In order to evaluate all of our coding efforts so far, we are conducting an Alpha Testing Phase which will put the early versions of the network through its paces. This is much like the demonstration that was so successful at the recent workshop (see previous news item), but is much more formal, thorough and long-winded. There are a lot of details, features and 'bugs' that need to be added, checked and corrected before we arrive at a robust and usable system.
One very important step in this process has been to get the Authentication Server up and running online in a professional manner in Vienna, so that our developers and testers around the world can connect to it. The infrastructure team has done a great job with this, and all of the GENSO servers are now installed with a fast and stable connection, including the server providing you with this webpage!

Our various test ground stations have been using the GENSO software to track several spacecraft already. Of course, in these early stages it doesn't always work as planned - but that is exactly the point of the test since it allows us to discover and fix all the problems. There are some pleasant surprises also: since if tests are left running longer than planned then the ground stations tend to schedule and track spacecraft automatically without us paying attention, which is somewhat reassuring.

After an extremely productive year the development teams are looking forward to a well-deserved break over the festive season. We are all excited about how GENSO will grow in 2008.

Seasons greetings to one and all,
Neil Melville