GMV reinforces its position as leading ground-system integrator

The industrial consortium formed by GMV, Serco and Logica, primed by the latter, has won a framework contract for the evolution of the multi-mission payload data processing ground segment deployed in the ground segments of the various earth observation missions, and set up by the European Space Agency (ESA) in its center for Earth observation ESRIN, located in Rome.

The Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) provides an operational service for the capture, processing, archiving and disseminating of data from ESA’s earth-observation missions and those of third parties collaborating with the Agency. This framework contract meets ESA’s need of ensuring the proper development and updating of new and existing earth-observation missions.

Within this framework contract the industrial team will take on all the tasks of definition, design, validation, integration and transfer to operations. GMV will also take on the task of selecting the subcontractors to implement the subsystems. The components to be updated under this contract include: user management systems, helpdesk, cataloguing and data request system, online access, planning development, archiving, management of auxiliary data, data acquisition, dissemination, research environments, and support to services and functions of quality control, including network security.

GMV will play a key role in crucial ground-segment areas, such as data archiving, access, long-term preservation, cataloguing & processing, and mission planning systems. GMV may also contribute supplementary components depending on the nature of the requirements and the client’s needs.

Some of the more important developments and deployments included in the framework contract include: implementation of the multi-mission environment of new ground segment payloads, definition & development of long-term data preservation infrastructure, online data access for GMES services, new quality control systems for the various missions, etc.

In the words of Jorge Potti, GMV’s Aerospace General Manager, “this project increases GMV’s profile within ESRIN, especially in the field of ground segment payload infrastructure, with GMV playing a key role in its definition and implementation. GMV likewise reinforces its role as integrator, through its responsibility for system level activities and the selection of subcontractors for subsequent system implementation.”