Augmenting the space domain awareness ground architecture via decision analysis and multi-objective optimization. Issue 1 (1st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vasso, Albert; Cobb, Richard; Colombi, John; Little, Bryan; Meyer, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of defense analytics and logistics. Volume 5:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2021-06-01
• Subjects: Modeling and simulation -- Multi-objective optimization -- Space domain awareness -- System architecting -- Value-based decision-making; Military art and science -- Periodicals; Military research -- Periodicals; Defense industries -- Periodicals; Logistics -- Periodicals; 355.4
• DOI: 10.1108/JDAL-11-2020-0023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-6439

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The US Government is challenged to maintain pace as the world's de facto provider of space object cataloging data. Augmenting capabilities with nontraditional sensors present an expeditious and low-cost improvement. However, the large tradespace and unexplored system of systems performance requirements pose a challenge to successful capitalization. This paper aims to better define and assess the utility of augmentation via a multi-disiplinary study. Design/methodology/approach: Hypothetical telescope architectures are modeled and simulated on two separate days, then evaluated against performance measures and constraints using multi-objective optimization in a heuristic algorithm. Decision analysis and Pareto optimality identifies a set of high-performing architectures while preserving decision-maker design flexibility. Findings: Capacity, coverage and maximum time unobserved are recommended as key performance measures. A total of 187 out of 10 17 architectures were identified as top performers. A total of 29% of the sensors considered are found in over 80% of the top architectures. Additional considerations further reduce the tradespace to 19 best choices which collect an average of 49–51 observations per space object with a 595–630 min average maximum time unobserved, providing redundant coverage of the Geosynchronous Orbit belt. This represents a three-fold increase in capacity and coverage and a 2 h (16%) decrease in the maximum time unobserved compared to the baseline government-only architecture as-modeled. Originality/value: This study validates the utility of an augmented network concept using a physics-based model and modern analytical techniques. It objectively responds to policy mandating cataloging improvements without relying solely on expert-derived point solutions.