Summary
i-CDO (Informatique du Centre d’Opérations) is GTD’s flagship digital-transformation initiative at the Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG), consolidating all launch-range IT systems into a single, scalable platform under a €40 million contract. As part of the broader CSG New Generation digitalization initiative, i-CDO unifies mission-planning, real-time telemetry, radar tracking, safety and security systems into one cohesive ecosystem. Powered by software-defined networking (SDN), hyperconverged infrastructure, virtualized compute environments, and a modern software stack, i-CDO delivers faster turnarounds, increased reliability, and robust security for Europe’s Spaceport operations.
Overview
i-CDO replaces a fragmented constellation of legacy applications with an integrated operations backbone that covers every phase of a launch campaign—from campaign planning through post-mission analysis. Deployed by GTD in partnership with CNES, ESA and Telespazio, it serves as the central hub for critical launch-support services at CSG. Under this initiative, GTD has onboarded specialized talent in network engineering, real-time systems, UX/UI design and DevOps to meet the project’s scale and complexity.
Unifying Spaceport Operations
- Safety & Security: Advanced video-surveillance systems and automated safety protocols ensure both personnel and assets are safeguarded throughout launch chronologies.
- End-to-End Data Flows: High-capacity, SDN-based networks route telemetry and payload data seamlessly across analysis pipelines and control consoles.: State-of-the-art operational rooms bring together telemetry reception, decommutation, radar tracking and teleoperation into unified command centers.
- Safety & Security: Advanced video-surveillance systems and automated safety protocols ensure both personnel and assets are safeguarded throughout launch chronologies.
Key Advantages
- Operational Efficiency: Automated synchronization of all ground-station processes reduces manual handoffs, accelerating mission prep and execution cycles.
- Reliability & Resilience: Hyperconverged compute-storage fabrics and redundant SDN paths minimize downtime and ensure continuous availability during critical missions.
- Scalability & Flexibility: On-demand Virtual Machines (VMs) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) allow teams to rapidly provision tailored environments, matching compute resources to mission complexity.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Real-time analytics dashboards empower operators to identify anomalies instantly and make informed decisions under tight launch-window constraints.
Innovative Technology Stack
- Networking: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) for dynamic traffic management and agile data synchronization.
- Infrastructure: Hyperconverged data-centers deliver predictable performance, rapid provisioning, and streamlined maintenance.
- Real-Time Software: Core modules in C++ (with ADA support) and Qt ensure deterministic performance for safety-critical workflows.
- Web Interface: A Python/Django back end exposes RESTful APIs consumed by a React/TypeScript front end—providing an intuitive, responsive user experience.
- Development Practicies: Agile squads combined with fully automated CI/CD pipelines guarantee rapid feature delivery, reliable testing, and seamless updates.
Strategic Impact
By driving the digital future of Europe’s Spaceport, i-CDO underscores GTD’s capacity to deliver mission-critical software at scale. The project has expanded GTD’s aerospace portfolio, attracted top-tier engineering talent, and strengthened partnerships with ESA, CNES and industry leaders. As a growth engine for GTD, i-CDO not only modernizes CSG operations but also positions the company at the forefront of space-systems integration and digital-transformation innovation.
