Methodological approach to forming the ground control loop for a multi-satellite constellation

Various control system architectures are being proposed for setting up control of Multi-Satellite Constellations (MSC), that are based on both conventional ground control loop and inter-satellite communications links/layered space relay systems. While the last two approaches represent the long-term or mid-term perspectives, the most realistic approach to the MSC control for the near-term, taking into account the developed infrastructure, consists in using the ground loop. The paper proposes an approach to setting up the Ground Control Loop (GCL) for a multi-satellite constellation based on optimizing the quantity and locations of command and measurement systems and the number of channels for simultaneous control of several spacecraft from one or several different mission control centers. It discusses implementation phases of the methodological approach and the system of metrics used for optimization. Through an example, it demonstrates the feasibility of using the proposed method. It presents results of a series of computer simulations that took into account the MSC trajectories and orbital configuration as well as space and time constraints on the use of command and measurement systems. It demonstrates that the methodological approach proposed by the authors makes it possible to validate various options for spacecraft ground control loops architecture, as well as to use the space system requirements for sessions exchange to provide rationale for requirements for MSC GCL as regards GCL constituents and configuration, including a multi-antenna implementation.