Design of a Multi-Agent System for Cost Reduction in Multi-Craft Space Missions
- Paper number
IAC-09.D1.4.5
- Author
Mr. Stuart Grey, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Gianmarco Radice, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Quirien Wijnands, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Massimiliano Vasile, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Year
2009
- Abstract
An approach for reducing the costs of multi-craft space missions using multiple autonomous agents is presented in this paper. The approach hinges on replacing the ground and space based control systems with an integrated multi-agent system (MAS) comprised of specialised autonomous agents. We describe in particular how this design is applied to ESA's DARWIN exo-planet telescope mission and define the structure of the MAS. The design shows improvements over a traditional control system design in a number of areas, most notably in the reliability of the spacecraft in unexpected scenarios, significantly lowered ground control requirements and much easier re-use of individual agents in other missions, all leading to reduced operational costs for the mission.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-09.D1.4.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.