Development and Application of Web-Based Interface Ground Station Software (WINGS) for the Operation of SPHERE-1 EYE

The evolution of small satellites as both technological demonstrators and operational platforms has been significant. However, these projects often face constraints like limited budgets and stringent timelines, coupled with growing mission complexities. To address these challenges, the Intelligent Space System Laboratory (ISSL) at the University of Tokyo developed Web-based INterface Ground station Software (WINGS), an open-source ground station software with a modular architecture that includes front-end, back-end, and database components, as well as a telemetry and telecommand interface (WINGS-TMTC-IF). The paper highlights the application of WINGS in the SPHERE-1 EYE mission, showcasing its capability to customize and rapidly deploy satellite operations effectively, and compares its features and advantages against other ground station software. It concludes with operational insights and the lessons learned from the SPHERE-1 EYE mission, emphasizing the critical functionalities of ground station software in supporting small satellite operations.