Scheduling Multiple Agile Earth Observation Satellites for Oversubscribed Targets Using Complex Networks Theory

Xinwei Wang,Yi Gu,Rui Zhang,Chao Han

doi:10.1109/access.2019.2925704

Xinwei Wang, Yi Gu + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2019.2925704

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Abstract

The Earth observation satellites (EOSs) scheduling is of great importance to achieve efficient observation missions. The agile EOSs (AEOS) with stronger attitude maneuvering capacity can greatly improve observation efficiency while increasing scheduling complexity. The multiple AEOSs, oversubscribed targets scheduling problem with multiple observations are addressed, and the potential observation missions are modeled as nodes in the complex networks. To solve the problem, an improved feedback structured heuristic is designed by defining the node and target importance factors. On the basis of a real world Chinese AEOS constellation, simulation experiments are conducted to validate the heuristic efficiency in comparison with a constructive algorithm and a structured genetic algorithm.

Highlights

Earth observation satellites (EOSs) equipped with unique cameras are specially designed to execute Earth observation missions
The multiple-observation requirements cannot be completely satisfied; we aim to develop an agile EOSs (AEOS) scheduling model with multiple observations to fill in the gap
The parameters and strategies of structured genetic algorithm (SGA) are given as follows

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Earth observation satellites (EOSs) equipped with unique cameras are specially designed to execute Earth observation missions. Wang et al [40] modeled a single AEOS scheduling problem in complex networks, regarding each node as a discrete observation mission. The desired observation number for each target is designed as an input parameter according to user requirements, and the multiple-observation model is established in complex networks with attitude transformation, energy and memory capacity constraints. The available time windows can be expressed as VIijk in each orbit k ∈ Oij. In accordance with to the complex networks theory, this paper intends to establish network nodes representing potential observation missions.

MATHEMATICAL FORMULATIONS

Findings

CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS