A Massive-Scale Satellite Constellation Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator its Applications

Author(s)
DeGraw, Christopher F.
Holzinger, Marcus J.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Associated Organization(s)
Organizational Unit
Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering
The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aeronautics was established in 1931, with a name change in 1962 to the School of Aerospace Engineering
Series
Supplementary to:
Abstract
Given the growing interest in satellite constellations, there is a surprising lack of rigorously tested operations and control methods for constellations larger than 30 to 50 spacecraft. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a robust, modular and scalable system able to provide software-in-the-loop (SWIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation capabilities for the advancement of formation and constellation Flight Software Technology Readiness Levels (FSW TRL). The system being developed is called COSMoS (COnstellation Simulation on a Massive Scale). The goal of this system is to a) enable massive-scale (100+ satellite) realistic testing and characterization of formation control and operations techniques, b) examine the scaling of centralized and decentralized formation guidance, navigation, and control algorithms, and c) improve Technology Readiness Levels in realistic conditions. Examples of developing capabilities include the implementation of control schemes using a Minimum Lyapunov Error approach as well as semi- and fully-autonomous decision making systems.
Sponsor
Date
2017-06
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Paper
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