An Approach for Optimizing the On-Orbit Servicing Architecture for a Given Client Satellite Constellation
Abstract
Satellite systems, once operational, are essentially a consumable item with no capacity to maintain, repair, or upgrade them while on-orbit. In order to avoid having to replace costly space assets, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) are looking to developing programs to provide an on-orbit servicing capability for future satellite systems under development, such as the Space-Based Radar (SBR) system. DARPA and AFSPC are studying on-orbit servicing using the Orbital Express platform as part of an Analysis of Alternatives for the SBR program. Like their satellite clients, on-orbit servicing assets are expected to be resource intensive, and so proper management of these space logistics assets is essential. This research provides a flexible planning tool to determine the optimal on-orbit servicing architecture for a given client satellite constellation and applies it to the proposed SBR constellation. The model uses a generalized network structure with side constraints to efficiently solve this large combinatorial optimization problem. The optimal number and type of servicing vehicles to use is found, along with the associated most efficient routing to meet client satellite demand for two commodities within multiple time windows.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA436312
Entities
People
- Michael L. Mcconnell
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology