Session
Technical Session V: Constellations For Scientific And Global Change Research
Abstract
Commonly referred to as 'virtual platforms', 'formation flying', 'virtual spacecraft', the implementation of Distributed Spacecraft Control technologies is being aggressively pursued internal and external of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Distributed spacecraft control architectures are characterized by interactions between spacecraft, cooperation between spacecraft, and common behavior among spacecraft within a constellation or formation. Collectively, these attributes enable a distributed network of individual spacecraft to act collaboratively as a single functional unit that exhibits a common system wide capability. Such capabilities will usher in the next generation of NASA Earth and Space science missions through the exploitation of new vantage points, the development of new sensing strategies and revolutionary measurement concepts, and the implementation of system-wide techniques which promote agility, adaptability, the ability to evolve over time, scalability, and affordability within mission concepts. A broad set of technology products is required to address the challenges presented within distributed spacecraft control architectures. Several technology development programs sponsored by NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) have been or are now supporting efforts to develop these products. Building off the individual technology development programs and the foundations laid, DoD and NASA are teaming with one another to address common challenges, take advantage of the resources and opportunities available, and expedite the development and subsequent infusion of distributed spacecraft control technologies. The DoD University Nano-Satellite Program is serving as a focal point for such collaborative efforts.
NASA/DoD University Nano-Satellites for Distributed Spacecraft Control
Commonly referred to as 'virtual platforms', 'formation flying', 'virtual spacecraft', the implementation of Distributed Spacecraft Control technologies is being aggressively pursued internal and external of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Distributed spacecraft control architectures are characterized by interactions between spacecraft, cooperation between spacecraft, and common behavior among spacecraft within a constellation or formation. Collectively, these attributes enable a distributed network of individual spacecraft to act collaboratively as a single functional unit that exhibits a common system wide capability. Such capabilities will usher in the next generation of NASA Earth and Space science missions through the exploitation of new vantage points, the development of new sensing strategies and revolutionary measurement concepts, and the implementation of system-wide techniques which promote agility, adaptability, the ability to evolve over time, scalability, and affordability within mission concepts. A broad set of technology products is required to address the challenges presented within distributed spacecraft control architectures. Several technology development programs sponsored by NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) have been or are now supporting efforts to develop these products. Building off the individual technology development programs and the foundations laid, DoD and NASA are teaming with one another to address common challenges, take advantage of the resources and opportunities available, and expedite the development and subsequent infusion of distributed spacecraft control technologies. The DoD University Nano-Satellite Program is serving as a focal point for such collaborative efforts.
