Automation of planetary spacecraft
Abstract
The development of autonomous spacecraft from 1960 to the present is traced within a framework of the definitions and measures of the level of autonomy. The attainment of milestones in the level of autonomy in spacecraft guidance and control is described in terms of the Mariner, Viking, Voyager, Galileo and Mark II (under development) spacecraft. The constant interplay between the definition of scientific mission goals and available technological capabilities is explored, along with current efforts to implement AI techniques and advanced software in spacecraft to allow reliable functioning in stressful conditions.
- Publication:
-
Unmanned Systems
- Pub Date:
- 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986unsy....5...21V
- Keywords:
-
- Autonomous Navigation;
- Galileo Spacecraft;
- Mariner Spacecraft;
- Planetary Atmospheres;
- Viking Lander Spacecraft;
- Voyager Project;
- Mission Planning;
- Nasa Space Programs;
- Real Time Operation;
- Spacecraft Instruments;
- Very Large Scale Integration;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking