It is no secret that the increasing number of satellites requires extra effort to monitor and conduct safe operations. Increasing the number of operators could temporarily solve the problem at the price of higher mission costs. However, as the commercial space sector expands, a new approach is desperately needed.
The question is — how can we reduce the workload on operators while allowing for substantial cost savings over the entire mission duration?
Automation is the answer. Among the wide range of ground operations, flight dynamics operations are particularly well-suited for automation.
As an astrodynamics project manager with 10 years of experience in the space industry, I've seen firsthand how understanding these automation concepts and technologies can lead to more efficient operations, especially when dealing with multiple missions or satellite constellations.
In the following, we will go into the key automation aspects and the technologies that make them possible, showing you how we can revolutionize flight dynamics operations.
Automation: A Game-Changer for Flight Dynamics
Flight Dynamics operations involve tasks, such as orbit determination, orbit prediction, and maneuver planning. By leveraging advanced software and intelligent systems, flight dynamics teams can transform their operations, gaining several benefits:
- Higher Efficiency: Automation allows the handling of multiple missions or satellite constellations without the need for proportional increases in human resources.
- Quick Response: Automation reduces reaction times during time-critical operations, such as preparing for collision avoidance maneuvers.
- Error Reduction: Automated systems can significantly minimize human errors, leading to more reliable operations.
- Time Management: Tasks can be executed at inconvenient times, such as during weekends or public holidays, without human intervention.
Key Aspects of Automation in Flight Dynamics Systems
As we delve into the core of flight dynamics automation, it's crucial to understand the key aspects that drive efficiency and reliability in our operations. These elements form the backbone of modern flight dynamics systems, each playing a vital role in transforming manual, time-consuming tasks into streamlined, automated processes.
- Data Handling and Processing
Effective automation begins with the efficient ingestion and analysis of input products as soon as they become available. This includes raw telemetry, observation files, and conjunction warnings. Automated systems can quickly process this data, making it ready for further analysis and action.
- Internal/External Interfaces
Automated flight dynamics systems manage the reception and transmission of input/output with other ground segment components, such as Mission Control Systems and Mission Planning Systems. This also includes communication with external providers.
- Execution of Astrodynamics Algorithms
Once the data is processed, it is used as input for the computation of flight dynamics products, such as station visibilities and maneuver plans. Automation can handle these complex calculations swiftly and accurately.
- Flight Dynamics Products Validation
Automation involves validity checks and assessments of the generated products. Ensuring that the data is correct and usable is critical for reliable operations.
- Anomalies and Errors Detection
Automation systems can recognize invalid inputs/outputs and detect errors during flight dynamics task execution. When issues are identified, the system can trigger appropriate actions to address them, ensuring continuous and reliable operation.
Technologies and Solutions for Automation
Implementing these automation aspects requires a range of software tools and technologies. Here are some key solutions:
- Monitoring Services: Tools like File Watcher (Java) and watchdog (Python) can be used to continuously monitor for new data inputs, triggering immediate processing.
- Intelligent Scheduling: Configurable systems, such as Spring’ scheduling tasks or Python' crontab, allow for precise timing of recurring tasks without manual intervention.
- Microservices Architecture: API-driven systems (REST, GraphQL) enable seamless integration between different components of the ground segment.
- Advanced Validation: Automated checks using checksums, convergence algorithms, and Out-Of-Limit criteria ensure the integrity of flight dynamics products.
- Robust Messaging: Systems like Apache Kafka, NATS and RabbitMQ facilitate real-time communication between different parts of the flight dynamics system.
Figure 1 - Pipelines Sequence Diagram.Integrating Technologies into Pipelines
These technologies are integrated into so-called pipelines, implemented as a set of classes:
- Triggers: to initiate flight dynamics tasks based on events (e.g., new telemetry data received) or a predefined schedule.
- Agents: for executing flight dynamics activities via API calls.
- Controllers: to validate and check the generated products.
- Messengers: to send notifications about the results of executed flight dynamics activities.
Example: Tracking Data Pre-processing and Orbit Determination
By combining different triggers, agents, controllers, and messengers, a wide variety of pipelines can be created to cover different end-to-end use cases. For instance, in tracking data pre-processing and orbit determination, these pipelines can handle everything from data ingestion to the final orbit calculation and validation, all while ensuring timely and accurate results.
Figure 2 - Tracking Data Pre-processing and Orbit Determination.
How Terma Can Help
These automation concepts and solutions are not just theoretical but have been successfully implemented by Terma in their new Flight Dynamics System, ORBIT, which is part of the Terma Ground Segment Suite (TGSS).
ORBIT's automation-first approach significantly reduces operator workload and operational costs. Its user-friendly design eliminates the need for complex algorithm inputs, making it a ready-to-use solution for diverse mission requirements.
Learn more about how Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw, Poland, will benefit from Terma’s Ground Segment Suite in this press release.
By combining flexibility, accessibility, and advanced automation, ORBIT demonstrates how modern flight dynamics systems can address traditional operational challenges, transforming labor-intensive processes into streamlined, efficient workflows. This approach not only enhances current operations but also prepares organizations for the evolving demands of the commercial space sector.
Figure 3 - ORBIT, Flight Dynamics System.
The Future of Flight Dynamics
As the commercial space industry continues to grow, with mega-constellations and frequent launches becoming the norm, automation in flight dynamics will transition from a luxury to a necessity. Flight Dynamic Engineers leveraging these technologies will find themselves freed from routine tasks, able to focus on high-level mission strategy and complex problem-solving. Terma’s ORBIT system stands as a testament to the potential of these automation solutions, paving the way for more streamlined and effective space missions.
The pain points of data overload, constant monitoring, and time-critical responses are giving way to a new era of efficient, accurate, and responsive flight dynamics operations. For companies looking to stay competitive in the evolving space industry, embracing automation is not just an option—it's imperative for future success.