Customizing the JPL Multimission Ground Data System: Lessons Learned

This paper will describe lessons learned in adapting JPL's Multimission Ground Data System (MGDS) to fly the Voyager, Galileo, and Mars Observer missions. We will explain how powerful, existing ground data systems can be adapted and packaged in a cost effective way for operations of small and large planetary missions. We will also describe how the MGDS was adapted to support operations within the Galileo Spacecraft Testbed. The Galileo testbed provided a unique opportunity to adapt MGDS to support command and control operations for a small autonomous operations team with a handful of engineers flying the Galileo Spacecraft flight system model.