Testing

StellarStation makes testing communications logic and operations simple.

Some notes about testing:

1. There is a difference between radio compatibility tests, integration tests, end-to-end tests, and on-orbit tests
2. It is possible to set up plans using fake satellite and fake ground stations
3. It is possible, but not convenient, to set up plans using a real satellite and real ground stations
4. If the satellite is already on-orbit prior to onboarding onto StellarStation, the easiest thing may be to jump straight to on-orbit testing.

Radio Compatibility Testing

This test is one of the first things to take place. We generally require satellite operators using the StellarStation platform to allow Infostellar to conduct radio compatibility testing. Relocation of the Engineering Model or Flight Model satellite is not necessary.

General Procedure:

1. Infostellar ships an SDR to the location of the satellite and the location of ground station.
2. Infostellar records telemetry output from the satellite into the SDR (and commands if possible).
3. Infostellar plays telemetry into the ground station and works with the satellite team to confirm output.
4. Infostellar records commands transmitted by the ground station into the SDR for later play-back into the satellite.
5. Infostellar plays back commands output from the SDR into the satellite and works with the satellite team to confirm input.

Integration Testing

These tests involve confirming that the MCS interfaces with StellarStation and that simulated operations go as expected with StellarStation in-the-loop. The coverage and nature of these tests almost entirely falls on the satellite team!

It is highly advised that the satellite team do the following as soon as possible:

1. Confirm the communication capabilities they need for the mission
2. Confirm which existing StellarStation functionality they will use
3. Notify Infostellar of any functionality they request be developed
4. Write MCS logic to take advantage of the StellarStation API and tests for that logic
5. Run test software frequently to catch issues early (with regression if possible)
6. Write operational procedures with StellarStation in-the-loop
7. Conduct mock operations using those procedures that have StellarStation in-the-loop

End-to-End Testing

These tests include high-coverage, extensive testing that involve the real satellite, StellarStation, and the real ground station (if possible).

Generally this is quite time consuming and takes up a lot of engineering resources. Often, ground station providers charge a lot for this and will not give much time for on-the-spot changes to testing procedures if the satellite is on the ground station's property. The coverage and nature of these tests almost entirely falls on the satellite team!

Infostellar can only provide coordination between the ground station operator and the satellite team for testing dates and provide generalized advice for the satellite team as they encounter unexpected behavior related to their understanding of StellarStation works and how to use it.

On-Orbit Testing

These tests are part of the initial checkout during launch and early operations. At this point, real satellite and ground station radios are being used, of course. This should not be the first time your team is doing testing.

Infostellar can provide generalized advice for the satellite team as they encounter unexpected behavior related to their understanding of StellarStation works and how to use it.

Testing with Fake Assets

It is possible for Infostellar staff to configure fake satellites and ground stations in StellarStation for test purposes.

It is possible to reserve fake passes and stream data.

It is also possible to use real telemetry files for these fake passes. Please consult Infostellar staff to set that up.

Use Cases:

1. Exploring StellarStation tools
2. Testing automation
3. Simulating operations
4. Testing without real-world equipment

Testing with Real Assets

On-site testing at a ground station with Engineering Model or Flight Model equipment can be arranged by Infostellar staff.

Remote testing using SDRs can also be arranged by Infostellar staff.