Spacecraft Mission Planning Using Objective-Scored Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spacecraft mission planning relies on human-defined operations and limited simulations, making it difficult to quantify mission value and optimize mission parameters due to subjective evaluations and lack of quantifiable metrics.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of intelligent optimization of mission planning and execution through intelligent analysis of mission objectives and payload operation, using computer programs to generate and score possible mission plans based on objective scoring of component operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual mission planning methods are used, then mission operations can be defined and executed, but the process is slow to respond to changing mission needs and cannot perform numerical optimization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to changing mission needsVSAvoidspeed of mission planning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical planning processes with an automated computational system that uses machine learning models and optimization algorithms to generate and evaluate mission plans, enabling rapid response to changing conditions while maintaining adaptability through iterative optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through autonomous mission planning where the computational model automatically generates, evaluates, and optimizes mission plans without requiring manual intervention for each planning iteration, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If subjective evaluation of payload benefits is used, then mission operations can be assessed, but quantifiable metrics for mission value cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantification of mission valueVSAvoidcomplexity of evaluation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms subjective evaluation parameters into objective quantifiable metrics by defining specific performance parameters and constraints that can be measured and optimized numerically, allowing mission value to be expressed in terms of concrete measurable quantities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that translates subjective mission objectives into objective quantifiable metrics through the use of value functions and optimization algorithms, bridging the gap between qualitative goals and quantitative measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If conventional numeric optimization processes are used, then numerical optimization can be performed, but subjective value for mission operations cannot be factored in

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization capabilityVSAvoidincorporation of subjective mission value

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal optimization framework that can handle both objective numerical parameters and subjective mission values through a unified value function approach, allowing the same computational model to optimize across multiple types of criteria simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250124194A1Intelligent optimization of spacecraft missions

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Intelligent optimization of mission planning and execution for spacecraft through intelligent analysis of mission objectives and payload operation is disclosed. Values for mission objectives, payload operation, and/or vehicle conditions may be defined during given time periods, including variable values for repeat operations or other factors. These values may then be used through a vehicle/mission simulation agent to optimize the mission plan through maximizing the mission score according to the values. The simulation agent may identify possible mission plans based on vehicle capability, and then score the mission plan based on the total objective score.