency. Considered the new baby on the block as compared to Ku and CBand that are the normal frequencies used, KA can support more applications on smaller devices on the communication network.
“Since this is used for military purposes, the network can support smaller satellite based systems to function on it to suit various requirements. On the commercial applications side, it can enable the greater use of emerging applications including mobile TV and improved commercial communication links,” says Clark.
Delivering on the plan
The success of the project was also boosted by the strong partnerships including the one with TEXPO which was involved in the complete installation of cable networking and test of the communication sub-systems and ensured that the installation of the systems was in accordance with the drawings and complied with the set guidelines and the International Quality Standards such as ISO/IEC 11801 (Information Technology- Generic Cabling for Customer Premises) & IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies).
The work also included the installation of equipment cabinets and enabling electrical connections which includes all electrical connections from the distribution panel within each room to the installed cabinet assemblies in accordance with the UAE wiring regulations. “The laying and terminating of cross-site communication cables and termination of Cat 6 and Optical Fibre LAN's n accordance with ISO 11801 was also done by TEXPO,” says Dr. Sarfaraz Alam, CEO, TEXPO.
Since this was the first such ground communication satellite station in the G.C.C, delivering results for the customer was critical to the country as a whole and TEXPO and its team had to face many challenges including working in 50 degree summer temperatures to ensure that the project was delivered 99% on time.
Close to 70 of TEXPO’s engineers and technical team members were also deployed in multiple sites of this project ensuring the success of the installation as per the requirement of EADS Astrium Ltd., An additional layer of TEXPO’s off-site engineers and project managers also supported the project to ensure that the installation was a success.
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“For TEXPO this remains our flagship project because very few services providers today can claim to have built a complete satellite ground station communication network. This project not only demonstrates the technology leadership of the country, but also stands testimony to the fact that strong collaboration can deliver great results,” says Dr Alam.
TEXPO role at a glance:
- Laying and termination of cross-site communication cables: Implementing and terminating passive cables within and outside the site premises leading to the shelters in the antenna farm. The cables comprise of coaxial cables (both large and small bore), Cat 6 cables as well as the optical fibre. TEXPO ensured that the routing and termination of the cables would be in accordance with the customer supplied designs.
- Terminating CAT 6 and Optical Fibre LANS: The scope of work of expanded to involve with the termination of Ethernet Cat 6 IDC method and splicing of optical fibre LANs in accordance with ISO 11801 standards to satisfy the requirements of the EXCEL CABLE WARRANTY. The entire connection configuration has been done in accordance with the customer supplied designs. TEXPO provided all tools to the resources to undertake this activity which also would include the provision of cable drum handling equipment.
- Installation and population of equipment cabinets: The installation and population of equipment cabinets’ work were concentrated mainly in the two campus buildings; namely Civil Anchor Building and Commercial Anchor Building. TEXPO’s resources executed the designs drawings and specification which was provided by the Astrium team. To cater to the requirements of this scope of work TEXPO provided all the necessary tools and equipment to the resources on site. TEXPO ensured the compulsory Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) of all the portable electrical tools.
- Electrical connections: The job included providing electrical connections from the electrical distribution panel within each room to the installed cabinet assemblies in accordance with the customer provided designs. As this is governed by existing UAE statuary regulations, TEXPO holds identified licenses for UAE Government approved electricians from an electrical contracting company. TEXPO’s on-site project managers also worked to ensure the success of the electrical work and liaise with the Customer’s Site Manger on an on-going basis.
- On-site resources: TEXPO deployed permanent onsite technicians who were fully capable of communicating with the customer’s site management team and the deployed work-force. They were also responsible to maintain and update on-site design records which would reflect the current build state in line with the customer process. TEXPO ensured that all these technicians had a good working knowledge of MS Office, MS Project and Visio.
TEXPO Research Team
06th January 2012
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