Loss of Signal Prediction

We propose and present Loss of Signal (LOS) predictor technology for International Space Station (ISS) operations. Our prototype technology transforms the ISS Antenna Manager software tool used by flight controllers on console in the ISS mission control center (MCC) into a cognitive communication system that predicts off-nominal unscheduled loss of communication between the ISS and MCC. The system learns complex signal blockage configurations far too complex for the human to process in real-time. The cognitive IAM tool removes the subjective nature of LOS calls by flight controllers in the flight control room and provides advanced warning to the flight control team (who can subsequently inform the crew) of forthcoming comm outages that produce loss of telemetry, audio/video, and payload data. Initially, this technology will be implemented for ISS operations in FRC-1 with the anticipation of developing an onboard cognitive communication system for future missions equipped with advanced command and data handling systems (e.g. neuromorphic processors). This technology can be characterized as actionable AI since autonomous systems can use this communication link classification as input to higher level decision making.

Our LOS predictor technology has current and immediate application to the International Space Station Antenna Manager (IAM) for real-time space operations in the ISS FRC-1 in NASA JSC’s mission control center. Additional applications include the forthcoming Orion and the Artemis missions to the Moon. The flight control team would utilize the “Orion Antenna Manager” (OAM). Depending on the timeline of future missions, this includes the possibility of an onboard cognitive antenna management system specifically for the crew. This may be realized in later Artemis missions to the lunar surface. Such systems would need to integrate comm links utilized by lunar communication relay systems (e.g. Parsec, LDN). The technology could also be readily adapted to the Lunar Gateway system, our future space station in cislunar space. The Gateway flight control team would utilize the "Gateway Antenna Manager" (GAM). This also includes the possibility of an onboard cognitive antenna management system for the crew. Note that the OAM and GAM are currently being developed in MCC, but without any AI agent to predict off-nominal unscheduled LOS events. Our LOS predictor technology can be scaled and applied to the commercial space sector. Once the technology is applied to the Orion capsule, application can readily follow to the Boeing Starliner crew capsule - the Starliner Antenna Manager (SAM). The SAM tool is actually very similar to that of Orion (OAM) and is currently being developed, but without an AI agent. The LOS predictor technology could also be scaled to operate specifically for the Orbital Reef (Blue Origin + partners) and Starlab (Voyager Space + partners) future commercial space stations in low Earth orbit. These cognitive communication systems would be applied in the respective mission control centers as well as onboard the spacecraft as part of an autonomous system.

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