Jeffrey F Watts

US Patent:

6915238, Jul 5, 2005

Filed:

Dec 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/023892

Inventors:

Jeffrey Thomas Watts - Vernon NJ, US
John Phillip Schrumm - Doyleston PA, US
Thomas G. Nowak - Langhorne PA, US
Ganesh Subramaniam - Monmouth Jct. NJ, US

Assignee:

SES Americom, Inc. - Princeton NJ

International Classification:

G06F011/00
G06F015/00

US Classification:

702188

Abstract:

A method for monitoring the operation of a spacecraft make telemetry data directly accessible to customers of a satellite services provider over a network. The method may be completely automated at least from the perspective of the provider so that the need for human intervention during telemetry data retrieval and processing is eliminated. This, in turn, will substantially reduce the delays, costs, and inefficiencies associated with conventional telemetry data processing and customer service methods. In one application of the method, helix current data is automatically retrieved, processed, and made accessible at a service provider's website for retrieval by customers. The website may be password-protected for security purposes. If desired, telemetry data may be provided on the website on a real-time or near real-time basis. The method may advantageously be integrated into a customer service management model for a satellite service provider in order to streamline efficiency and reduce costs.