Satellite autonomy for mission survivability

The levels of autonomy, which correspond to the expected stages of system evolution for the design of survivable satellites, achievable in the next decade, are identified. Each level allocates to the satellite a significant new autonomous capability to enhance mission survivability. A specific autonomy level (Level 2) for selected fault management, based on a detailed study of anomaly management in flight operations for five major TRW programs and consisting of specific system requirements that are based on operational experience, is proposed. The Level 2 system requirements which minimize design impacts and risks, and provide survivable coverage for 70 percent of all satellite anomalies by type, for up to 80 percent of satellite anomalies by severity, and for emergencies, are summarized.