Multi-User Spacecraft Control Architecture for Payload Autonomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft-based services systems require users to delegate control authority to external parties, limiting operational flexibility, or necessitate substantial investment and maintenance, and multi-user spacecraft operations are hindered by conflicting user interests.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables flexible spacecraft operation by integrating a hub with payloads, allowing users to maintain control while leveraging a ground control network for centralized management, with modular components facilitating integration of new elements and optimizing service requests through cloud and edge computing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users delegate control authority to external parties, then operational flexibility is improved, but user control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple levels: autonomous spacecraft AI handles routine operations and safety, ground control network manages strategic coordination, and users retain direct control over payload operations. This segmentation allows operational flexibility at the autonomous level while preserving user control capability at the payload level.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control architecture is introduced between users and spacecraft operations. The ground control network and autonomous AI act as intermediaries that facilitate operational flexibility while maintaining user intent. Users can issue high-level commands that are automatically translated into detailed operational sequences by the intermediary systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users develop and acquire spacecraft operation capabilities, then user control capability is improved, but investment and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The spacecraft incorporates autonomous AI capabilities that perform self-diagnosis, self-adjustment, and self-management of operations. This self-service functionality reduces the need for user investment in complex operation capabilities while maintaining user control over payload functions. The autonomous systems handle routine maintenance and operational adjustments automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground control network provides universal control capabilities that can be accessed by multiple users simultaneously. Instead of each user needing to develop independent spacecraft operation capabilities, the universal ground control system serves all users, reducing individual investment requirements while maintaining comprehensive user control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users operate payloads on a single spacecraft, then service versatility is improved, but operational conflicts worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational state of the spacecraft and all payloads. When potential conflicts are detected between multiple users' operations, the system provides feedback to coordinate scheduling and resolve conflicts automatically. The ground control network receives status information from all payloads and adjusts operations to prevent conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture is dynamic and adaptive, allowing real-time adjustment of operational priorities and resource allocation based on current spacecraft state and user needs. When conflicts arise between multiple users, the system dynamically renegotiates operational schedules and resource分配 to accommodate all users without permanent conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including one or more spacecraft and one or more ground control elements, wherein the spacecraft can include one or more payloads associated with one or more organizations. A method for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including receiving service requests, determining request assignments, and/or controlling spacecraft.