CALL FOR PAPERSAbstract submission Deadline: 31 August 2019

WELCOME TO SPACEOPS 2020May 18 - May 22, 2020

SANSA is delighted to welcome you to Cape Town, South Africa for SpaceOps 2020.

The International Committee on Technical Interchange for Space Mission Operations and Ground Data Systems (also known as the SpaceOps) is a spacecraft operations oriented international association consisting of representatives from the major space-faring institutions of the world.

For more than 25 years, the SpaceOps Conference has been the technical forum for the space operations community that addresses state-of-the-art operations principles, methods, and tools. The scope is intended to cover all spaceflight missions, including human and robotic, near Earth and deep space.

SpaceOps provides a technical and managerial forum for experts of Space Operations (Mission and Ground Segment Designers, Mission Operators, Engineers in charge of mission logistic support, Technical and Administrations Managers, Industry, Academia, etc.) to present, discuss and promote technical concepts, emerging methodologies and measures for advanced Space Operations. The overall aim is to maximize mission return whilst still maintaining the required mission safety within the framework of today’s increasingly demanding and complex Space Missions.If your organization is new to the Space Operations domain, we encourage you to come to SpaceOps conference to share your ideas, plans, techniques and technologies with others.

If your organization is already familiar with the Space Operations domain, you will find again a great opportunity to gather necessary feedback for your projects and missions at SpaceOps conference, as well as a chance to develop new ties with colleagues devoted to the space sector, which may one day be your partners.

We, the SpaceOps Community, firmly believe that with an enthusiastically communicating and networking Space Operations community, we all become stronger – and mankind’s dream to utilize and explore space becomes a reality.

SpaceOps 2020 is hosted and organized by SANSA (South African National Space Agency). The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) came into being in December 2010, however, South Africa’s involvement with space research and activities started many decades earlier with helping early international space efforts in the second half of the 20th century, and observing the Earth’s magnetic field at stations around Southern Africa.

SANSA was created to promote the use of space and strengthen cooperation in space-related activities while fostering research in space science, advancing scientific engineering through developing human capital, and supporting industrial development in space technologies.

The research and work carried out at SANSA focus on space science, engineering and technology, and operations that can promote development, build human capital and provide important national services. Much of this work involves monitoring the Earth and our surrounding environment and using the collected data to ensure that navigation, communication technology, and weather forecasting services function as intended.

SANSA implements its five strategic goals by clustering its activities across five broad strategic programmes:

• Administration Support Programme: oversees and manages the operations of the organisation.

• Earth Observation Programme: leads and enables the development and promotion of Earth Observation products for soci0-economic development and environmental management in South Africa, the African continent and globally.

• Space Science Programme: leads multi-disciplinary space science research and development. It operates a wide range of infrastructure across southern Africa and in Antarctica, all dedicated to studying the Earth’s magnetic field, the Sun and the near-space environment.

• Space Operations Programme: Conducts various space operations; such as satellite tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C), launch support, in-orbit testing, and mission control and space navigation. It also provides globally competitive and state-of-the-art ground station facilities.

• Space Engineering Programme: Develops, builds and tests systems and sub-systems for satellites. The aim is to develop and launch South Africa’s own satellites while growing the human and technological capacity for satellite development, and supporting a native South African satellite industry.

The vision of SANSA’s is for South Africa to be an international hub for space solutions for the world of the future, and to lead and inspire the South African space community to create a better future.

WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN!Cape Town, also known as the “Mother City”, is the oldest city in South Africa and has a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years, it is located in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. This beautiful city boasts the perfect balance of scenery, activities, attractions, diverse accommodation and a lively nightlife. It is the perfect destination all year round. Famous for catering to diverse audiences, tastes, preferences and budgets, you would never be short of entertainment in this beautiful city. It is the Provincial Capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the national Parliament is located.

The City is famous for some of the best national attractions in South Africa, these include the landmarks such as the Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront which provides a unique shopping and holiday experience on a scenic working harbour and there is also Robben Island, the former home of Nelson Mandela and several other political prisoners who fought against the apartheid government. You will never be bored in Mother City.

Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities because of its geography and what it has to offer, Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The conference will be held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CCITC).

A multi-purpose conference and exhibition centre in the hub of Cape Town’s business and entertainment centre, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) combines the impassioned dedication of its capable personnel with an extensive range of premium venues, services and facilities. It creates captivating experiences that sees hosts and their guests returning year after year.

This innovative venue offers a comprehensive array of services for international and locally based clients, playing host to prominent global conferences, trade shows, concerts and celebrated stage productions.

1. Mission Design and Management (MDM)

Mission Design and ArchitecturesMission Simulation and ModellingMission Design for Constellations

Mission Design for Robotic MissionsMulti-mission Approaches and StrategiesRevectoring Old Missions to New Tasks

Mission Design to limit Space Debris generation Regulations and Laws Affecting Operations

International, Public, and Private Cooperation

2. Operations Concepts (OC)

Operations Automation and OptimizationOperations Engineering

Operations Procedures ManagementOperational Validation

Operations Concepts for Constellation & In Situ OpsOperations Concepts for robotic missions

Payload Operations ConceptsProcesses for Designing Operations

3. Flight Execution (FE)

Real-time flight control, lessons and plansOperations Management

End of Life OperationsFault Management and Recovery

Spacecraft Emergency and Contingency OperationsEvolving Mission Capabilities

Long-Range Planning and Mission OptimizationOperational organization & associated skills

4. Ground Systems Engineering (GSE)

Ground Segment Architectures and DesignControl Centre Architectures

Flight Control Systems and EGSEPayload Monitor and Control

Service Oriented ArchitecturesSoftware Development and Maintenance, Devops

Systems Engineering and System Design for OperabilityGround Systems Testing and Validation

5. Data Management (DM)

Ground Data Systems Development, Validation and MaintenanceOn-board/ground Interfaces

Archive Systems and Data MiningAutomation and health monitoring, flight and ground

Data DistributionInformation Architectures and Information Models

Payload and Science Data Handling

6. Planning and Scheduling (PS)

Mission Planning and Scheduling Systems Asset Scheduling

Merging Plans from Different/many AgenciesMerging Plans from MOCs and SOCs

Planning for Planetary Relay and Surface CommunicationsResource Management

Realtime Replanning TechniquesScience Observation Planning

Detailed Crew Planning versus “Job Jars”

7. Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)

Flight Dynamics and NavigationAttitude Determination and Control

Challenges in Trajectory Design and AnalysisInterplanetary Missions

Formation/Constellation ManagementGlobal Navigation Systems and Applications

GNC and Astrodynamics SoftwareSpace Debris and Collision Avoidance algorithms

Techniques for Using Earth-Orbital Global Positioning System (GPS) at Lunar Distances

GPS Constellations for Other Planetary Bodies

8. Communications Architectures and Networks (CAN)

Communications, Ground and Space NetworkingNetwork Operations and ManagementIntegrating Communications NetworksGround Network and Antenna Concepts

Communications Architectures for Complex ConstellationsOperational Impact of Spectrum Allocations

Layered versus Integrated ArchitecturesBackup Communications Approaches

Interplanetary Networking

9. Human Spaceflights and Operations (HSO)

Mission Architectures for Human SpaceflightOperations with Space Tourists On-board

Flight Crew Operations Techniques and TrainingHuman Operations with Long Lightspeed DelaysLong Duration Human Missions – New Concepts

Crew-driven Requirements (videoconference, comm bandwidth)

Medical Operations in Human Missions (not an emphasis on medical techniques)

Reliability (RMA) Standards and Methods, Unique for Human Spaceflight

Human/Robotic Integration and CooperationHabitat Operations, Orbital and Planetary Surface

Space Environment Factors for Human Lunar/Mars Mission Design

Utilisation of the International Space Station(ISS)

TOPIC AND SUB-TOPICSThe SpaceOps 2020 Technical Program Committee, composed of experts from the major space organizations in the world, will prepare an ambitious program focused on today’s achievements in space operations and outlining trends in the operations of future missions. The conference program will bring together experienced and young professionals, as well as Students, from all over the world to discuss the current status and future ideas of space operations. The program consists of presentations in the following areas:

10. Cross Support, Interoperability, and Standards (CSIS)

Communications Standards (Link Layer, Network Layer, Application Layer etc.)

Software StandardsModelling standards

Interoperability and Cross Support StandardsTelerobotics Standards

Other Relevant StandardsApplying Standards to Space Missions

Cross Support Catalogs, Development and UtilizationInteroperability Successes and Failures

11. Human Factors, Training and Knowledge Transfer (HFT)

Knowledge ManagementKnowledge Transfer

Lessons Learned Assessment & ManagementTraining Methodologies

Simulation Methods & ToolsHuman Factor & Behaviour in Operations

Simulation and Training Operations, TechniquesEducational and Inspirational applications of Space

OperationsGovernment, Agencies and corporate outreach programs

12. Space Transportation System (STO)

Space Transportation Vehicles include Balloons, Airplanes, Sounding Rockets, Launchers, Space-tugs.

Operations Concepts for Space Transportation Vehicles and associated Ground Facilities

Launch Vehicles and associated Facilities OperationsPre-Launch Integration and Test

Space Transportation Vehicles Availability, Reliability, and Risk Management

Space Transportation Vehicles Integrated Health Monitoring

Space Transportation Vehicles Engines Test Stand Operations

Ground Processing for Space Transportation VehiclesSpace Transportation Monitoring Strategies: Sensors,

CamerasNew Space Transportation Vehicles

Launch Range and Launch Pad InfrastructureLaunch Site Selection Strategies and Logistics

Responsive (Fast) Launch Processes

13. Artificial Intelligence for Space Operations (AI)

Approaches to introduce AI in operationsAI operational processes

Methods and algorithms (Machine Learning, Neural networks, reinforcement techniques, etc.)

AI integration & interfaces in operational ground segmentsAI in planning and scheduling (on-board and on ground)

AI in payloads mission data processingAI on-board space systems autonomy

14. Cyber Security for Space Operations (CYB)

IT security policies and rulesActive security monitoring and control

Accreditation, certification of facilities and staffImplementation of security updates in dynamic

environmentLink security

Security and Secure Interoperability

15. Safety and Sustainability ofSpace Operations (SSU)

Management of large constellations and operational impacts

Management of space debris and operational impactsManagement of space weather and operational impacts

Management of spectrum utilization (Frequency/Wavelength allocation for radio an optical links)

16. Beyond Borders in Human Endeavour (BBO)

Space operations challenges in the New Space World Private and public collaborations

Multinational missionsInfluence of national policies on international cooperation

Education industry collaborationsNew ideas for conducting operations on academia side

Mission operations support from academia to others Space Education Initiatives

ABSTRACT REQUIREMENTSThe SpaceOps 2020 conference organizing committee’s highest priority is to accept abstracts and papers that emphasize unique and innovative practices, technologies, and experiences from which others in the space operations community will benefit.

When all abstracts are received, the Technical Program Committee (TPC) – staffed by volunteers from the agencies, academia and industry partners of the SpaceOps Organization – will evaluate the submitted abstracts based upon (but not limited to) the following four evaluation criteria:

• Relevance to Topic• Innovation• Substance merit (content and realism)• Applicability and benefit to future missions

Presentation approachWhen you submit your abstract, you will be able to choose your preferred presentation approach: Oral Session, Traditional (Paper) Poster Session, Electronic Presentation Session and Open access presentation session. The characteristics of these sessions are: • Oral sessions are 20 minute lectures followed by 5 minutes of Q&A. The recommended file types for Oral are MS Power Point and Adobe PDF. Software demonstrations are eligible to Oral Sessions, with the understanding that the presentation must comply with the 20 + 5 minutes duration constraint. Some interactive sessions will be included in the program; such sessions will be in the format of mini- workshops with three presentations followed by an interactive discussion between authors and audience, around the theme selected for each of those sessions.

• Traditional Poster Session presentations are run for several days and are centred on the presenter’s hardcopy display. The recommended size is A0 portrait format (841x1189 mm, 33.1x46.8 inch, same with 16 sheets of A4 size). It can’t exceed A0 size. The program will allow for sessions dedicated to the interaction between delegates and presenters of posters. Apart from the dedicated sessions the posters will be on display during the entire conference and authors can interact with delegates during the scheduled breaks in the program.

• Electronic presentations sessions is intended for presentation of demonstrations (SW/HW). Electronic demo sessions will be supported by a conference-provided active electronic display. They include software demonstrations and will give the opportunity to interact with delegates.This format will be scheduled in the program for you to interact with the delegates and show your demo. The demonstration can be augmented with a slide presentation. Electronic presentation should be limited to a maximum of 25min in order to give all authors a fair opportunity to present their work.

• Open Access Presentation sessions will provide a standalone access through menus for presentations without the author present. The conference app will give and opportunity for delegates to get into contact with authors to have interaction. They will be supported by a conference-provided active electronic display. Software demonstrations are not eligible to Open Access Presentations. MS Power Point and Adobe PDF format are recommended. The program will allow for sessions dedicated to the interaction between delegates and presenters in this format. Apart from the dedicated sessions the presentations will be available during the entire conference and authors can interact with delegates during the scheduled breaks in the program. Open access presentation should be limited to a maximum of 25min in order to give all authors a fair opportunity to present their work.

PROCEDURES FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONAbstract SubmissionSpaceOps 2020 Technical Program Committee (TPC) requests that you submit your abstract electronically through the conference website at www.spaceops2020.org. where you will be re-directed to the abstract submission tool This website will be open for the submission of abstracts until August 31, 2019.

Simply click on “Abstract Submission” and you will be forwarded to our web-based abstract and paper submission tool, where you will find detailed guidelines.

We request that you limit your abstract to 1200 word text only, no graphics. You will have the opportunity to indicate your preference of presentation style (oral/poster/e-Presentation/Open access) and the most appropriate Topic area. The TPC will then make the best effort at placing your submission in the program in a way that best connects you with your audience. Please consider that due to the overall scheduling constraints, the allocation of the topic area could be changed by the decision of the TPC. Authors having issues submitting abstracts electronically should contact IAF Technical Support at spaceops@iafastro.org.

BEST PAPERSThe TPC has a plan to award “Best Papers” for the conference. The TPC will review final papers just prior to the conference and will select for approximately 10% of final papers.

The TPC has a plan to award a “Best Student Paper” for the conference. So, we are asking that student primary authors identify themselves when submitting an abstract.

To qualify, the abstract and manuscript must be the primary work of a student, as indicated by being the lead author, and the presentation must be made by the student. SANSA will announce sponsorship for student form the African continent at a later date on the SpaceOps2020 web site www.spaceops2020.org

SPECIAL REMINDERParticipation to this conference• To be allowed to present at any session, you have to submit in advance an abstract that complies with the requirements for abstracts, as documented in the Abstract Submission FAQ that is supplied on the IAF web sites where you will be redirected to submit your abstract.

• All conference presenters in all types of sessions are required to submit manuscripts that comply with the standard requirements for professional conferences, as documented in the “Instructions to Authors” that will be supplied to accepted authors.

• If the presenter does not appear in person to present at the scheduled session, the paper will not be published in the (electronic) proceedings. Videotaped presentations will not be allowed.

• If the author’s organization/agency/nation requires export approval of the material for this international conference, the author must follow that process, and must do it on a schedule that allows to meet the conference deadlines.

• All authors are required to register for the conference in the same fashion as all other attendees.For all manuscripts submitted, and for all presentations in the oral/poster/electronic presentation/open access sessions, we will not accept overt marketing material or “sales pitches.” These forums and products are for the exchange of technical information, not for marketing. The information must impart some benefit to the space operations community independent of any product or service that may be incidentally mentioned in the presentation materials. Nevertheless, oral presentations and electronic presentations are allowed to include software demonstrations as a way to better present such benefits.

For the marketing or commercial purpose, please look at the Exhibition Opportunities.

IMPORTANT DATESAbstract submission opens: May, 2019Abstract submission closes: August 31, 2019 (23:00 UTC)Notification to authors: December, 2019Registration opens: December, 2019Final Paper submission deadline: April 2020Presentation material submission: May, 2020 Student & Young Professional Workshop: May 17, 2020 Conference dates: May 18-May 22, 2020

Where exact dates are not given, it will be updated closer to the time with direct communication to the authors.

STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM (SYP)A “Students and Young Professionals” (SYP) program will be coordinated and organized by SANSA and Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC).

A dedicated Workshop on the Sunday before the SpaceOps conference, titled “Space Operations for Constellations of CubeSat/Nanosatellites” will be offered to Students and young professionals at the CPUT(Cape Peninsula University of Technology) cubesat facility with transport provided by the SpaceOps 2020 conference organiser.

A Speed Mentoring event scheduled on Tuesday after the SpaceOps sessions will offer opportunities to talk about careers in space business and operations. Discussions among Spaceops mentors and SYP will be organized using the round tables format. It will be followed by a joint networking event.

To attend this SYP program please follow the registration process on the SGAC web site: www.spacegeneration.org This SYP program is free of charge and open to students and young professionals.

EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIESMarketing and commercial promotion is welcome and encouraged in the exhibition venue. The conference venue at Cape Town International Conference Centre provides ample space for exhibitors. We encourage industry members to bring their best and most innovative products, systems, and services to the SpaceOps 2020.

Exhibition for broad exposure to the space operations professionals in attendance. The Exhibition forum excels at connecting industry providers with space operations customers, bringing maximum benefit to both. Exhibition space is currently available for SpaceOps 2020.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Various sponsorship opportunities are available for SpaceOps 2020. Sign on as a sponsor and demonstrate your support for the space operations community.

CONTACTSTechnical Program CommitteeEugene Avenant, ChairSANSA, South Africa Hélène Pasquier, Co-Chair CNES, France

Local Organizing CommitteeTiaan StrydomSANSA, South Africa

For more information regarding SpaceOps 2020, please visit www.spaceops2020.orgor SpaceOps 2020 Secretariat at contact@spaceops2020.org