Source: Latitude 5 Behind every operational activity there is a network of computer systems. And behind every computer system there is… an engineer capable of understanding and solving potential system problems. That is the job of Olaya Pérez, responsible for the computer Maintenance Service of the operating systems through the company GTD.When we talk about maintenance of operating systems, the operating part is the most important one. “Office automation isn’t part of our service; we don’t use the same tools”, Olaya specifies and adds: “The operating systems include measures for Flight Safety, localisation, telemetry and telecommunications and finally, meteorology”. In conclusion, all systems and services that allow monitoring the operations from the moment when the launcher is in the launch area until the completion of its mission. “And all of this is managed by a team with wide knowledge in computer science. This has allowed us to create a real synergy between all the members of the team and it has also contributed from a practical point of view: we can perform the maintenance from a very heterogeneous IT-park, which means everything from receiving new systems with the latest technology, to maintaining systems that have been implemented in the CSG since the 90’s”.When it comes to all these computer systems, the role of Olaya’s team is to verify the good health of the system before the operations, and in case there is a problem, interfere to fix it. “For example, if we have a defective software, we initiate a problem detection phase and solve the problem; whereas if an anomaly is detected at the time of the operations, the persons concerned contact us and we interfere”. It is work that is carried out behind the scenes, but nevertheless essential: “we guarantee the good health of all the computer systems, which means that if there is a problem on our level, it will affect other areas”. In order to be prepared in any circumstance, the team has access to a scale model room where there are units with replicas of the computer systems that they need to perform on. “This allows us to simulate the problems that could occur in any system and solve them. For us, it’s like a game room!”In addition to these tools, the team also has the support of GTD Barcelona that intervenes in some of the systems: “GTD Barcelona can intervene thanks to a replica of the computer system. They try to find the source of the problem and they suggest solutions. Also, it’s very helpful to be able to rely on the support of Barcelona because, due to the time difference, if we send an anomaly for them to resolve at the end of the day, we can have an answer the following morning. In fact, this happened recently. We had a problem with a Flight Safety unit that was supposed to determine the presence of a potential problem in the launcher’s trajectory and, if found, anticipate the need for destroying the launcher. An anomaly of level 3 (the highest level) was issued after this problem. To guarantee the resolution within the established time limit (before 8 AM the following day), we requested support from Barcelona”. A quick resolution that proves the most valued aspect of the GTD team: their reactivity! “For me, this is the most important thing about our work”, Olaya affirms. “Especially when it comes to Flight Safety, which is the most important mission of the Technical Centre. We cannot fail”. Olaya Pérez Medrano
