Coordinated Resource Allocation Among Multiple Agents With Application to Autonomous Refueling and Servicing of Satellite Constellations
Abstract
The objective of this work was to develop new methods for high-level decentralized control of multiple space agents (i.e., satellites and spacecraft) with the objective of coordinated action and decision making. The blanket underlying assumption in this work was the sharing of a common resource (information, consumables, fuel, etc) so that all agents satisfy their own needs in a time-critical, cost-effective, optimal fashion. As a specific example of interest to the US Air Force we have addressed the problem of coordinated refueling between several satellites in a constellation. Satellite refueling has the potential to revolutionize future spacecraft operations. Apart from eliminating the need to replace (otherwise perfectly operating) satellites due to depletion of onboard fuel, a satellite constellation with refueling capabilities could easily change orbital planes or even have satellites move in non-Keplerian orbits. As a matter of fact, true formation flying (as opposed to orbiting) of spacecraft requires continuous thruster firing and the subsequent depletion of onboard fuel. Having the capability to continuously change the orbit of the satellites in a completely unpredictable manner will give unprecedented advantages to the US intelligence community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA479643
Entities
People
- Alexandros Salazar-cardozo
- Atri Dutta
- Panagiotis Tsiotras
Organizations
- Georgia Tech