Agile Earth Observation Satellite Scheduling Over 20 Years: Formulations, Methods, and Future Directions

Agile satellites with advanced attitude maneuvering capability are the new generation of earth observation (EOSs). The continuous improvement in satellite technology and decrease launch cost have boosted development agile EOSs (AEOSs). To efficiently employ increasing orbiting AEOSs, AEOS scheduling problem (AEOSSP) aiming to maximize entire profit while satisfying all complex operational constraints, has received much attention over past 20 years. objectives this article are, thus, summarize current research on AEOSSP, identify main accomplishments highlight potential future directions. end, general definitions AEOSSP constraints described initially, followed by its three typical variations including different profit, multiobjective function autonomous model. A detailed literature review from 1997-2019 is then presented line four solution methods, i.e., exact method, heuristic, metaheuristic, machine learning. Finally, we discuss a number topics worth pursuing future.