This study creates and analyzes a framework for collaborative command and control within a constellation. The study will contribute to the evolution of satellite cooperation strategies for stakeholders undertaking new architectures. The method propagates each satellite orbit through a reference mission, introducing targets of interest throughout and computing observation opportunities. We run the first simulation with a standard and expanded swath width, representing increased pointing authority and field of regard (FOR) allowed when point of interest locations are known a priori to an individual observation. We filter observations using total cloud obscuration. A separate simulation propagates orbits and determines observation opportunities for satellite-to-satellite communication. We combine the outcomes of these steps in a model that manages the flow of information through the constellation. Once a point of interest is known, increased instrument pointing authority is permitted. The study compares a case with and without inter-satellite communications to quantify the impact of satellite collaboration in terms of revisit time, sample count, and access time. The application case considers a composite constellation with six satellites in a partial Walker star constellation and six additional satellites in a partial Walker delta constellation. This configuration increases satellite orbit overlap to create opportunities for inter-satellite communication. With collaboration, the constellation samples points 20% more often with a revisit time 10% lower than the baseline.
Collaborative Constellation Analysis Framework for Wildfire Observing Missions
02.03.2024
6690253 byte
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Integrated constellation analysis tools to support new observing strategy mission design
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2021
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