Distributed mission planning and operations, data integration

Combining the experience gathered on MIR and International Space Station (ISS) programs along with "lessons learned" this paper evolves a planning-centered approach based on the data integration in terms of the NNED2 (no need to enter data twice) principle, Though distributed mission planning and data integration may be the most cost-effective (if not the only) way to add value to the mission planning and operations process on the International Space Station Program (ISSP), some of decision makers on the program put off integration efforts, concerned that they will be costly, complicated, and lacking clear returns on the efforts invested. The paper dispels these misperceptions and details tangible benefits of bringing mission planning data integration onto next maturity level. Covering topics such as planning team empowerment, data integration for mission planning, and application development, the paper could serve a useful primer for executives and decision makers on space programs who want a better understanding of the advantages of distributed mission planning and corresponding data integration. A demand is currently appearing to develop a holistic mission planning business model and, eventually, a globally distributed space operations planning system based on a planning-centered mission operations concept, well-structured planning data, and up-to-date tools. The proposed approach and corresponding data architecture give rise to an enabling collaborative process that facilitates the creation, capture, and dissemination of information. From "Moon-to-Mars" exploration program perspective the paper examines issues of long duration mission planning for future exploration missions. The success of almost every new initiative space community launches relies heavily on successful data integration between existing and new heterogeneous applications and databases. But, choosing the right data integration product - one that will meet particular mission planning needs of tod- - ay and tomorrow - is not an easy task. This paper was written also to help end users obtain a clear understanding of the various types of data integration products that exist, along with the typical product architectures, costs and functionality. One of the paper\´s goals is to help readers intelligently select a data integration approach that is best suited to meet the needs of their mission planning data integration initiatives