Case Study: European Space Agency achieves faster telemetry analysis and improved scientific return with Actian's Versant Object Database

European Space Agency - Customer Case Study

The European Space Agency’s Herschel telescope produces terabytes of infrared and spectroscopic research data, sending an average of 6–7 gigabit of raw telemetry daily. Managing this complex, highly networked telemetry and observation-program data so ground teams can quickly analyze instrument performance and feed improved parameters back to the satellite was a major challenge for the mission operations and Instrument Control Centers.

ESA adopted the Versant Object Database to store and navigate the complex data model, enabling same-day availability and direct, navigational access to objects. This sped analysis, shortened the time to update onboard instrument settings and to deliver observation results to astronomers, and ultimately increased the mission’s scientific return while building a long-term archive of research data.

European Space Agency

Johannes Riedinger

Herschel Mission Manager