NASA/DoD University Nano-Satellites for Distributed Spacecraft Control

Commonly referred to as 'virtual platforms', 'formation flying', 'virtual spacecraft', the implementation of Distributed Spacecraft Control technologies is being aggressively pursued internal and external of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Distributed spacecraft control architectures are characterized by interactions between spacecraft, cooperation between spacecraft, and common behavior among spacecraft within a constellation or formation. Collectively, these attributes enable a distributed network of individual spacecraft to act collaboratively as a single functional unit that exhibits a common system wide capability. Such capabilities will usher in the next generation of NASA Earth and Space science missions through the exploitation of new vantage points, the development of new sensing strategies and revolutionary measurement concepts, and the implementation of system-wide techniques which promote agility, adaptability, the ability to evolve over time, scalability, and affordability within mission concepts. A broad set of technology products is required to address the challenges presented within distributed spacecraft control architectures. Several technology development programs sponsored by NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) have been or are now supporting efforts to develop these products. Building off the individual technology development programs and the foundations laid, DoD and NASA are teaming with one another to address common challenges, take advantage of the resources and opportunities available, and expedite the development and subsequent infusion of distributed spacecraft control technologies. The DoD University Nano-Satellite Program is serving as a focal point for such collaborative efforts. Introduction and Objectives The NASA Cross-Enterprise Technology Development Program (CETDP) is responsible for the development of critical space technologies that lower cost, improve performance, and enable new missions. The CETDP focuses on long-range strategic technologies that have broad potential to span the needs of the NASA Earth Sciences Enterprise, Space Sciences Enterprise, and Human Exploration and Development of Space Enterprise. Distributed spacecraft control technologies (more commonly referred to as 'virtual platforms', 'formation flying', or 'virtual spacecraft') represent a key enabling technology for the next generation NASA missions (Table 1) and as a result a key investment area for the CETDP program. Distributed spacecraft control architectures are characterized by interactions between spacecraft, cooperation between spacecraft, and collective behavior among spacecraft within a constellation or formation. Interaction among spacecraft enables information related to the state of the formation to be shared and incorporated within the management of the formation. Introducing concepts such as decision making, hierarchical control, decentralized control, etc., within the management of the formation enables spacecraft to cooperate with one another. Such cooperative schemes will enable greater optimization of formation control parameters such as fuel consumption and time to configure/re-configure as well as increased flexibility and autonomy within the control of the formation to support the ability to adapt to changing conditions, requirements, and anomalies. Combining appropriate levels of interaction and cooperation within the management of the formation, desired behaviors emerge and enable the formation to perform as a single functional unit (versus a collection of independent assets) in response to the objectives of the mission being flown.