The cluster data-processing system

The Cluster mission is designed to study the small-scale structures that are believed to be fundamental in determining the key interaction processes in cosmic plasma. The mission will be controlled from ESOC, which will also be responsible for commanding the scientific payloads of the four spacecraft, in collaboration with the Cluster Principal Investigators (Pls), and for collecting and distributing the mission results to the scientific community, To support the Cluster mission operations, ESOC has developed the Cluster Data Processing System (CDPS), the architecture of which is based on three main components: the Cluster Mission Planning System (CMPS), which produces the schedules for running both the spacecraft and payload operations, as well as controlling the unmanned ground stations the Cluster Data Disposition System (CDDS), which distributes the Cluster data relevant to the scientific community, and the Cluster Mission Control System (CMCS), which is responsible for the on-line monitoring and control of the four spacecraft. This article reflects the ground-station scenario for the original Cluster mission in as far as the station complement for the re-flight mission is still under discussion.