PROJECT TITLE: Multispacecraft Constellation Initialization and Trajectory Optimization using Genetic based Machine Learning Techniques
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Multiple-spacecraft missions, under either centralized or coordinatedcontrol, are rapidly emerging as a principal component of current and future planned space missions. Using relatively low-cost micro-spacecraft architectures, they offer enhanced mission robustness with reduced overall mission costs when compared to traditional single-spacecraft missions. Programs such as NASA's New Millenium DS-3 Separated Spacecraft Interferometer and Planet Finder missions, together with commercial multi-satellite constellations (IRIDIUM, Teledesic) highlight the immediate need for effective multi-spacecraft control and autonomy technologies. Such formation flying introduces new challenges in control technology in order to meet desired specifications for successful mission completion. While fixed-formation maneuvering has been at the forefront of multi-spacecraft research, relatively little progress has been made for the constellation initialization problem, due to its unique difficulties for traditional trajectory optimization and control. This project addresses constellation initialization by proposing a novel technique for solving the implicit dynamic programming/global optimization problem using Genetics-Based Machine Learning (GBML) techniques. Such algorithms have already been successfully applied for machine-learning of complex maneuvers for advanced fighter combat, which poses similarly complex challenges to that of multi-spacecraft constellation initialization. A GBML Toolbox will be developed and commercialized for solving complex, multi-system, multi-controller optimization problems.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The development of the above core learning technologies in machine learning and dynamic optimization will serve as a foundation for Phase III commercialization. Multi-spacecraft trajectory optimization has a direct market in the growing communications sector, with the advent of global satellite constellations (IRIDIUM, Teledesic, GlobalStar). Other applications of this technology are for multi-system and multi-controller engineering systems which present disparate sensing, control, actuation and optimization objectives.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Sanjeev Seereeram
Scientific Systems Co., Inc.
500 West Cummings Pk, S-3000
Woburn , MA 01801
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Scientific Systems Company, Inc.
500 W. Cummings Park Suite 3000
Woburn , MA 01801-6503