Byron Hays (Scitor Corporation), Andrew M. Carlile (Scitor Corporation), Troy S. Mitchell (DAFC)
Keywords: SSA, Systems
Abstract:
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the 50th Space Network Operations Group Studies and Analysis branch (50th SCS/SCXI), located at Schriever AFB Colorado, face the unique challenge of forecasting the expected near term and future utilization of the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). The forecasting timeframe covers the planned load from the current date to ten years out. The various satellite missions, satellite requirements, orbital regions, and ground architecture dynamics provide the model inputs and constraints that are used in generating the forecasted load.
The AFSCN is the largest network the Air Force uses to control satellites worldwide. Each day, network personnel perform over 500 scheduled eventsfrom satellite maneuvers to critical data downloads. The Forecasting Objective is to provide leadership with the insights necessary to manage the network today and tomorrow. For both todays needs and future needs, SCXI develops AFSCN utilization forecasts to optimize the ground systems coverage and capacity to meet user satellite requirements. SCXI also performs satellite program specific studies to determine network support feasibility.
STK and STK Scheduler form the core of the tools used by SCXI. To establish this tool suite, we had to evaluate, evolve, and validate both the COTS products and our own developed code and processes. This began with calibrating the network model to emulate the real life scheduling environment of the AFSCN. Multiple STK Scheduler optimizing (de-confliction) algorithms, including Multi-Pass, Sequential, Random, and Neural, were evaluated and adjusted to determine applicability to the model and the accuracy of the prediction. Additionally, the scheduling Figure of Merit (FOM), which permits custom weighting of various parameters, was analyzed and tested to achieve the most accurate real life result.
With the inherent capabilities of STK and the ability to wrap and automate output, SCXI is now able to visually communicate satellite loads in a manner never seen before in AFSCN management meetings. Scenarios such as regional antenna load stress, satellite missed opportunities, and the overall network big picture can be visually displayed in 3D versus the textual and line graph methods used for many years.
This is the first step towards an integrated space awareness picture with an operational focus. SCXI is working on taking the visual forecast concept farther and begin fusing multiple sources of data to build a 50 SW Common Operating Picture (COP). The vision is to integrate more effective orbital determination processes, resource outages, current and forecasted satellite mission requirements, and future architectural changes into a real-time visual status to enable quick and responsive decisions.
This COP would be utilized in a Wing Operations Center to provide up to the minute network status on where satellites are, which ground resources are in contact with them, and what resources are down. The ability to quickly absorb and process this data will enhance decision analysis and save valuable time in both day to day operations and wartime scenarios.
Date of Conference: September 10-14, 2006
Track: SSA Systems & Programs