Reconfigurable Satellite Planning Tool

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have been developing technology in support of Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Mission Objectives. A key element of the ORS objectives is to rapidly configure a satellite and launch it within 6 days. Another key element is the actual satellite design based on a set of mission requirements and constraints. There are no software tools or processes that enable the rapid design of satellites based on mission requirements and constraints. Star Technologies Corporation proposes to develop a “Reconfigurable Satellite Planning Tool” to support the rapid prototyping of satellites with reconfigurable payloads based on pre-defined missions. Star Technologies will leverage its experience in satellite design tool development: Spacecraft Design Tool (SDT) to rapidly implement and simulate satellites; 3D Visualizations to enhance understanding of satellite dynamic motions; Satellite Builder to autonomously place components on a spacecraft while rapidly going through thousands of configurations; Constellation Designer to develop the orbital properties for satellite coverage based on one satellite or a constellation of satellites. This effort will develop a taxonomy for interfacing with various COTS software tools as part of the planning software process. A mock-up will be developed and demonstrated.