Space-Based Distributed Computing Using a Networked Constellation of Small Satellites

作者：Gunter Brian C^*; Maessen Daan C

来源：Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2013, 50(5): 1086-1095.

DOI：10.2514/1.A32384

The goal of this study is to explore the feasibility of utilizing a network of orbiting satellites working as a distributed-computing array. The satellites are presumed to be low-cost mini- or microsatellites orbiting Earth or some other celestial body (i.e., an asteroid, moon, etc.), and should have regular communication links between the satellites such that any given satellite can transmit data to any other satellite in the network; however, as a low-cost and potentially remotely operated mission scenario, it is assumed that the downlink bandwidth via Earth-based ground stations will be very limited. As such, the goal of the networked array of satellites is to directly compute the data or science product in orbit as opposed to the traditional scheme of downloading all of the raw data and processing the results on the ground. Not all observation techniques will benefit from this space-based distributed-computing approach, but case studies involving the gravity-field determination of Earth and other planetary bodies are provided to highlight the potential of such systems.

• 出版日期2013-10