Task Scheduling for Satellite Based Imagery

Abstract

Observation satellites have a limited window of opportunity for imaging or taking measurements of a given target area, dictated by orbit considerations. In low Earth orbit (typically 400 to 1200km altitude), a ground object will be in view for a few minutes at most. Depending on the mode of operation of the satellite, the data-taking window may range from a few minutes down to only a small fraction of a second. The scheduling problem then is one of achieving the maximum efficiency of use of a satellite. Traditionally, this has been achieved by teams of ground planners who write, check and recheck procedures.