A Flexible Fault Management Architecture for Cluster Flight, Phase I

The proposed FM architecture has the potential to significantly improve the robustness and survivability of missions that could not be performed with a single monolithic spacecraft, as well as those involving cooperative rendezvous and docking. Thus, the proposed system could benefit missions as basic as docking with the ISS or commercial space stations or as advanced as missions where small spacecraft work collaboratively to create sparse arrays, synthetic apertures, or other distributed sensor networks. Other applications include spacecraft that are used to assemble large space structures, like a manned mission where the Orion MPCV docks with another Orion MPCV or other spacecraft like the Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle or Deep Space Habitat. Other commercial crew platforms that could utilize this technology are SpaceX's Dragon, Boeing's CST-100, and Sierra Nevada's Dreamchaser. Finally, the technology stands to benefit cooperative satellite servicing missions as well as UAV and Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) missions. More »