Large constellations of small satellites: A survey of near future challenges and missions

Constellations of satellites are being proposed in large numbers; most of them are expected to be in orbit within the next decade. They will provide communication to unserved and underserved communities, enable global monitoring of Earth and enhance space observation. Mostly enabled by technology miniaturization, satellite constellations require a coordinated effort to face the technological limits in spacecraft operations and space traffic. At the moment in fact, no cost-effective infrastructure is available to withstand coordinated flight of large fleets of satellites. In order for large constellations to be sustainable, there is the need to efficiently integrate and use them in the current space framework. This review paper provides an overview of the available experience in constellation operations and statistical trends about upcoming constellations at the moment of writing. It highlights also the tools most often proposed in the analyzed works to overcome constellation management issues, such as applications of machine learning/artificial intelligence and resource/infrastructure sharing. As such, it is intended to be a useful resource for both identifying emerging trends in satellite constellations, and enabling technologies still requiring substantial development efforts

Distributed Satellite Constellation Planning and Scheduling

SHAI is developing a software architecture for automated, distributed planning and coordination of constellations of satellites. This architecture allows large satellite constellations to manage themselves with minimal human oversight. SHAI is utilizing an integrated approach drawing upon a broad range of AI and non-AI techniques. Advanced planning and scheduling algorithms permit the system to quickly create complex plans satisfying intricate time and other constraints. A reactive planning component deals with unexpected, time-critical local events such as new critical tasks. In addition, a knowledge base stores information about the satellites ’ capabilities and commitments that is used during the distributed planning process to properly allocate tasks to the satellites best suited to perform them