Title:
Operations Systems Engineering for the Lunar Flashlight Mission
Operations Systems Engineering for the Lunar Flashlight Mission
Author(s)
Hauge, Michael
Advisor(s)
Lightsey, E. Glenn
Editor(s)
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Abstract
Lunar Flashlight, a 6U CubeSat developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and operated
by students at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GT), was launched in December 2022 with a mission to
demonstrate novel small satellite technologies, including a first-of-its-kind green monopropellant system, and
to map surface water ice in permanently shadowed regions of the lunar south pole using near-infrared laser
reflectometry. While responsible for tactical operation of the spacecraft, including commanding and telemetry
monitoring, GT students have also taken on strategic roles as operations systems engineers. The team has
maintained, developed, and refined models of spacecraft subsystems as well as coordinated the project’s
approach to anomaly response and fault protection. This paper reports how flight data and post-launch
experiences have influenced the development and refinement of these models and approaches, and how in turn
this systems engineering work has allowed the team to make more efficient use of the spacecraft’s capabilities,
especially in dynamic anomalous situations, by taking advantage of margins, synthesizing data, and adapting
flight rules and constraints. In-flight anomalies have required substantial rework of the mission’s concept of
operations, and anomaly management and resolution has leaned heavily on modeling and predictions from
the operations systems engineers. Working closely with JPL subject matter experts, the GT operations team
has made full use of available data, including telemetry and observed system behavior, to swiftly recognize
and address anomalies, support strenuous recovery efforts, and make possible a realignment of the concept
of operations to achieve mission success despite significant challenges.
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Date Issued
2023-05-01
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
Rights Statement
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