An integrated system view of space power autonomy

System designers, the military, and NASA have all identified the need for autonomous spacecraft operation. Generally, autonomous operation has been divided into several levels, or categories, depending upon the degree of autonomy. Many studies have identified the power subsystem, whose proper operation is essential to spacecraft survival, as a prime candidate for automation. The major thrust of this paper is to survey prior system-level studies to determine various degrees and classes of autonomy and to translate system requirements to the power subsystem level. A new view of power subsystem autonomy is provided by relating time duration of autonomous activities to ground station philosophy, mission, and specific functions.