State Modeling and Pass Automation in Spacecraft Control

Abstract

The Integrated Monitoring and Control COTS System (IMACCS) was developed as a proof-of-concept to show that commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products could be integrated to provide spacecraft ground support faster and cheaper than current practices. A key component of IMACCS is the Altair Mission Control System (AMCS), one of several commercial packages available for satellite command and control. It is distinguished from otherwise similar tools by its implementation of Finite State Modeling as part of its expert system capability. Using the Finite State Modeling and State Transition capabilities of the ALTAIR Mission Control System (AMCS), IMACCS was enhanced to provide automated monitoring, routine pass support, anomaly resolution, and emergency "lights on again" response. Orbit determination and production of typical flight dynamics products, such as acquisition times and vectors, have also been automated.