Autonomous Science Agents and Sensor Webs: EO-1 and Beyond

Abstract

An autonomous science agent, part of the New Millennium Space Technology 6 Project is currently flying onboard the Earth Observing One (EO-1) spacecraft. This software enables the spacecraft to autonomously detect and respond to science events occurring on the Earth. The package includes software systems that perform science data analysis, deliberative planning, and run-time robust execution. This software has demonstrated the potential for space missions to use onboard decision-making to detect, analyze, and respond to science events, and to downlink only the highest value science data. As a result, ground-based mission planning and analysis functions have been greatly simplified, thus reducing operations cost. We describe several technology infusions applications being developed. We also describe how the software has been used in conjunction with other satellites and ground sensors to form an autonomous sensor-Web