Multi-Mode Autonomous Mission Planning Approach for Earth Observation Satellites

Abstract

The autonomous mission planning method completes the arrangement and planning of imaging missions and data downlink missions on-board, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) for rapid response and convenient use. The existing mission planning methods of EOS generally use single mode, such as batch processing or periodic rolling planning which are difficult to handle changing conditions, emergency missions, and other complicated issues simultaneously. This paper proposes a multi-mode autonomous mission planning approach for EOS. The approach provides a collaborative scheduling mechanism for three planning modes, which include long-period mssion pre-planning mode, short-period rolling re-planning mode, and emergency mission dynamic planning mode. Finally, simulation results validates that the proposed method can plan missions considering the constraint conditions autonomously; re-plan the mission when the environment information has been changed; and plan the emergency missions on time.