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Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
This project supports the wider Intelligent Extensible Mission Architecture (IEMA) by providing the software and hardware platforms required to demonstrate artificial intelligence across heterogeneous, extensible constellations. There are three critical elements: a simulation platform in which to prove algorithms, an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform to accomplish a snow hydrology science mission, and a credible path to spaceflight through a hybrid constellation demonstration. We will leverage the NASA Operational Simulator for Small Satellites (NOS3) and the On-board Artificial Intelligence Research (OnAIR) Platform to achieve these goals. Demonstrations will progress from entirely simulated, a field UAS campaign, to a hybrid constellation that incorporates distributed simulated assets and physical UASes.
The development of autonomous, ad-hoc, heterogenous constellations has the potential to enable new Science missions, increase the useful life of assets, and improve the return on investment compared to traditional, monolithic, one-off missions. Autonomy is required for assets to react to transient events, overcome bandwidth limitations, and deal with novel situations. Extensibility and heterogeneity is necessary to increase the longevity of assets so that they continue to be of use beyond their initial goals and adapt to new conditions and resources.
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