Mission Planning for a Formation-Flying Satellite Cluster

Abstract

The formation-flying satellite cluster is a new paradigm for space-based surveillance and remote sensing. In this paradigm, several small satellites fly in close formation and coordinate their activities so that through sparse-array interferometric and synthetic aperture techniques the cluster can effectively operate as though it were a much larger monolithic satellite. Management of such clusters will require increased automation for planning and scheduling, both in pre-flight mission planning and during operations. This paper describes work aimed at defining and meeting the special planning and scheduling requirements of the formation-flying cluster.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA438434

Entities

People

  • John L. Mohammed

Organizations

  • Stottler Henke Associates

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Geometry
  • Ground Based
  • Ground Stations
  • Microsatellites
  • Payload
  • Satellite Communications
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Based
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Computer Vision.
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers