Novel concept of satellite manoeuvre planning using graph theoretical techniques

Manoeuvrable, responsive satellite constellations that respond to real time events could provide data on demand for time-critical tasks, such as disaster monitoring and relief efforts. The authors demonstrate the feasibility of a system by expanding fully analytical method designing spacecraft manoeuvres using low thrust propulsion. These are perceived graph enables efficient exploration optimised selection favourable routes achieve mission goals while highlighting resilience redundancy in mission’s execution. A case study is presented considers four satellites required flyovers two targets, with an associated 10,839 possible manoeuvres. Investigation highlights good, but not minimum time, solution can allow perform well, also providing greater changes priorities errors This approach operators trade-off between loss only one versus disruption moving multiple potentially faster response. impact varying capabilities, fewer satellites, smaller swath width or less propellant, be evaluated reducing without recalculating manoeuvre options.