Mastering operational limitations of LEO satellites – The GOMX-3 approach

Gilles Nies*, Marvin Stenger, Jan Krčál, Holger Hermanns, Morten Bisgaard, David Gerhardt, Boudewijn Haverkort, Marijn Jongerden, Kim G. Larsen, Erik R. Wognsen

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    12 Citations (Scopus)
    192 Downloads (Pure)

    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 nanosatellite 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
    Pages (from-to)726-735
    Number of pages10
    JournalActa astronautica
    Volume151
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2018

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