Self-organising satellite constellation in geostationary Earth orbit

Mushet, G., Mingotti, G., Colombo, C. and McInnes, C. (2015) Self-organising satellite constellation in geostationary Earth orbit. IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 51(2), pp. 910-923. (doi: 10.1109/TAES.2014.130690)

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Abstract

This paper presents a novel solution to the problem of autonomous task allocation for a self-organizing satellite constellation in Earth orbit. The method allows satellites to cluster themselves above targets on the Earth’s surface. This is achieved using Coupled Selection Equations (CSE) - a dynamical systems approach to combinatorial optimization whose solution tends asymptotically towards a Boolean matrix describing the pairings of satellites and targets which solves the relevant assignment problems. Satellite manoeuvers are actuated by an Artificial Potential Field method which incorporates the CSE output. Three demonstrations of the method’s efficacy are given - first with equal numbers of satellites and targets, then with a satellite surplus, including agent failures, and finally with a fractionated constellation. Finally, a large constellation of 100 satellites is simulated to demonstrate the utility of the method in future swarm mission scenarios. The method provides efficient solutions with quick convergence, is robust to satellite failures, and hence appears suitable for distributed, on-board autonomy.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:"(c) 2015 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other users, including reprinting/ republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted components of this work in other works."
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Colombo, Camilla and McInnes, Professor Colin
Authors: Mushet, G., Mingotti, G., Colombo, C., and McInnes, C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems
Publisher:Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ISSN:0018-9251
ISSN (Online):1557-9603
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 IEEE
First Published:First published in IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems 51(2):910-923
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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