Date of Award

6-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Darryl K. Ahner, PhD

Abstract

Satellite constellation design must balance many factors that emerge from multiple sources, including environmental hazards and competing mission objectives. The dynamic nature of space systems makes the problem of ‘optimal’ satellite constellation design even more challenging. Restricting satellite constellation designs to predefined geometric frameworks can alleviate many challenges associated with the design problem; however, it raises an important question: which geometric framework performs best for each mission set? This research leverages simulations, metaheuristics, and mathematical programming techniques to address this question for missions focusing on Earth-observation of one or more regions.

First, this research captures the current state of satellite constellation design by presenting a novel topology approach to characterize the relationship between constellation geometry, mission sets, and design approaches commonly presented in the literature. Second, it develops a customized metaheuristic using response surface analysis for the selection of a circular repeating ground track orbit of a single satellite focused on maximizing regional coverage of a defined region(s). Third, it proposes a simple yet elegant procedure to transform non-repeating ground tracks into repeating ground tracks via geometric adjustment minimization. Fourth, it develops a design method for common repeating ground track constellations. Fifth, it develops a dynamic satellite network interdiction model to identify the worst-case degradation of satellite constellation performance resulting from a fixed number of satellite failures. Lastly, it compares two satellite constellation design frameworks according to their mission performance, robustness, and access to energy. Overall, this research expands the set of satellite constellation design methods and investigates the performance of satellite constellation designs for specific mission sets.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-DS-23-J-073

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed.

Approved for public release. PA clearance case number on file.

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