A Distributed Guidance and Control System for Satellite Constellations

Accurate Automation Corporation

Chattanooga, TN

Develop the distributed real-time adaptive guidance and control architecture for constellation flying

• Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) developed two satellite simulation models
• Developed an enhanced simulation model and genetic algorithm performance index for the satellite constellation DG&C system
• Upgraded the exponentially stable controller and developed a new nonlinear adaptive critic based controller
• A predictive control algorithm has been developed that anticipates and has applications in sequencing and optimizing vehicle paths
• Performed a simulation based analysis of the full satellite constellation DG&C systems, and ran selected test cases
• Modified the fitness function to include an evaluation of the minimum distance between any two satellites using minimum delta-V formation flying of satellite constellations

• The distributed satellite constellation and control system for satellite constellations developed in this program is designed to support space based communications satellite systems planned for ground control of free flight aircraft, the insertion of a new satellite into a constellation which can be used by NASA, DoD, and the commercial satellite industry
• Phase III potential includes Accurate Automation Corporation working with a major contractor for future spacecraft
• The predictive control algorithm will be commercialized in a number of unmanned systems that support Army, Navy, and Air Force applications

• This research program supports NASA Goddard's Strategic Goal of being an international Center of Excellence in space science and technology
• To meet these objectives, Accurate Automation Corporation has: developed an enhanced simulation model and genetic algorithm performance index for the satellite constellation DG&C system, upgraded the exponentially stable controller and developed a new nonlinear adaptive critic based controller, performed a simulation based analysis of the full satellite constellation DG&C systems, and run selected test cases on NASA Goddard's Formation Flying Testbed

Return to NASA STTR Success Listings