Expert Operator's Associate: A knowledge-based system for spacecraft control

Abstract

This paper presents the Expert Operator's Associate (EOA) project, which studies the applicability of Expert Systems to day-to-day space operations. A prototype Expert System is developed, which operates on-line with an existing spacecraft control system at the European Space Operations Centre, and functions as an “operator's assistant” in controlling satellites. The prototype is demonstrated using an existing real-time simulation model of the MARECS-B2 telecommunication satellite. By developing a prototype system, it is examined to what extent the reliability and effectiveness of operations can be enhanced by AI based support. In addition, the study examines the questions of acquisition and representation of the “knowledge” for such systems, and the feasibility of “migration” of some (currently) ground-based functions into future space-borne autonomous systems.