American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2006 · 171 citations · 0 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringSystems EngineeringAstrodynamicsEmbedded SystemsSpacecraft DesignCluster ArchitectureMission RequirementsResponsive ArchitectureSpace ExplorationSpacecraft ConfigurationSystems Engineering For SpacecraftModular Spacecraft DesignModular Spacecraft StructuresOperational RequirementsReconfigurable Spacecraft ArchitecturesSpace Communication SystemsSpace-based ArchitectureSpacecraft Architecture DesignSpacecraft Layout
Monolithic spacecraft are notoriously unresponsive to changing operational or technical conditions. The authors aim to define responsive space and propose fractionated spacecraft as a paradigm to enable rapid reaction to uncertainty. They outline a fractionated architecture in which a satellite is decomposed into component modules that interact wirelessly in cluster orbits, and survey enabling technologies and DARPA’s System F6 initiative. They conclude that fractionation yields responsiveness at all spacecraft sizes, including very large systems that would otherwise be infeasible.
Abstract : We propose a definition for responsive space that encompasses the speed with which a space system - broadly defined - can be made to react to various forms of uncertainty, ranging from geopolitical operational requirements to technical failures to fluctuations in the acquisition funding stream. We note that the ever-larger monolithic spacecraft of today are notoriously unresponsive. We then suggest a novel architectural paradigm, which we call fractionated spacecraft, whereby a satellite is decomposed into a set of similar or dissimilar component modules which interact wirelessly while in cluster orbits. A perfunctory survey of enabling technologies and an overview of the objectives of the forthcoming System F6 initiative at DARPA is provided. Given our more formal definition of responsiveness and this new proposed architecture, we conclude that spacecraft fractionation results in responsiveness across all possible scales of spacecraft size, including very large spacecraft systems that are only made possible by fractionation.