MIDAS (Managed Intelligent Deconfliction and Scheduling) is an advanced satellite scheduling software designed to automate and optimize the scheduling of satellite communications. By using artificial intelligence, MIDAS simplifies the complex task of deconflicting SCN (Satellite Control Network) communication requests, reducing the workload for human schedulers. This tool rapidly resolves scheduling conflicts, allowing for faster, more efficient planning and execution. MIDAS can also assess the impact of potential changes, such as equipment expansions or mission shifts. With its user-friendly interface and compatibility with legacy systems, MIDAS enhances operational efficiency, making it a valuable asset for both military and commercial satellite operations.
Operations Scheduling
MIDAS (Managed Intelligent Deconfliction and Scheduling) for the Air Force Satellite Control Network
PASAP (Phased Array Smart Allocation and Planning)
Stottler Henke’s Phased Array Smart Allocation and Planning (PASAP) tool leverages artificial intelligence to optimize Geodesic Dome Phased Array Antenna (GDPAA) communication. PASAP features a smart beam allocation algorithm that efficiently assigns beams to transmit/receive modules without overloading. It also includes a modified path planning algorithm, originally developed for the U.S. Army, to ensure effective beam path management across the antenna’s topography. While designed for GDPAA, PASAP’s flexible framework can be adapted to various phased array systems. This tool improves satellite communication capacity, reduces manual scheduling efforts, and demonstrates the potential of AI in optimizing complex antenna systems.
Aurora-KSC
Since the 1990s, Stottler Henke has collaborated with NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to develop intelligent scheduling systems for efficient ground operations. The Automated Manifest Planner (AMP) and its successor, Aurora/AMP, were used to schedule Space Shuttle preparation and refurbishment activities. Aurora software also managed resources at the Space Station Processing Facility. The latest version, Aurora-KSC, enhances scheduling for the Space Launch System, offering near-optimal schedules, faster response times, and reduced reliance on skilled planners. Aurora uses artificial intelligence to handle complex scheduling tasks, outperforming conventional software. It’s used by Boeing, NASA, and other major organizations for mission-critical planning.
Aurora AMP (Automated Manifest Planner) for Space Shuttle Scheduling
Stottler Henke developed advanced space applications scheduling software, including the Automated Manifest Planner (AMP) and its successor Aurora, to assist NASA with planning and scheduling intricate space missions. These systems were crucial for efficiently managing space shuttle ground operations, optimizing resource allocation, and determining launch dates. The software allowed NASA to quickly generate near-optimal schedules, perform “what-if” studies, and handle mission uncertainties. Aurora’s AI-driven scheduling system encoded expert knowledge and applied sophisticated decision-making rules to solve challenging scheduling problems more efficiently than traditional methods. Aurora significantly improved scheduling for NASA, including payload and vehicle processing activities, reducing manual effort and improving mission coordination.
SSN Scheduling
A new satellite scheduling algorithm has been developed to optimize the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) schedule using existing sensor resources. By taking the space catalog and covariance matrices as input, the algorithm generates a globally optimized observation schedule for each sensor site. This approach improves space catalog accuracy by ensuring more complementary tracking, better real-time responsiveness, and efficient use of sensors, especially for tracking small debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) and deep space objects. Operational use of this algorithm can increase observation efficiency, minimize errors, and allow for better task prioritization, all with the same sensor resources.
OPIR Scheduling
The Aurora Intelligent Scheduling Framework has been applied to optimize the Joint JOPC’s satellite OPIR scheduling, which handles billions of dollars in OPIR assets daily. The JOPC manually receives and attempts to optimize sensor usage for defense and intelligence requests, but the sheer volume of requests challenges even expert schedulers. Building on the Aurora-based OPIR Scheduler prototype, a full-scale, operational system was developed and integrated with real-world data. Additionally, a similar SSN sensor scheduler for the NSDC is in development. Both systems aim to reduce manpower, improve schedule quality, and handle more complex requests, significantly boosting efficiency.
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