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OnOrbit FDS® (Flight Dynamics System) Software

In operation since 1976, the technologically advanced Flight Dynamics System (FDS) developed by Telesat Canada has been used to support orbital operations of all phases of geosynchronous satellite missions, from transfer orbit injection through to arrival on station, equatorial and inclined stationkeeping, orbit relocation, and final de-orbiting. Telesat's Flight Dynamics System has successfully supported the stationkeeping of both spinning and body-stabilized spacecraft, including satellites equipped with ion propulsion systems.

The FDS was designed by orbit analysts using the following guiding principles:

  • Maintain satellite orbits and attitudes within operational constraints;
  • Maximize the propellant lifetime of satellites;
  • Support multiple satellite bus types and manufacturers;
  • Interface to multiple real-time ground control systems; and
  • Maximize user-friendliness and ease of use
The FDS has been used to control more than 40 satellites representing 10 different bus types built by US and European spacecraft manufacturers, and is currently being used to control more than 20 geosynchronous (GEO) satellites and one satellite operating in a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). Telesat has sold or licensed the FDS internationally to:
  • MCI/SBS (USA)
  • Ministry of Defence (UK)
  • DBP Telekom (Germany)
  • ICO Global Communications (UK)
  • Boeing Satellite Systems Company (USA)
  • PanAmSat (USA)
  • XM Satellite Radio (USA)
  • Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications (United Arab Emirates)
  • New Skies (Netherlands)
  • L-3 Storm (USA)
  • Hughes Network Systems (USA)
  • Measat Satellite Systems (Malaysia)
  • Shin Satellite (Thailand)
  • US Department of Defense (USA)

The OnOrbit FDS® is Telesat’s latest FDS product. Combining the key GEO stationkeeping functions of earlier versions of the FDS with a number of new features, the OnOrbit FDS is particularly well suited to satellite operators who have a mixed fleet of satellites and/or multiple real-time ground control systems, and who would like to improve the efficiency of their stationkeeping operations by moving to a unified state-of-the-art Flight Dynamics System.

The OnOrbit FDS development and maintenance is carried out using a high-quality Development Process that is based on ISO 9001 standards.

For more information on Telesat's OnOrbit FDS®, click here.

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