Development of an automatic Mission Planning System for an Earth Observation Mission

This thesis work was carried out at Argotec, a renowned Italian company in the aerospace sector with offices in Turin and Florida, engaged in the production of small-sized satellites for deep space and the development of engineering solutions aimed at supporting the comfort of astronauts in orbit. The corporate context during my thesis journey was characterized by a highly significant contract known as "IRIDE," which involves the production and delivery of an initial batch of 10 satellites, with the possibility of additional batches, potentially reaching a total of 40 satellites. The ultimate goal is to create constellations of satellites capable of providing services in Earth observation. The main objective of the thesis is to improve the architecture of a space mission planning tool used for the management of satellite activities dedicated to Earth observation. In particular, the focus was on optimizing the daily mission planning activities and reducing human intervention in these processes. On a theoretical framework, the thesis work is based on the principles of operations research (OR) and optimization. The goal is to address the challenges related to space mission planning through the application of theories, mathematical models, and concepts of OR. The approach involves formulating planning problems as optimization problems, supported by advanced algorithms. As a result, operational efficiency is maximized, resource allocation is optimized, and the resilience of spatial planning is improved, taking into account critical variables such as resource conservation and management. The core of the project focused on the design and implementation of advanced optimization algorithms. These algorithms enabled the planning system to generate optimal or near-optimal mission schedules automatically. They considered a range of key parameters, including satellite positions, observation planning, energy consumption, and other operational constraints. Our ultimate goal is to ensure efficient planning of space activities while minimizing human intervention in daily routines. Finally, the last phase of this work was dedicated to the validation of our planning tool. Through a specific validation process, we verified the effectiveness and accuracy of our system in operational scenarios. This validation was essential to ensure that our tool is ready to be used in real-life scenarios and to contribute to the success of Argotec’s space projects. In summary, this thesis has represented a unique opportunity for my personal and professional growth. I had the chance to immerse myself in the world of space mission planning, learning from industry specialists and gaining in-depth knowledge in this field. This experience has not only allowed me to grow culturally but also on a human level, interacting with experts and deal with stimulating challenges.