Cost and risk analysis of small satellite constellations for earth observation

Nag, Sreeja; LeMoigne, Jacqueline; Weck, Olivier L. de

doi:10.1109/aero.2014.6836396

Cited by 39 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 26 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…star tracker accuracies) will be checked if COTS supported and if downlink channels for the required data rates can be obtained [26]. Cost has been discussed in previous literature [29] so will not be detailed here.…”

Section: �I Nputmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Science based errors can be traded against the cost of increasing the number/size of satellites in and complexity of the DSM [29] for making value-centric decisions in engineering design [7]. Individual steps are not discussed in detail because the scope of this paper is only in evaluating whether the science performance maximizing results are technically supportable.…”

Section: Science Performance Mo Delmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reference [29] has described the cost sizing modules. Discussed below are some subsystem models that will used to determine the fe asibility of the generated architectures, applied in the next section.…”

Section: Subsystem Sizing Mo Delsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Subsystem support feasibility for formation flight measuring Bi-directional Reflectance

Nag

Cahoy

Weck

2015

2015 IEEE Aerospace Conference

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Distributed Spacecraft Missions can be used to improve science performance in earth remote sensing by increasing the sampling in one or more of five dimensions: spatial, temporal, angular, spectral and radiometric. This paper identifies a gap in the angular sampling abilities of traditional monolithic spacecraft and proposes to address it using small satellite clusters in formation flight. The angular performance metric chosen to be Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF), which describes the directional and spectral variation of reflectance of a surface element at any time instant. Current monolithic spacecraft sensors estimate it by virtue of their large swath (e.g. MODIS, POLDER), multiple forward and aft sensors (e.g. MISR, ATSR) and autonomous maneuverability (e.g. CHRIS, SPECTRA). However, their planes of measurement and angular coverage are limited. This study evaluates the technical feasibility of using clusters of nanosatellites in formation flight, each with a VNIR (visible and near infra-red) imaging spectrometer, to make multi-spectral reflectance measurements of a ground target, at different zenith and azimuthal angles simultaneously. Feasibility is verified for the following mission critical, inter-dependent modules that need to be customized to fit specific angular and spectral requirements: cluster geometry (and global orbits), guidance, navigation and control systems (GNC), payload, onboard processing and communication. Simulations using an integrated systems engineering and science evaluation tool indicate initial feasibility of all listed subsystems.

show abstract

Section: �I Nputmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Science Performance Mo Delmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Subsystem support feasibility for formation flight measuring Bi-directional Reflectance

Nag

Cahoy

Weck

2015

2015 IEEE Aerospace Conference

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The simplest imaging mode [13] for formation flight is assumed for this paper where a constant satellite is chosen as reference and looking nadir, while others point to the ground spot below the reference. Trades and design of the payload [7], subsystem capabilities to support such a mission [11], appropriate cost models [42] and coupling with appropriate OSSE models [2], [12], [13], [43] have been discussed in other literature. The science evaluation model [2], [13], [44] is based on complex BRDF models and validated against data collected by the airborne Cloud Absorption Radiometer (CAR) instrument, developed and operated by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) [16] [20].…”

Section: Proposed Framework For Multi-angular Tradespace Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

A framework for orbital performance evaluation in Distributed Space Missions for earth observation

Nag

LeMoigne

Miller

et al. 2015

2015 IEEE Aerospace Conference

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract-Distributed Space Missions (DSMs) are gaining momentum in their application to earth science missions owing to their unique ability to increase observation sampling in angular, spatial, spectral and temporal dimensions simultaneously. DSM architectures have a large number of design variables and since they are expected to increase mission flexibility, scalability, evolvability and robustness, their design is a complex problem with many variables and objectives affecting performance. There are few open-access tools available to explore the tradespace of variables which allow performance assessment and are easy to plug into science goals, and therefore select the most optimal design. This paper presents a software framework developed on the MATLAB engine interfacing with STK, for DSM orbit design and selection. The associated tool is capable of generating thousands of homogeneous constellation or formation flight architectures based on pre-defined design variable ranges and sizing those architectures in terms of pre-defined performance metrics. The metrics can be input into observing system simulation experiments, as available from the science teams, allowing dynamic coupling of science and engineering designs. Design variables include constellation type, formation flight type, instrument view, altitude and inclination of chief orbits, differential orbital elements, leader satellites, latitudes or regions of interest, planes and satellite numbers. Intermediate performance metrics include angular coverage, number of accesses, revisit coverage, access deterioration over time at every point of the Earth's grid. The orbit design process can be streamlined and variables more bounded along the way, owing to the availability of low fidelity and low complexity models such as corrected HCW equations up to high precision STK models with J2 and drag. The tool can thus help any scientist or program manager select pre-Phase A, Pareto optimal DSM designs for a variety of science goals without having to delve into the details of the engineering design process. This paper uses cases measurements for multi-angular earth observation to demonstrate the applicability of the tool.

show abstract

“…A concurrent optimization formulation of space station system is proposed and the cost is analyzed in reference [2,3,4]. Cost of small satellite constellation for earth observation is analyzed in reference [5]. Although existing researches mostly concentrate on the theory and are lack of sufficient engineering practice, they also provide profound theoretical basis for cost analysis in many application areas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimization Framework for Cost Estimating of On-orbit Refueling Mission

Wang¹,

Wang²,

Li³

2017

dtetr

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. In this paper, a method to analyze and optimize the cost of on-orbit refueling mission is proposed and developed. On-orbit refueling optimization framework which aims to minimize service cost of spacecraft is established. In order to analyze the best on-orbit refueling strategy, cost models of both disposable and reusable spacecraft that could offer propellant-loading operation are built up and cost elements are classified on basis of spacecraft cost model. Numerical results show that the reusable spacecraft has more advantages than the conventional disposable spacecraft. According to optimization, the refueling period of reusable spacecraft is shorter than the disposable one and the total cost is lower. Also, the cost of reusable spacecraft, closely related to the development of technology, plays the most important role in the overall cost of on-orbit refueling mission.

show abstract

Cost and risk analysis of small satellite constellations for earth observation

Cited by 39 publications

References 26 publications

Subsystem support feasibility for formation flight measuring Bi-directional Reflectance

Subsystem support feasibility for formation flight measuring Bi-directional Reflectance

A framework for orbital performance evaluation in Distributed Space Missions for earth observation

Optimization Framework for Cost Estimating of On-orbit Refueling Mission

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About