A Model to Assess the Mars Telecommunications Network Relay Robustness
- Paper number
IAC-05-D1.4.01
- Author
Mr. André Girerd, Jet Propulsion Laboratory / CalTech, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Charles D. Edwards, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Charles Lee, Jet Propulsion Laboratory / CalTech, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Leila Meshkat, Jet Propulsion Laboratory / CalTech, United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The relatively long mission durations and compatible radio protocols of current and projected Mars orbiters have enabled the gradual accretion of a heterogeneous constellation providing proximity communication services for surface assets. The current and forecasted capability of this evolving network has reached the point that designers of future surface missions consider complete dependence on it. Such designers, along with those architecting network requirements, have a need to understand the robustness of projected communication service. A model has been created to identify the confidence level and robustness of Mars Network capability as a function of surface location and time. Due to the decade-plus time horizon considered, the network will evolve, with emerging productive nodes and nodes that cease or fail to contribute. Furthermore, each node will provide a unique contribution to capability that varies as a function of its technology and orbit. The model is a flexible framework to holistically process node information into measures of capability robustness that can be visualized for maximum understanding. Data from several sources are generated and integrated. Outputs from JPL's Telecom Orbit Analysis Simulation Tool (TOAST) provide global telecom performance parameters for current and projected orbiters. Probabilistic estimates of orbiter consumables life are derived from known or predicted steady state orbit keeping burn rates, forecasted maneuver tasking, and anomaly resolution budgets. Orbiter reliability is not calculated using specific spacecraft proprietary data, but is estimated from publically available models. A flexible scheduling framework accommodates the projected mission queue as well as potential alterations. The model allows many what-if questions to be quickly addressed. What is the network significance of a missed launch opportunity? How does a failure at any point in any mission's life affect latitude coverage? In what location and timeframe is the network most or least sensitive to any failures? What are the implications for programmatic and international collaboration?
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D1.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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