A Review of Automation in Small Satellite Operations

In the context of congested orbital space, the proliferation of small satellite constellations aims to enhance resilience and responsiveness in on-orbit systems. The escalating number and diversity of small satellites and the need for inter-satellite coordination pose operational challenges. Chief among these challenges is that the quantity of operators needed to fully utilize these deployed systems is prohibitively large and expensive; further, operators simply may not be responsive enough to events. Automated systems, both on-board and ground-based, offer a viable solution to streamline various operational tasks. The integration of automation mitigates the operational burden, minimizes errors originating from human intervention, and enhances schedule efficiency and response time. This paper provides an examination of methodologies employed in automated small satellite operations, encompassing fault analysis and mission planning. It will also consider the creation of trusted systems using human-machine interfaces. Further, this investigation will encompass the development and application of high-fidelity predictive models using analytical and data-driven techniques. Questions that are addressed include: can satellite behavior be predicted reliably; what telemetry is needed for effective automation of mission planning; and what data from assembly, integration and testing (AI&T) can aid in model creation. This research discusses the implementation of key methods identified in the survey, utilizing simulated and/or real-world data, and assesses their effectiveness. Additionally, this work explores promising avenues for future research, addressing potential challenges and opportunities. Preliminary results are presented for select promising paths, shedding light on the feasibility and potential benefits of the proposed solutions.