Simulation Tool for Satellite Constellation Mission Operations

Purpose and goal

This Vinnova support grant will enable us to develop a versatile tool for simulating satellite constellation mission operations and assessing payload specifications. This tool will aid in planning estimates for a ESA science medium-size mission proposal involving the launch of a constellation of three satellites to achieve groundbreaking scientific results and advance technological innovation in handling high volumes and rates of data with AI-based techniques.

Expected effects and result

We will develop a mission operation simulator based on the PASEOS Python package, created by AI Sweden and ESA. This simulator will allow us to define the satellite payload technical requirements for a medium-size mission. We will integrate and test AI models for several tasks. The simulation tool will be designed to be generally useful for other mission planning activities, including satellite constellations for early disaster alerts.

Planned approach and implementation

The mission operation simulator will include a spacecraft module to input technical specifications, monitor satellite status, design operation schedules, and provide satellite positions for observations. This will yield preliminary spacecraft specifications and mission resource requirements. AI models will be tested for optimizing mission operations and observations, comparing their performance with standard tools.