Method for Design of ‘smart’ Spacecraft Onboard Decision Making in Case of Limited Onboard Resources

Abstract

The paper is devoted to method for design of real-time spacecraft onboard control algorithms. This kind of algorithms should provide onboard decision making in process of organization of synchronized cooperation of different onboard equipment. The right and valid onboard decision making is extremely important for the success of space exploration missions. The special aspect of complexity of such algorithms is related to limited available onboard resources – electric energy, computer power, etc. Correct decision making should take into account the limits of these resources. The paper introduces the mathematical models for onboard resources, equipment and devices and their working modes because the important issue is considering the levels of consumes of onboard resources by each onboard device in particular mode. Also, we present some prototypes of software tool allowing automated checking of existing algorithms whether they violate the resource constraints as well as the design of new algorithms from scratch.