Mission Control System Research Articles

Adaptive Mission Control Architecture with Flexible Levels of Autonomy

The future battlefield operation concept does not focus on advanced and complete weapon systems, but requires a new battlefield operation concept that can effectively demonstrate offensive power by combining a large number of low-cost, miniaturized weapons. Recently, research on the autonomous application of major technologies that make up the mission control system is actively underway. However, since the mission control system is still dependent on the operator's operating ability when operating multiple robots, there are limitations to simply applying the automation technology of the existing mission control system. Therefore, we understand how changes in operator capabilities affect multi-robot operation and propose an adaptive mission control architecture design method that supports multi-robot integrated operation by adjusting the level of autonomy of the mission control system according to changes in operator capability.

Adaptive AUV Mission Control System Tested in the Waters of Baffin Bay

The primary objectives of this paper are to test an adaptive sampling method for an autonomous underwater vehicle, specifically tailored to track a hydrocarbon plume in the water column. An overview of the simulation of the developed applications within the autonomous system is presented together with the subsequent validation achieved through field trials in an area of natural oil seeps near to Scott Inlet in Baffin Bay. This builds upon our prior published work in methodological development. The method employed involves an integrated backseat drive of the AUV, which processes in situ sensor data in real time, assesses mission status, and determines the next task. The core of the developed system comprises three modular components—Search, Survey, and Sample—each designed for independent and sequential execution. Results from tests in Baffin Bay demonstrate that the backseat drive operating system successfully accomplished mission goals, recovering water samples at depths of 20 m, 50 m, and 200 m before mission completion and vehicle retrieval. The principal conclusion drawn from these trials underscores the system’s resilience in enhanced decision autonomy and validates its applicability to marine pollutant assessment and mitigation.

COLSim, a simulator for Hybrid Navigation Acceptability and Safety

Autonomous vessels have emerged as a prominent and accepted solution. However, achieving full autonomy for marine vessels requires the development of robust and reliable mission planning and control systems that can handle various encounters with manned and unmanned vessels while operating effectively in various weather and sea conditions. These algorithms need to account for various aspects of a mission like global/local planning, manoeuvrability limitations, external disturbances, Collision Avoidance (COLAV), motion regulations. A significant challenge in this pursuit is ensuring the autonomous vessels’ compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). This paper proposes a (prototypical) realisation of an open-source simulator including replay of AIS Data. The aim of this simulator is to provide fast simulation feeded with real data and including autonomous agents.

Remote sensing mission sentinel pro: Analysis of satellite tracking, control, and health monitoring system with solar tracking capability

Nowadays, satellite systems are experiencing noticeable disruptive issues due to the single functionality, high cost of operations, and limited adaptability. This paper presents a satellite mission control system with RF duplex communication, which gives multiple functionalities and health monitoring systems with solar tracking capability. This aims to present a flexible and affordable solution called the Remote Sensing Mission Sentinel Pro Platform. The quantitative approach is used and implemented to trans-receive data from space and pass it to the ground station. Arduino-based prototype uses the nRF24L01 module with an antenna at the ground station to trans-receive satellite data has been developed. Testing and verifications of the developed platform prototype indicated that satellites could monitor key health parameters, including temperature, humidity, and battery charge capacity.

Success history applied to expert system for underwater glider path planning using differential evolution

This paper presents an application of a recently well performing evolutionary algorithm for continuous numerical optimization, Success-History Based Adaptive Differential Evolution Algorithm (SHADE) including Linear population size reduction (L-SHADE), to an expert system for underwater glider path planning (UGPP). The proposed algorithm is compared to other similar algorithms and also to results from literature. The motivation of this work is to provide an alternative to the current glider mission control systems, that are based mostly on multidisciplinary human-expert teams from robotic and oceanographic areas. Initially configured as a decision-support expert system, the natural evolution of the tool is targeting higher autonomy levels.To assess the performance of the applied optimizers, the test functions for UGPP are utilized as defined in literature, which simulate real-life oceanic mission scenarios. Based on these test functions, in this paper, the performance of the proposed application of L-SHADE to UGPP is aggregated using statistical analyis.The depicted fitness convergence graphs, final obtained fitness plots, trajectories drawn, and per-scenario analysis show that the new proposed algorithm yields stable and competitive output trajectories. Over the set of benchmark missions, the newly obtained results with a configured L-SHADE outperforms existing literature results in UGPP and ranks best over the compared algorithms. Moreover, some additional previously applied algorithms have been reconfigured to yield improved performance. Thereby, this new application of evolutionary algorithms to UGPP contributes significantly to the capacity of the decision-makers, when they use the improved UGPP expert system yielding better trajectories.

Development and Implementation of a High-Level Control System for the Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle VISOR3

This paper addresses the design and implementation of a high-level control system for the planning, supervision, and mission operation of the observation class remotely operated vehicle VISOR3. This work was developed following the Waterfall Model for the Software Development Life Cycle. First, a brief description of the ROV VISOR3 is made. Then, the functional and non-functional requirements, that are based on the ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2011 and were gathered from stakeholders, are presented. The software architecture is based on the standard ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010:2011. The implementation of the high-level control system is done by using a high-level programming environment using layers through parallel executed threads. This architecture establishes a flexible structure and guidelines that orient the implementation of future components for the mission control system of the ROV.

The Design of Fault Tolerant Dual System and Real Time Fault Detection for Countdown Time Generating System

In this paper, we propose a real-time fault monitoring and dual system design of the countdown time-generating system, which is the main component of the mission control system. The countdown time-generating system produces a countdown signal that is distributed to mission control system devices. The stability of the countdown signal is essential for the main launch-related devices because they perform reserved functions based on the countdown time information received from the countdown time-generating system. Therefore, a reliable and fault-tolerant design is required for the countdown time-generating system. To ensure system reliability, component devices should be redundant and faults should be monitored in real time to manage the device changeover from Active mode to Standby mode upon fault detection. In addition, designing different methods for mode changeover based on fault classification is necessary for appropriate changeover. This study presents a real-time fault monitoring and changeover system, which is based on the dual system design of countdown time-generating devices, as well as experiment on real-time fault monitoring and changeover based on fault inputs.

우리나라 지상시스템의 발전 전망 및 방향

우리나라 지상시스템은 위성 관제와 탑재체자료 처리를 위해서 1990년대부터 개발되기 시작하였다. 과학위성, 저궤도위성 및 정지궤도 지상시스템의 초기 개발 시에는 국제기술협력 등이 필요하였으나, 초기 기술 확보 이후에는 국내 독자 기술로 개발되기 시작하였다. 우리나라는 지금까지 총 14기의 지상시스템을 개발하였으며, 본 논문은 이러한 경험을 바탕으로 발전 전망 및 방향을 제시한다. 관제시스템은 재구성, 재사용, 자동화 기술을 기반으로 하는 다중위성 관제시스템 개발이 필요하다. 처리시스템은 다양한 탑재체자료 처리 기술의 확보와 처리정확도 향상을 위한 검보정 기술의 접목이 필요하다. 또한, 탑재체 자료 양의 증가로 인한 고속처리 기술 확보와 처리된 탑재체자료를 사용자 간에 사용하고 통합하는 상호운영성 연구가 필요하다. 끝으로, 다양한 종류의 많은 위성을 운영할 수 있도록 국내외에 분포된 안테나 등 국가 지상시스템 인프라 망 구축이 필요하다. Korean ground systems have started to be developed for mission control and payload data processing since 1990s. International technology cooperations were needed in the early development phase of ground system for science experiment satellite, LEO satellite and GEO satellite and then they have been developed as domestic own technology since acquiring early technology. Our country has developed total 14 ground systems until now, this paper suggests prospect and direction on ground system development in the base of such development experiences. Mission control system is needed to develop multi-satellite mission control system in the base of technology of re-configure, re-use and automation. Processing system is needed to acquire processing technology for kinds of payload sensor data and study inter-operation to integrate and use outputs which are processed between users. Finally, national ground system infrastructure is needed to operate kinds of lots of satellites at worldwide area.

Genetic algorithm-based scheduling for ground support of multiple satellites and antennae considering operation modes

Given the unpredictability of the space environment, satellite communications are manually performed by exchanging telecommands and telemetry. Ground support for orbiting satellites is given only during limited periods of ground antenna visibility, which can result in conflicts when multiple satellites are present. This problem can be regarded as a scheduling problem of allocating antenna support (task) to limited visibility (resource). To mitigate unforeseen errors and costs associated with manual scheduling and mission planning, we propose a novel method based on a genetic algorithm to solve the ground support problem of multiple satellites and antennae with visibility conflicts. Numerous scheduling parameters, including user priority, emergency, profit, contact interval, support time, remaining resource, are considered to provide maximum benefit to users and real applications. The modeling and formulae are developed in accordance with the characteristics of satellite communication. To validate the proposed algorithm, 20 satellites and 3 ground antennae in the Korean peninsula are assumed and modeled using the satellite tool kit (STK). The proposed algorithm is applied to two operation modes: (i) telemetry, tracking, and command and (ii) payload. The results of the present study show near-optimal scheduling in both operation modes and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm to actual mission control systems.

Multiple Model-Based Synchronization Approaches for Time Delayed Slaving Data in a Space Launch Vehicle Tracking System

Due to the inherent characteristics of the flight mission of a space launch vehicle (SLV), which is required to fly over very large distances and have very high fault tolerances, in general, SLV tracking systems (TSs) comprise multiple heterogeneous sensors such as radars, GPS, INS, and electrooptical targeting systems installed over widespread areas. To track an SLV without interruption and to hand over the measurement coverage between TSs properly, the mission control system (MCS) transfers slaving data to each TS through mission networks. When serious network delays occur, however, the slaving data from the MCS can lead to the failure of the TS. To address this problem, in this paper, we propose multiple model-based synchronization (MMS) approaches, which take advantage of the multiple motion models of an SLV. Cubic spline extrapolation, prediction through anα-β-γfilter, and a single model Kalman filter are presented as benchmark approaches. We demonstrate the synchronization accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed MMS approaches using the Monte Carlo simulation with the nominal trajectory data of Korea Space Launch Vehicle-I.

A university-based distributed satellite mission control network for operating professional space missions

For more than a decade, Santa Clara University׳s Robotic Systems Laboratory has operated a unique, distributed, internet-based command and control network for providing professional satellite mission control services for a variety of government and industry space missions. The system has been developed and is operated by students who become critical members of the mission teams throughout the development, test, and on-orbit phases of these missions. The mission control system also supports research in satellite control technology and hands-on student aerospace education. This system serves as a benchmark for its comprehensive nature, its student-centric nature, its ability to support NASA and industry space missions, and its longevity in providing a consistent level of professional services. This paper highlights the unique features of this program, reviews the network׳s design and the supported spacecraft missions, and describes the critical programmatic features of the program that support the control of professional space missions.

Boolean Networks-Based Auction Algorithm for Task Assignment of Multiple UAVs

This paper presents an application of Boolean networks-based auction algorithm (BNAA) for task assignment in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) systems. Under reasonable assumptions, the assignment framework consists of mission control system, communication network, and ground control station. As the improved algorithm of consensus-based bundle algorithm (CBBA), the BNAA utilizes a cluster-based combinatorial auction policy to handle multiple tasks. Instead of empirical method based on look-up table about conditional variables, Boolean network is introduced into consensus routine of BNAA for solving the conflict of assignment across the fleet of UAVs. As a new mathematic theory, semitensor product provides the implementation and theoretical proof of Boolean networks. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed BNAA method.

발사체 추적자료 후처리를 통한 비행궤적 생성

나로우주센터의 발사통제시스템은 우주발사체의 비행궤적과 상태정보를 감시하기 위하여 지상추적시스템(추적레이더 2대, 원격자료수신장비 4대, 광학추적장비 1대)으로부터 정보를 받아 처리한다. 각 추적장치는 주로 다중경로나 클러터, 전파굴절에 의해 자체 오차를 나타내고 있어 전송된 정보들 중 하나만을 이용해서는 우주발사체의 실제 궤적을 판별할 수 없다. 본 논문에서는 취득된 추적자료의 후처리를 통해 우주발사체 비행궤적을 생성해내는 방법을 제시한다. 본 후처리 알고리즘은 크게 대기의 전파굴절에 따른 오차를 보정하는 부분과 다중센서 정보를 융합하는 부분으로 나뉘며, 효과적인 센서 융합을 위해 등가속 운동모델에 기반한 분산식 칼만필터를 구성하였다. 실측 자료의 후처리 적용 결과, 어떤 단일 센서에 의한 것 보다 오차가 최소화된 발사궤적을 얻을 수 있었다. For monitoring the flight trajectory and the status of a launch vehicle, the mission control system in NARO space center process data acquired from the ground tracking system, which consists of two tracking radars, four telemetry stations, and one electro-optical tracking system. Each tracking unit exhibits its own tracking error mainly due to multi-path, clutter and radio refraction, and by utilizing only one among transmitted informations, it is not possible to determine the actual vehicle trajectory. This paper presents a way of generating flight trajectory via post-processing the data received from the ground tracking system. The post-processing algorithm is divided into two parts: compensation for atmosphere radio refraction and multi-sensor fusion, for which a decentralized Kalman filter was adopted and implemented based on constant acceleration model. Applications of the present scheme to real data resulted in the flight trajectory where the tracking errors were minimized than done by any one sensor.

Autonomous inspection of underwater structures

In the future our resource on land will be over exploited. The exploration of new resources in the ocean is in progress. Mining will be done on the bottom of the sea. The sea is also a big source of renewable energy. Off shore wind parks and tide plants are built. Also, the major world trade is handled over sea routes and several big harbors. All this maritime facilities are getting older and there are effects like corrosion or malfunctions. In general, they need to be inspected frequently. For deep sea applications, security reasons and cost reduction autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) will be the first choice.The project “CView” addresses one of these inspection problems, the harbor inspection. But the algorithms, we present in this article can be adapted to many other inspection tasks. One of the main goals in this project is to find cracks or damaged areas at the underwater buildings or to observe critical sections under water with cost effective methods.The platform for developing the guidance algorithms for inspection is the AUV “SeaCat”. This underwater vehicle has a control software system with an user interface for mission planning, a mission control system, a precise navigation system, optimized motor control with an autopilot and sensors for obstacle detection and inspection.For obstacle and inspection target detection, a scanning sonar is used. The sonar images are automatically processed with edge detection and line extraction algorithms to get a simplified environment description, which is used by the guidance methods presented in this article. A pan–tilt enabled sensor head with camera, laser measurement and MBES (Multi Beam Echo Sounder) is used to inspect the detected objects. Additionally, these sensors provide distance information to the inspection object which can be used by the inspection guidance.This article presents methods for inspection using the online information from the vehicle sensors to guide the vehicle efficient and safely. It is also important to handle the interaction between mission planning and execution. During mission planning, the operator will define the type of the inspection object (wall, vessel, sluice, etc.). The algorithms we develop use the information from the mission planning and the online data from the vehicle sensors to guide the vehicle to get the optimal inspection results. Therefore, a precise distance control to the inspection object, collision avoidance and object recognition are needed.

우주센터 발사통제시스템의 추적연동정보 처리기능 구현

우주센터 발사통제시스템의 추적연동정보 처리기능 구현

Analog Mars Rover Service as a Robotic Hardware and Team Building Platform

AbstractMagma White is an analog Mars rover platform created by ABM SE and offered to the developers of scientific equipment built for space exploration missions, who want to test their devices at low- and mid- Technology Readiness Levels in demanding conditions of desert, Alpine and polar regions or artificial environments. The rover offers a remote access to the payload through the Magma White mission control system. The paper summarizes the background of the analog solution. It covers universal interfacing setup and issues related to the team and technological partners, who supply elements of the payloads. Two analog missions provide a case study: Dachstein 2012, when “WISDOM” ground penetrating radar for Exomars was tested onboard Magma White, and Morocco 2013, with “L.I.F.E.” payload and complete remote access from Europe.

소형 무인기들의 군집비행을 위한 운영 네트워크 시스템과 PILS 개발

In this paper, a operation network system equipped with onboard wireless communication systems and ground-based mission control systems is proposed for swarm flight of small UAVs. This operating system can be divided into two networks, UAV communication network and ground control system. The UAV communication network is intend to exchange the informations of navigation, mission and flight status with minimum time delay. The ground control system consisted of mission control systems and UDP network. Proposed operation network system can make a swarm flight of various UAVs, execute complex missions decentralizing mission to several UAVs and cooperte several missions. Finally, PILS environments are developed based on the total operating system.

복수 무인기 네트워크 통합 운영 시스템 개발

본 논문에서는 복수 무인기의 편대 비행을 위한 탑재 무선 통신 및 임무통제 네트워크 (지상관제시스템)를 포함하는 통합 운영 시스템의 구성 방안을 제시한다. 이를 위해 편대비행을 위한 무인기에 탑재되는 시스템들의 구성 형태에 따라 다양한 운영 시스템들을 분류하였다. 또한 각각의 운영 시스템에 대한 장단점 및 고장에 대한 신뢰성을 파악하였다. 이 결과를 바탕으로 편대기의 임무비행을 수행하는데 있어 적절한 운영 시스템의 형태를 결정하고 구성 요소들을 개발하였다. 제안된 운영 시스템을 이용하면, 이종의 비행체로 편대를 구성할 수 있으며, 복잡한 임무를 여러 무인기에 나누어 수행 가능하고, 단일 임무의 협업 또는 다양한 임무의 동시 수행이 가능하다. In this paper, a total operating environment equipped with onboard wireless communication systems and ground-based mission control systems is proposed for simultaneous operation of multiple UAVs. A variety of operating structures are studied and classified systematically based on types and usages of the components. For each operating system, the strength, weakness and reliability aspects are investigated. Based on these results, a proper operating system configuration is determined and components are developed for mission formation flight. Proposed system can make a formation flight of various UAVs, execute complex missions decentralizing mission to several UAVs and cooperate several missions.

An efficient multi-vehicle multi-criteria mission planning and control system for autonomous underwater vehicles

In their study, Tavana and Bourgeois (2010) proposed a multi-criteria decision analysis model that considered dynamic and episodic phenomenon on the surface of the ocean and provided specific navigation plans. They showed that the transect for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) includes not only the desired horizontal path, but also the depth range that the vehicle will operate in. They argued that the current models should be extended to include considerations that change vertically, that is, with different ocean depths. They also suggested expansion of the current models to cooperative teams of AUVs and showed that working together will allow underwater vehicles to complete tasks that could not be completed by a single vehicle. This study extends their model by: reducing the number of judgements required to generate the navigation scores within the decision region; considering ocean depth and finding the navigation scores for the ocean surface and interior; and developing a model which derives an optimal allocation of multiple vehicles to various locations within the decision region. The proposed framework is an efficient multi-vehicle multi-criteria mission planning and control system that considers ocean phenomenon on the surface and in the interior and provides an optimal allocation of vehicles with respect to the stated objective and subjective mission goals.

Towards a Deliberative Mission Control System for an AUV

In this paper it is investigated how to introduce onboard planning capabilities onto a reactive control architecture. Our proposal includes a reactive layer composed by several vehicle primitives, a safe control execution layer based on Petri nets and a deliberative layer combining a planner and a world modeler. A case with practical applicability is studied to illustrate the viability of the whole system and its possible application to the Ictineu AUV.