ISTOS

Objectives

ESA’s concept for an Integrated Space Technologies Operational System (ISTOS) Wide Area Network is designed to improve the utilisation of space technologies by end users working in the field of emergency management, by allowing to efficiently interconnect emergency application users to data and services providers, using integrated space technologies in telecommunications, earth observation and navigation.

The ISTOS WAN is aimed to provide efficient links and advanced services between Resource Nodes (access points for services/data providers) and Application Nodes (access points for application or end-users) as shown on the following diagram:

The topics covered by the study are:

• Review of potential Applications/End Users and technologies of interest for the Applications/Users Nodes
• Review of technologies for the ISTOS Resource Nodes
• Review of technologies for the ISTOS WAN
• ISTOS WAN Operational Model
• ISTOS WAN Architecture
• ISTOS WAN Operational Model and Architecture Refinement and Updating
• ISTOS WAN Deployment Plan

The study shall cover all aspects necessary to implement a WAN: design and architecture, operational model and deployment plan. The objective of this activity is a preliminary analysis of the architecture and components of ISTOS, taking into account technical, financial, operational, requirements.

Challenges

• Clear communication interfaces for the Resource Nodes and Application Node allowing simple connection to the providers’ and users’ networks.
• Ergonomic and standardised user interfaces providing ease-of-use.
• Simple implementation and extendibility of the network.
• Sound architectural model providing a high degree of scalability.
• Respects of standards insuring interoperability and long-term maintenance.
• Robust communications links guaranteeing reliable access to the network.
• Efficient workflow mechanism allowing rapid reception/processing of alarm and requests from users along with smooth delivery of data from RN to AN.
• Reliable security management guaranteeing confidentiality of data, users’ rights of access and preventing malevolent intrusions.
• Ad-hoc plans procedures allowing uncomplicated and efficient operations.
• Coherent economic model and optimised operation costs guaranteeing financial sustainability.

Plan

Following a preliminary review of end-users needs/requirements and a review of existing technological solutions, the study aims at designing the architecture and operational model of a Wide Area Network for Emergency Management Applications. Several trade-off scenarios will be proposed both for the operational and architectural models in order to select and further study in detail the options preferred for each model. Finally, a progressive deployment plan will also be elaborated. The logic is described in the diagram below:

Click here for larger image

Current Status

At the moment the project is in the process of finalising the review phase of the study. Three reviews are being conducted in parallel:

• Review of potential Applications/End Users and technologies of interest for the Applications/Users Nodes
• Review of technologies for the ISTOS Resource Nodes
• Review of technologies for the ISTOS WAN

Starting from existing studies and literature, potential beneficiaries of an ISTOS WAN are identified along with their needs and requirements and finally classified to obtain typical applications for the related communities. In parallel, technologies for the AN, RN and WAN are investigated to identify the relevant building blocks that could be used to set up an ISTOS network.

In order to begin to identify common information requirements across the user communities, a set of assessment criteria have been defined and compiled to address important parameters relevant to the development and the anticipated demands of ISTOS. The final set of criteria will be submitted for approval by the Agency before the classification task is undertaken. The first Review Meeting, scheduled early April, will permit the validation of the review reports and launch the second step of the project devoted to the definition of the operational and architectural model.