Distributed Intelligent Swarm Control & Utilization System (DISCUS): Further Maturation and Demonstration

DISCUS is a generic Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system for swarms of SmallSats. It integrates communications and relative localization with innovative Density Control Algorithms (DCA) enabling robust operation in a variety of uncertain environments. As such, it presents a key enabling technology for future Deep Space missions including space apertures at Lagrangian points, and orbiting missions at asteroids and faraway planets and moons. The key aspect of DISCUS is tight integration of communications with relative localization and control. The proposed RF communications architecture provides a dual benefit since the RF signals are also used for relative localization based on ToA and TDoA sensing modes. Density Control approach is highly robust to failures of individual spacecraft and has the key property of self-healing, which allows for mission continuation even with a reduced capability. DCA are integrated with our effective collision detection and avoidance algorithms improving the overall system safety and efficiency. The contingency mitigation module monitors the health of the swarm and removes failed spacecraft in a safe manner. Proposed DISCUS algorithms were demonstrated in Phase I through computer simulations, as well as through initial flight tests at a UW Lab. Phase II will focus on the following: (i) Further development of mission-related DISCUS requirements and metrics and a mission simulation; (ii) Further development and testing of the communications architecture, relative localization strategy and Density Control Algorithms; (iv) Further development and testing of the Collision Avoidance and Contingency Mitigation algorithms; (v) Hardware testing of the overall DISCUS system using quadcopters in the UW lab; and (vi) DISCUS software delivery to NASA. Phase II-X will focus on transition of the DISCUS technology to NASA missions. More »