A Distributed Satellite Operations Testbed for Anomaly Management Experimentation

Abstract

The controlled evaluation of advanced anomaly management algorithms for space systems is often impeded by the operational inflexibility and risk adverse policies that are often necessary for conducting real-time operations that involve highly sophisticated spacecraft performing critical missions. To address this situation, Santa Clara University has developed a simple but functional satellite operations system that is routinely used to operationally support on-orbit spacecraft while also providing the ability to introduce, verify, and validate new operational innovations. This study involves the use of this satellite operations system to provide initial experimental feedback regarding the use of model-based approaches for performing automated anomaly management tasks. Contributions include the development of ground/space-segment simulation models for existing ground facilities and a test spacecraft with fault injection features as well as the successful use of these models with implemented reasoning algorithms to quickly [~ tenths of seconds] and accurately detect and diagnose anomalies in both the test spacecraft and the communication stations.