Automated Space Traffic Management Platform with Protocol-based Coordination

Paper number

IAC-24,B6,5,4,x82374

Author

Mr. Esfandiar Farahvashi, OKAPI:Orbits GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Adrian Diez, OKAPI:Orbits GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Oscar Rodriguez Fernandez, OKAPI:Orbits GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Christina Unger, OKAPI:Orbits GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Pavlina Dimitrova, OKAPI:Orbits GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Jonas Radtke, OKAPI:Orbits GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Christopher Kebschull, OKAPI:Orbits GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Xanthi Oikonomidou, GMV, Space Debris Office (SDO), ESA/ESOC, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Benjamin Bastida Virgili, European Space Agency (ESA), Germany

Year

2024

Abstract

Historically, the main risk for collisions of satellites was space debris. With the increasing number of satellites launched into certain orbits the status quo is changing and conjunctions between active satellites are becoming the norm. Conjunctions between active satellites belonging to different operators pose many challenges. New operational concepts relying on frequently performed maneuvers by exploiting electric propulsion systems lead to reduced predictability of satellite trajectories and increased uncertainties in the orbit data. This also makes assessing the risk of conjunctions very challenging. If a high-risk conjunction is detected, coordination between operators is required. Currently, operators resort to email or other conventional methods to communicate with their conjunction partner, which is prone to miscommunication and loss of mission time, if communication is achieved at all. Finally, the decision on which operator should act is unclear. This can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, it is urgent to find a more effective solution for this growing challenge, which jeopardizes the long-term viability of space activities.

To tackle these challenges, OKAPI:Orbits has developed the new satellite coordination platform called OKAPI:Astrolabe as part of the ESA activity CASCADE (Collision Avoidance, Satellite Coordination Assessment Demonstration Environment).

OKAPI:Astrolabe is a unique tool allowing data sharing and coordination for the operational phase. It supports both conjunction partners by (a) providing a direct communication channel, (b) allowing direct data sharing so that both operators have the same understanding of the situation, (c) defining a clear collision avoidance (COLA) process including responsibilities, a timeline and deadlines with respect to time of closest approach, (d) facilitating the decision making on who should perform the manoeuvre and (e) allowing the negotiation and definition of rules between the partners for current and future conjunction events. It can be accessed from a web interface as well as via API-endpoints which allow easy integration in any existing flight dynamic system thus allowing efficient, clear and automated coordination of conjunctions between active spacecraft. The application is particularly beneficial for constellation operators with high automation demand.

The first version of OKAPI:Astrolabe was released in January 2024 and is being continuously developed since. The platform is currently used by constellation operators for conjunction coordination. This paper outlines how it simplifies collision coordination based on a guided process and protocol-based event assignment, presents the initial applications of the tool and provides insights on feedback received by operators.

Abstract document

IAC-24,B6,5,4,x82374.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,B6,5,4,x82374.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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