Preference-Based Evolutionary Many-Objective Optimization for Agile Satellite Mission Planning

With the development of aerospace technologies, the mission planning of agile earth observation satellites has to consider several objectives simultaneously, such as profit, observation task number, image quality, resource balance, and observation timeliness. In this paper, a five-objective mixed-integer optimization problem is formulated for agile satellite mission planning. Preference-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, i.e., T-MOEA/D-TCH, T-MOEA/D-PBI, and T-NSGA-III are applied to solve the problem. Problem-specific coding and decoding approaches are proposed based on heuristic rules. Experiments have shown the advantage of integrating preferences in many-objective satellite mission planning. A comparative study is conducted with other state-of-the-art preference-based methods (T-NSGA-II, T-RVEA, and MOEA/D-c). Results have demonstrated that the proposed T-MOEA/D-TCH has the best performance with regard to IGD and elapsed runtime. An interactive framework is also proposed for the decision maker to adjust preferences during the search. We have exemplified that a more satisfactory solution could be gained through the interactive approach.Algorithms and the Foundations of Software technolog

Image collection optimization in the design and operation of lightweight, low areal-density space telescopes

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2008.Includes bibliographical references (p. 149-155).Demand for space imagery has increased dramatically over the past several decades. Scientific and government agencies rely on Earth-observing space assets for a variety of functions, including mapping, agriculture, and intelligence. In recent years, online interactive mapping services have created a large demand for high-resolution commercial satellite imagery. The satellite systems launched to meet the demand for imagery have two major objectives: 1) efficient global Earth coverage and 2) responsiveness to real-time events. Depending on the specific application, mission architects may particularly value one objective. Commercial satellites need to fulfill tasking requests from customers and are primarily focused on global accessibility and efficient imaging. Engineers may design military or environmental warning satellites, on the other hand, to focus on quickly responding to events in unpredictable locations. This thesis investigates two elements in support of the design of Earth observing satellite systems. The first part is a study of a responsive satellite constellation architecture. The focus within the Responsive Space community has primarily been on small, lightweight, disposable satellite systems. Industry and academia have done less work to consider architectures that meet the responsiveness objective while still providing global coverage with sustainable orbits. This thesis analyzes an architecture that supports objectives of efficient coverage of the globe and also responsiveness to arising targets. The space community has also demonstrated significant interest in lightweight space telescopes. These systems offer launch cost savings and, in the case of segmented aperture optics, can be stowed and deployed on orbit.(cont.) The reduction in mass comes, however, at the price of structural flexibility, which affects the satellite's ability to efficiently image targets. The second part of this thesis explores how satellite dynamic properties affect the ability to provide efficient imaging. Satellite scheduling optimization formulations, including graph search, integer programming, and dynamic programming, enable evaluation of imaging efficiency. Integration of imaging performance metrics into a trade-space analysis tool allows for more informed decisions early in the satellite design process.by Josef Roach Bogosian.S.M

Computational intelligence approaches to robotics, automation, and control [Volume guest editors]

No abstract available

Weighted splicing systems

In this paper we introduce a new variant of splicing systems, called weighted splicing systems, and establish some basic properties of language families generated by this type of splicing systems. We show that a simple extension of splicing systems with weights can increase the computational power of splicing systems with finite components

Air Force Institute of Technology Research Report 1999

This report summarizes the research activities of the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management. It describes research interests and faculty expertise; lists student theses/dissertations; identifies research sponsors and contributions; and outlines the procedures for contacting the school. Included in the report are: faculty publications, conference presentations, consultations, and funded research projects. Research was conducted in the areas of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electro-Optics, Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Systems and Engineering Management, Operational Sciences, and Engineering Physics

Computational intelligence approaches to robotics, automation, and control [Volume guest editors]

No abstract available

Air Force Institute of Technology Research Report 2019

This Research Report presents the FY19 research statistics and contributions of the Graduate School of Engineering and Management (EN) at AFIT. AFIT research interests and faculty expertise cover a broad spectrum of technical areas related to USAF needs, as reflected by the range of topics addressed in the faculty and student publications listed in this report. In most cases, the research work reported herein is directly sponsored by one or more USAF or DOD agencies. AFIT welcomes the opportunity to conduct research on additional topics of interest to the USAF, DOD, and other federal organizations when adequate manpower and financial resources are available and/or provided by a sponsor. In addition, AFIT provides research collaboration and technology transfer benefits to the public through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs). Interested individuals may discuss ideas for new research collaborations, potential CRADAs, or research proposals with individual faculty using the contact information in this document

Disaggregated Imaging Spacecraft Constellation Optimization with a Genetic Algorithm

This research is an extension of work by Major Robert Thompson, who uses a genetic algorithm to optimize certain parameters of a disaggregated constellation for most cost-effective coverage. This work looks at imaging sensor coverage of a specific target deck assumed to exist in the Middle East. Parameters varied in this optimization affect Walker constellation characteristics, orbital elements, and sensor size. Walker parameter variables are number of planes, number of satellites per plane, true anomaly spread, and RAAN increment. All classical orbital elements are variable, although a circular, low-Earth orbit is assumed. Sensor size is varied dependent upon sensor diameter. These parameters are applied to constellations of small satellites and large satellites. The Unmanned Spacecraft Cost Model (USCM) and the Small Spacecraft Cost Model (SSCM) are used to roughly determine the cost of each proposed mission. The sensor effectiveness is determined by the General Imaging Quality Equation (GIQE)

Air Force Institute of Technology Research Report 2001

This report summarizes the research activities of the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management. It describes research interests and faculty expertise; lists student theses/dissertations; identifies research sponsors and contributions; and outlines the procedures for contacting the school. Included in the report are: faculty publications, conference presentations, consultations, and funded research projects. Research was conducted in the areas of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electro-Optics, Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Systems and Engineering Management, Operational Sciences, and Engineering Physics

Air Force Institute of Technology Research Report 2007

This report summarizes the research activities of the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management. It describes research interests and faculty expertise; lists student theses/dissertations; identifies research sponsors and contributions; and outlines the procedures for contacting the school. Included in the report are: faculty publications, conference presentations, consultations, and funded research projects. Research was conducted in the areas of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electro-Optics, Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Systems and Engineering Management, Operational Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering Physics