Solving the science data downlink problem for Mars Express (MEX) has
been a challenge. An artificial intelligence (AI) based tool, MEXAR2,
has been developed and integrated in the mission planning process that
allows the user to quickly and effortlessly generate and analyse a dump
plan for any planning period. MEXAR2 is the first AI-based tool in an
operational environment on-ground at ESOC and it is the successful
implementation of a prototyping study performed before the launch of
MEX. The paper explores the challenging requirements levied on the MEX
science data downlink, the different solutions for generating a dump
plan before implementing MEXAR2. It further describes in detail the
interfaces and functions of the software and provides an evaluation of
the operational benefits from using the application compared to
previous solutions.