Autonomy, control, processing and dissemination: getting data to

A clear distinction is usually appropriate between the technologies and development processes for space-borne and ground-based functions. Limitations in the perfor-mance of space-borne computing, storage and dissemination facilities often preclude the use of non-space software technology. The key to a¬ordability is the creation of international standards so that despite relatively high development costs, solu-tions can be reused across many missions and organizations. By contrast, ground-based functions can bene t from products developed for non-space applications. The challenge is to create an architecture that bene ts from existing technology and meets the mission requirements. Optimizing the organizational arrangements for space missions is perhaps where the greatest savings can be made. A management structure that ensures that end users dominate the establishment of requirements leads to more a¬ordable missions than one that is, say, technology driven. Industry implementation teams must include expertise in the scienti c disciplines and mis-sion objectives to ensure success. Geostationary-weather-satellite, space-science and satellite-navigation missions are used to illustrate these issues