NASA’s Deep Space Network
Metis provides Network Operations support to NASA’s DSN via technical expertise in network infrastructure, project interface and operations as subcontractor to Peraton Corporation. We also effectuate network operational planning for network preparations, coordination, test and training, formulate Network Operations Plans with guidelines for support of a spacecraft, codify DSN operations functions and interfaces, and detail DSN operational procedures.
Metis additionally supports and sustains engineering of DSN sub-systems. Performing analysis to measure system performance; developing and utilizing metrics to measure and maintain optimum system performance; supplying root cause failure analysis using state of the art techniques; and recommending/implementing sound solutions to minimize equipment downtime and maximize data return.
NASA Space Network and Near Earth Network
Metis supports NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation Program’s Space Network and Near-Earth Networks, which provide Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C), high rate data downlink, and radiometric tracking services for on-orbit operations. At the Wallops Flight facility in Virginia, Metis software engineers develop and maintain ground systems and scheduling software for NASA Operations, Maintenance and Sustainment tasks. At the White Sands Complex in New Mexico, Metis provides IT system administration, cybersecurity support as well as integration and test of system software upgrades.
NASA Ames Multi-Mission Operation Center
Metis personnel currently provide systems administration, systems engineering, network engineering, and software engineering to support the Multi-Mission Operation Center at NASA Ames Research Center. The MMOC provides cost-effective and highly re-configurable/re-useable resources that include facilities, networks, IT equipment, software, and support services to Projects operating at Ames. Metis works closely with customers to determine and communicate needs to the MMOC management to deliver adequate resources for projects. Additionally, we coordinate, plan and schedule changes/upgrades to manage project-critical systems ensuring compliance with NASA requirements. Our efforts cover support to customer and infrastructure projects.
MMOC Customers' Projects include the Starling technology demonstration mission under the Small Spacecraft Technology Program designed to advance the readiness of several swarm-related technologies. Starling consists of four 6U CubeSats planned to launched to LEO in mid-2021. MMOC also provides operational support to the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy installed in a Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a 2.7-meter (106-inch) reflecting telescope, allowing researchers to operate this mobile observation platform observe from almost anywhere in the world, enabling studies of transient events where there are no telescopes.
MMOC Infrastructure Projects are composed of different modules such as network & security, voice system, backup system, inventory system, alert & monitoring system, storage system, change management system, CDM, etc. Metis provides POC/MSEs to each module to help balance the team workload and keep the infrastructure up-to-date and compliant with all NASA requirements critical for MMOC to obtain its yearly authorization to operate to do business at Ames.
USAF Multi-Mission Satellite Operation Center
Metis’ personnel provided systems administration, systems engineering, network engineering and software engineering to support USAF ground system development and sustaining engineering.
Metis made significant improvements to MMSOC v. 2.0 software architecture, including development of core MPS Command Builder code which needed to be modified to support critical launch activities; development of a modular design for the User Desktop which allows for additional products to be easily added to the drop-down menu; and development of scripts to automate CM processes saving numerous program labor hours.
