Mastering Operational Limitations of LEO Satellites - The GOMX-3 Approach

Gilles Nies, Holger Hermanns, Marvin Stenger, Morten Bisgaard, David Gerhardt, Marijn Jongerden, Boudewijn Haverkort, Erik Ramsgaard Wognsen, Kim Guldstrand Larsen, Jan Krčál

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

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    Abstract

    When working with space systems the keyword is resources. For a satellite in orbit all resources are sparse and the most critical resource of all is power. It is therefore crucial to have detailed knowledge on how much power is available for an energy harvesting satellite in orbit at every time – especially when in eclipse, where it draws its power from onboard batteries. This paper addresses this problem by a two-step procedure to perform task scheduling for low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites exploiting formal methods. It combines cost-optimal reachability analyses of priced timed automata networks with a realistic kinetic battery model capable of capturing capacity limits as well as stochastic fluctuations. The procedure is in use for the automatic and resource-optimal day-ahead scheduling of GOMX-3, a power-hungry nano satellite currently orbiting the earth.We explain how this approach has overcome existing problems, has led to improved designs, and has provided new insights.
    Original languageEnglish
    Number of pages15
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2016
    Event23rd IAA Symposium on Small Missions at the 67th International Astronotical Congress, IAC 16/B4 - Guadalajara, Mexico
    Duration: 26 Sept 201630 Sept 2016

    Conference

    Conference23rd IAA Symposium on Small Missions at the 67th International Astronotical Congress, IAC 16/B4
    Period26/09/1630/09/16
    Other26-30 September 2016

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