Session
Session VIII: Ground Systems - Enterprise
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
In the space industry, the space-segment and ground-segment work in tandem to effectively and safely control satellites, execute its intended missions, and obtain meaningful data. In recent years, the space industry has been exploring Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) for the following advantages: (a) reduced satellite traffic, (b) increased revisit frequency, (c) shorter communication distances, and (d) closer Earth observation points. However, the exponential increase in atmospheric density and gravitational forces, combined with shorter operational response times to critical events, poses significant challenges for satellite operations. While satellite design should ensure appropriate system sizing and requirements to address these issues and challenges, the operation of satellites in VLEO remains highly complex. Moreover, on-board automation and intelligence are often restricted to a minimum to avoid unforeseen failures that cannot be rectified in flight. As a result, these complex automation and decision-making processes are often handled by the ground-segment.
This paper presents a generic Ground System Framework targeted for VLEO operations, which contains three key modules: (M1) an Automation Engine to handle all automation activities, (M2) an Event Analysis Software to evaluate and handle critical events, and (M3) a Flight Dynamics Software to simulate the expected trajectory of the satellite. This framework and its supporting modules are developed to support the operations of our experimental VLEO micro-satellite, Extremely Low earth orbit Imaging and Technology Explorer (ELITE). In this work, we will also discuss the operational aspects of each module, how they are augmented with external data sources and satellite telemetry; and the application of novel and cutting-edge technologies to ensure safe and smooth VLEO operations.
Document Type
Event
A Ground System Framework for Operating Satellites in Very Low Earth Orbit
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
In the space industry, the space-segment and ground-segment work in tandem to effectively and safely control satellites, execute its intended missions, and obtain meaningful data. In recent years, the space industry has been exploring Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) for the following advantages: (a) reduced satellite traffic, (b) increased revisit frequency, (c) shorter communication distances, and (d) closer Earth observation points. However, the exponential increase in atmospheric density and gravitational forces, combined with shorter operational response times to critical events, poses significant challenges for satellite operations. While satellite design should ensure appropriate system sizing and requirements to address these issues and challenges, the operation of satellites in VLEO remains highly complex. Moreover, on-board automation and intelligence are often restricted to a minimum to avoid unforeseen failures that cannot be rectified in flight. As a result, these complex automation and decision-making processes are often handled by the ground-segment.
This paper presents a generic Ground System Framework targeted for VLEO operations, which contains three key modules: (M1) an Automation Engine to handle all automation activities, (M2) an Event Analysis Software to evaluate and handle critical events, and (M3) a Flight Dynamics Software to simulate the expected trajectory of the satellite. This framework and its supporting modules are developed to support the operations of our experimental VLEO micro-satellite, Extremely Low earth orbit Imaging and Technology Explorer (ELITE). In this work, we will also discuss the operational aspects of each module, how they are augmented with external data sources and satellite telemetry; and the application of novel and cutting-edge technologies to ensure safe and smooth VLEO operations.
