SATELLITE CLUSTER CONTROL IN THE DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE SIMULATION LABORATORY

Abstract

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate (VS), is developing an advanced, space-based, sparse-array aperture system, called TechSat 21. TechSat 21 will be a cluster of micro-satellites that operate cooperatively to perform the function of a larger, single satellite at lower cost. AFRL is assembling a computer laboratory in which to support TechSat 21 development. The Distributed Architecture Simulation Laboratory provides high-fidelity simulations, visual displays, analysis tools, and Satellite Cluster Control. Satellite Cluster Control is flight software and hardware, communication links, telemetry analysis, and command and control.