Multi-satellite mission operations system providing constellation planning functionality

Abstract

Each space system is divided into two main parts: the space segment, and the ground segment. While most space segments used to consist of just one single satellite, this thesis considers the growing case of a space segment featuring an arbitrary multiple of satellites. This is the case under two circumstances: The space segment is either a constellation, or a number of independent satellite missions are operated in parallel, which is referred to as multi-mission operations. From an operational perspective this leads to a series of challenges, which are addressed, handled, and solved by the work described in this thesis. Following a holistic approach, this work addresses the design of a system for the operations of multiple satellites in parallel. The work was done under the assumption that a complex system like a constellation cannot be operated efficiently without automation, where automation is not just understood as an additional feature, but as a holistic process that involves the entire space system including the complete ground infrastructure, as well as the operated satellites.