Publications Conference paper · Mega-constellations · 2024

Constellation Autonomy: AI Solutions for Adaptable and Efficient Operations

Evridiki Ntagiou, Pierre Choukroun, Juan A. Fraire, Holger Hermanns, Petr Kubasta, Gregory Stock, Rafael José Badell Fabelo, Yusra Al-Khazraji, Sepideh Rahimian, Septika Pedi Artati, Jeremy Pierce-Mayer, Erica Rapp, Pierrick Houédé, Franck Appaix, and Marc Spigai

International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Space Operations Symposium, pp. 303–316, 2024

Publisher’s version

Abstract

The space industry is experiencing a boom in satellite constellation launches, with both institutional and industry missions involving numerous collaborative spacecraft. These constellations provide continuous global coverage and improved network capabilities for Positioning, Telecommunications, and Earth Observation. At the same time, the trend towards “New Space” involves deploying smaller, cost-effective satellites that are part of larger systems, increasing the complexity and variety of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), as well as stratospheric platforms. As the number of satellites grows, managing these complex networks becomes more challenging, necessitating advanced computational methods and real-time replanning. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key tool to handle this complexity, offering new capabilities for optimizing and automating satellite network management. The European Space Operations Centre, along with GMV, Saarland University, Thales Alenia Space France, and other major operators, is exploring how AI can enhance constellation management. The work focuses on using Reinforcement Learning (RL) to optimize resource use and improve routing in large constellations. This approach aims to surpass traditional optimization methods, providing a scalable and flexible decision-making process crucial for managing dynamic and complex satellite networks.

Cite

DOI 10.52202/078367-0034

BibTeX

@inproceedings{ntagiou2024constellation,
  author    = {Ntagiou, Evridiki and Choukroun, Pierre and Fraire, Juan A. and Hermanns, Holger and Kubasta, Petr and Stock, Gregory and Badell Fabelo, Rafael Jos{\'e} and Al-Khazraji, Yusra and Rahimian, Sepideh and Artati, Septika Pedi and Pierce-Mayer, Jeremy and Rapp, Erica and Hou{\'e}d{\'e}, Pierrick and Appaix, Franck and Spigai, Marc},
  title     = {Constellation Autonomy: {AI} Solutions for Adaptable and Efficient Operations},
  booktitle = {International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Space Operations Symposium},
  pages     = {303--316},
  publisher = {IAF},
  year      = {2024},
  doi       = {10.52202/078367-0034}
}

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