(U) Satellite Control

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  MAGIC (Multimission Advanced Ground Intelligent Control) is a cost-effective, COTS-integrated software interface system design to improve satellite operator effectiveness.  With MAGIC, operators can monitor and analyze satellite telemetry data, capture satellite data, create real-time graphs, and perform sophisticated post-pass data analysis.  MAGIC also includes an expert system and a model-based reasoner that aid in the identification of known anomalies.

(U)  The current Satellite Control System (SCS) is a National Resource, operated by Air Space Command (AFSPC) to provide space support to the majority of space missions, many of which are not under AFSPC. This MNS applies to the Air Force's satellite command and control capabilities.

Description: (U)
(U)  The Reusable Software Architecture for Spacecraft (RSAS) program has developed interactive software that will generate components tailored to meet a satelliteÔs specific on-board processing requirements.  This software, referred to as the ?Workbench,î is currently undergoing beta testing at the Phillips Laboratory and at contractor facilities.  The beta workbench tailors components for a satelliteÔs Orbit Determination (OF) subsystem. The final version will include all of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C), and parts of Electrical Power (EPDS) and Communications (COMM).  Tailored components include performance requirements, design information, Ada source code, and test software.  The Workbench demonstrates the concept of domain engineering.  Early work in the RSAS project developed a domain model of satellite on-board processing.  The domain model was translated into a decision tree.  The satellite engineer is guided through the decision tree by graphical user interfaces (GUIs).  The engineerÔs decisions and inputs are captured in a relational database.  These decisions and inputs are eventually used to tailor components to meet specific requirements.

(U)  Autonomous satellite operations seeks to automate many on-board satellite functions, including monitoring of health and status, orbit, and attitude, as well as detection, isolation, and resolution of faults.  Automating these functions and migrating them from the ground to on-board the satellite saves manpower costs by reducing the amount of operator intervention needed.  Automation also increases reliability since human error is minimized.

(U)  We are also developing a computer architecture for space access (CASA).  CASA is a database front-end that will allow the warfighter to access database information and images via satellites in real-time ? when they need it and in the form they can easily understand.  The system will also include sensor tasking, allowing the warfighter to direct satellites to retrieve live images and data on demand.  This project will first develop a ground-based system, using existing satellites.  Eventually, a space-based system will be built using new technologies provided by next-generation satellites.

(U)  Astrodynamics is diverse, including high accuracy orbit determination, space debris analysis and modeling, development and maintenance of an Orbit Analysis Software Survey, and advanced astrodynamics technology development.  Our high accuracy orbit determination work develops, integrates, and demonstrates new applications of high-accuracy determination methods, in order to enhance the accuracy of orbit determination and prediction.

(U)  Space debris analysis and modeling objectives include assessing the risk to satellites of possible collisions with space debris, assisting in developing safe operational procedures to protect space users from space debris, and forecasting long-term changes in the space debris environment.  We are developing the Debris Analysis Workstation (DAW) for debris modeling.  We are also creating a design tool for the Space Hazards Analysis Worksta5tion (SHAW) that will enhance space test safety.

(U)  We have also created a survey of commercial and government off-the-shelf orbit analysis software, thus creating a centralized repository of knowledge and information about this type of software.  By gathering all of this information together, we can minimize and reduce the possibility of extraneous or redundant software development by the Air Force.  The initial release of our survey has been very well received by the Astrodynamics community, and we plan to continue releasing periodic updates of the survey.

(U)  Advanced astrodynamics technologies includes developing an Airborne Laser Clearinghouse to protect spacecraft from being inadvertently illuminated by lasers, developing techniques to optimize spacecraft maneuvers, and developing autonomous methods for operating satellite constellations.  Our approach includes developing new algorithms to improve the efficiency of predictive avoidance, and to use these algorithms in ground-based lasing applications and in prototype software for predictive avoidance analysis.

User Impact: (U)
(U)  None.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Concept/Technology.
	(U) IOC: 02/1996 (2QFY1996).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Space System Technologies

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) National Security Space Road Map, TECHNOLOGY- RDT&E.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
01 July 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)