Human-Machine System Design for Autonomous Distributed Satellite Operations

Distributed Satellite Systems (DSS) provide a promising solution in increasing the sustainability of both the space and terrestrial environment through responsive Earth Observation (EO) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations. To exploit the advantages of DSS mission architectures, a technical evolution is required from the deliberative methodologies of traditional ground station operations to approaches that are more suited to autonomous, reactive space mission architectures. At its core, this transition is directly reflected in the design, and development of new, more autonomous Mission Planning Systems that adopt the Adaptive Multi-Agent System (AMAS) framework. With a view towards trusted autonomy, this paper explores the required evolution towards a more supervisory role of future ground station operations. In doing so, this paper provides an initial analysis of a conceptual goal-based distributed space-based SDA application within the Observe Orient Decide and Act (OODA) decision loop framework.