Gamma-ray Burst Coordinates Network - GCN Data Flow

GCN Data Flow

The GCN data flow starts when gamma-rays from a GRB hit a detector on a spacecraft. The spacecraft sends the GRB location information down to a ground station, which in turn relays it to the GCN at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. At GFSC the location information is processed by GCN with custom hardware and software, and then Notices are sent to users via socket connection, e-mail, and pagers. Those users may then schedule follow-up observations of the GRB, and send refined information about the GRB back to the GCN.

In the case of Swift, the GRB location information follows the same path, except it is transmitted from Swift up to a TDRS satellite, and then down to the White Sands Complex (WSC). From WSC, the location information is sent to GSFC via a domestic communications satellite (DOMSAT).