Meet Grzegorz Taberski, a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience at ITTI, where he serves as a main system analyst and project manager. With a background in computer science, Grzegorz leads efforts in developing custom software solutions for a wide range of clients, from businesses seeking tailored applications to research and development projects supported by the European Defense Agency and the Horizon 2020 initiative.
ITTI also collaborates closely with the European Space Agency, creating software for space-related domains, including space surveillance, tracking, and satellite mission control. Grzegorz’s expertise plays a vital role in the Domino-E project, where ITTI’s capabilities in software development, satellite systems, and ground segment operations come together under Airbus’s coordination to push the boundaries of space technology.
What excites you the most about the Domino architecture, and how is it reshaping the landscape of European Earth Observation?
The Domino architecture is not only a set of frameworks and interfaces that sort of federalize the way European Earth Observation Systems work, but it’s also a new way of cooperation within the industry.
Imagine the Domino-X architecture as a skyscraper. Our role is not to build the entire skyscraper; we’re only responsible for specific parts—like the elevators, windows, or fire doors. There are lots of different modules in the overall architecture, and we’re focusing on just three.
Having the blueprint of the entire skyscraper allows us to design and develop our modules effectively, knowing exactly where they fit within the larger structure. Without this guidance, trying to develop the whole system from scratch would be overwhelming and unfeasible. The blueprint lets us concentrate on making our specific components excellent, without worrying about the stability of the entire building.
How did ITTI carve its path into the Domino ecosystem, and what drew you to this ambitious project?
Our involvement in the Domino-E project is a result of two main factors. First, we have been very active in European Space Agency (ESA) projects, completing over 50 projects, mostly focused on software development. This has established our reputation in the space software domain and led to collaborations with major industry players like Airbus, OHB, and Thales.
Second, our experience extends to space surveillance and tracking, where we have developed and refined systems related to satellite movement and observation planning. This combination of expertise in ESA projects and partnerships with leading space companies has positioned us well in the industry. For new companies looking to enter this field, understanding the domain and building connections is key.
What key advice would you give to companies aspiring to break into the Domino architecture and the world of Earth observation?
To understand how satellites operate and how the software controlling them is organized, it’s helpful to start by learning the basics of the domain architecture. A great resource is the Domino X project, which lays out the overall structure of the system. This project consists of various Dominoes small modules that manage tasks like satellite constellation control, Earth observation planning, and scheduling the use of ground-based resources like antennas. It provides a solid framework for anyone looking to get familiar with these complex systems.
How does the Domino architecture open doors for new players in the space industry, and what makes it such a game-changer for Earth observation?
There are many fragmented solutions available in the market, like K-SAT, Amazon Web Services with their antennas or Azure, as well as various mission control software providers. These tools are often specialized, and there isn’t a comprehensive framework that covers the entire domain.
This fragmentation makes it easier for companies to focus on a specific area of expertise. Instead of building a complete system from scratch, it’s more practical to specialize in one feature or requirement. Even large companies rely on reusing existing components.
You can think of each specialized area as a “black box” that needs to perform specific tasks. Understanding what’s inside this box and how it interacts with other components is crucial. For example, in our Satellite Communication and Resource Management Service (SCRMS), we work closely with antenna providers and other connected modules to understand the mission objectives and communication needs.
The architecture provides a basic framework, but it doesn’t outline all the detailed requirements. We know the module should create an observation plan, determine when to communicate with which antenna, and allocate time slots. However, we still need to figure out how efficient the system should be, how often to update the plan, and how to handle requests when using external antennas that might serve multiple purposes beyond our own needs.
In what ways does the Domino architecture redefine the role of companies like ITTI in the satellite and Earth observation sectors?
The Domino architecture fosters competition and comparability between different systems. If one company develops a specific module, or “domino,” and another develops a similar one, it becomes easier to compare them and exchange information. The architecture provides a framework that simplifies the integration of modules, so companies no longer need to constantly discuss how to make their systems work together.
It also improves accessibility by breaking the domain into smaller, more manageable pieces. While there are communication standards between ground and satellite modules, the Domino architecture defines a clearer framework, specifying how these modules should interact.
Smaller companies can benefit from the expertise of larger players like Airbus, who have already developed and refined these frameworks based on their extensive knowledge and experience in the field. This shared foundation allows smaller companies to build on proven concepts, making the architecture a valuable asset.
Does the Domino architecture level the playing field between small innovators and big industry giants?
Yes, the Domino architecture helps by sharing valuable insights on how these systems should be structured and how the experts envision them. Larger companies might already have comprehensive systems for managing these domains, but they often lack this level of detailed modular breakdown.
In software development, you typically have a general framework or architecture, like the MVC (Model-View-Controller) model, which separates the logic into the model, the view, and the controller—clearly distinguishing the database, the logic, and the user interface. While this split is straightforward in theory, applying it to specific systems isn’t always as clear-cut.
The Domino architecture provides a similar kind of clarity for satellite constellation management, highlighting the key components and how they fit together. It offers a shared vocabulary that helps everyone in the field speak the same language, even if they don’t follow the entire architecture. This common understanding is a valuable asset for building and integrating these complex systems.
How has working on the SCRMS module transformed ITTI’s approach to satellite communication and resource management?
Starting with the SCRMS (Satellite Communication and Resource Management Service) module has already brought us significant benefits. We’re now working closely with ground station operators, like those at Poznan Technical University in Poland, which has developed its own ground station and antennas. As Poland continues to expand its network of ground stations and aims to develop its own satellite constellations, the need for managing multiple antennas to meet various requirements is gaining more attention.
The key advantage of SCRMS is that it allows efficient scheduling of which antenna should be used for each satellite passing overhead. This approach means you don’t need to own a complete network of ground stations to track your satellites. Instead, you can have a minimal setup and then lease additional capacity as needed. As the number of Earth observation and other satellites grows, this flexibility allows you to share and reuse ground stations for multiple constellations, both your own and others, maximizing their utility.
What impact does EU funding have on the Domino ecosystem, and why is it crucial for driving innovation in the space industry?
European funding plays a crucial role in driving innovation forward, especially for smaller initiatives that use a “new space” approach but often lack the resources to push beyond existing capabilities.
Public funding helps draw attention to specific areas and creates opportunities to connect different stakeholders. For example, our module acts as middleware that links various players in the industry. Without this support, large companies might remain focused on their own solutions, operating in isolation.
European funding acts as a bridge, bringing together major industry leaders and smaller companies, encouraging collaboration on common goals. It creates a shared platform where they can communicate and develop new solutions together, which might not happen otherwise if big companies chose to work independently.
How does the collaborative spirit of the Domino approach unite diverse industry players to achieve common goals?
The Domino approach fosters both collaboration and competition simultaneously. On one hand, it enables organizations to focus on their specific domains, developing their own modules that can be integrated and sold as part of a cohesive system. On the other hand, it also introduces an element of competition, as those responsible for selling the complete system can selectively choose the best module for a particular application. Different Domino modules may excel in certain areas while underperforming in others, allowing for a competitive landscape where the most suitable solutions are chosen based on their strengths for specific use cases.
Can you share the story of ITTI’s collaboration with ONERA in developing the SCRMS module and the lessons learned along the way?
In developing the SCRMS, we collaborated with academia, specifically our partner ONERA, while we, as ITTI, are a purely commercial entity. This collaboration is highly valuable because each side brings a different focus: academia typically aims to create the most advanced algorithms and innovative solutions, while our role is to ensure robustness, standardization, and practical implementation.
Working together allowed us to establish a clear interface between our systems, defining how the algorithm should be packaged, what it should deliver, and how it integrates with databases and external interfaces. This approach made it possible to transform the algorithm into a reliable Domino module that supports our selected use cases.
An alternative would have been to rewrite the algorithm entirely, which is often more costly and error-prone. Instead, we agreed that ONERA would deliver the algorithm in Java, enabling seamless integration into our environment. This shared approach highlights the importance of collaboration and continuous exchange of ideas, as assumptions about deliverables often need adjustment on both sides for successful integration.
What role does system integrator Airbus play as the master planner in this ‘skyscraper’ of space technology, and how do smaller modules like ITTI’s fit into the big picture?
The initial collaboration takes place on a smaller scale between ONERA, the French company providing the algorithm, and us, ITTI, as we develop the module. This module is part of a larger system.
Using the skyscraper analogy again, Airbus plays the role of the architect with the master plan, guiding us by defining the requirements for each module and how it should fit into the bigger picture. They outline the use cases and ensure that the module aligns with the overall system’s goals.
Capgemini acts as the builders of the skyscraper, providing the foundational structure into which our module integrates. They ensure that everything operates smoothly within the entire environment, supporting the needs and use cases defined by Airbus. Airbus, with its extensive experience in satellite technology, also offers valuable insights and lessons learned to steer the project in the right direction.
Thank you!