RKS: Network technology for managing multi-satellite multifunctional orbital groups

2022: Introduction of multifunctional orbital grouping management technology

On March 30, 2022, the Russian Space Systems company (RKS, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) announced that it had developed a network technology for managing multi-satellite multifunctional orbital groups, built according to the principles of traditional terrestrial cellular communications for use in space. The basis of the satellite network will be "base stations" that will control "subscribers" through "automatic operators" - this approach will ensure control of the integrity of the system, flexibility in the formation of the target architecture and minimize human participation.

"The management of multi-satellite orbital groups has long time been in the field of sight specialists. space industry Foreign partners in this area implement a limited set of functions. Our system allows us to reach the next level of satellite constellation management, "- says Gennady Erokhin, Deputy General Director - General Designer of the RKS for onboard systems and complexes.

The creation of ground and orbital satellite constellation control systems is one of the competencies of the RCS. Experts are looking for new ways to reduce the "manual control" of devices, systematize the technologies that will be needed in the near future to automate work in orbit. In the future, it is necessary to move from homogeneous groupings to multifunctional ones and learn how to control multi-agent systems with hundreds and thousands of satellites, to put together specialized communication systems, navigation, and remote sensing of the Earth.

"It should be borne in mind that the creation of a multi-satellite orbital grouping control system is a very difficult task and requires further experiments. As a practical step for the development of group control technology, the creation of a research flight cluster based on a spacecraft created according to the CubeSat or TNS-0 type can be proposed. This will make it possible to test a two-level Earth control system - a leader spacecraft - a slave spacecraft, "- says Vladimir Denezhkin, Deputy General Director - General Designer of the RKS for Ground Systems and Complexes.

The virtual mobile "operator" will be a functional addition to the satellite constellation, it will be endowed with artificial intelligence for independent training and decision-making. And the basis of the information exchange system will be a network of relay satellites as part of a multifunctional system that will act as orbital "cells." Special equipment will connect the devices with orbital "base stations" and ground infrastructure, they will enter the network through onboard modems and the nearest "cell."

"Complex control involves mandatory dynamic operations, including changing the operating modes of many heterogeneous spacecraft at the same time. Continuous real-time monitoring and prompt response to changes are required. The technology, built on the principle of cellular networks communications with the functionality of an "automatic operator," is in this case one of the most promising, "- notes the initiator of the development of technology for controlling multi-satellite orbital groups of RKS Alexander Potyupkin.

It is important for developers to ensure the continuity of information exchange between spacecraft of the orbital multi-agent network and to create algorithms for eliminating conflicts between agents. To solve complex information problems, it is planned to use the combined resources of the entire multifunctional system - its orbital structure, the number of orbital grouping, options for attracting various types of spacecraft will change for specific tasks.

The management systems of multi-satellite groups of American companies are based on a developed ground infrastructure. For example, the private company Planet uses 12 sites with stations on different continents in the USA, Great Britain, New Zealand, Germany, Australia. Russia is also building up its network of ground stations as its groupings develop, but understanding the prospect is pushing for more creative approaches in controlling spacecraft.