SBIR/STTR
A Flexible Fault Management Architecture for Cluster Flight, Phase II
Project Introduction
In the near future we will see the development of space mission architectures where multiple spacecraft work cooperatively as a cluster to achieve mission objectives. Fault management (FM) is a critical challenge that must be addressed, especially when multiple spacecraft are working in proximity. Automatic fault management reduces the effort required by the ground crew when faults occur, and it reduces the chance of collision by quickly recovering from faults. We are developing a Flexible Fault Manager for Distributed Systems (FFMDS) for these missions. FFMDS is a FM architecture that will include algorithms to be run on each cluster module for fault detection, isolation, and recovery; software to be used at a ground station to direct recovery actions; and protocols for communication of fault information between cluster modules and between modules and the ground station. The architecture is service-oriented, so that algorithms for fault detection, isolation, and recovery can be added to or subtracted from the system as appropriate.
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Anticipated Benefits
Potential NASA Commercial Applications: The proposed fault management (FM) architecture will improve the robustness and survivability of multi-spacecraft missions. The numerous nano-satellite demonstrations within NASA are potential targets for this technology. Although the launch dates of funded demonstrations are too early for our timeline, there will be further interest in nano-satellites. The Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) is a cooperative spacecraft mission that launches after Phase II. Other applications include spacecraft that assemble large space structures, such as a manned mission where an Orion MPCV docks with another Orion MPCV. These low Earth orbit demonstrations are critical to expanding human space flight.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, CA |
| Emergent Space Technologies, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Greenbelt, MD |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Maryland
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Ames Research Center (ARC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Matthew Ruschmann
Project Duration
Start: Apr 2014
End: Apr 2016
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 5 |
| Estimated End: | 5 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 5 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TA 5.6 Revolutionary Concepts
- TA 5.6.7 Reconfigurable Large Apertures
Other / Cross-cutting:
- TA 4 Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- TA 4.5 System-Level Autonomy
- TA 11 Modeling, Simulation, Information Technology and Processing
- TA 11.4 Information Processing
- TA 11.4.2 Intelligent Data Understanding