Spacecraft Anomaly Resolution Knowledgebase (SPARK)

The Spacecraft Anomaly Resolution Knowledgebase (SPARK) is a coupled anomaly database, space environment database from 1986-present, a powerful analytics software package, and an intuitive user interface -- all hosted in a secure cloud-native infrastructure. It builds on past, current, and new anomaly databases, employs powerful analytical techniques, and is interoperable with other spacecraft-related tools. It improves the ability of spacecraft owners, operators, and other stakeholders to understand and potentially mitigate space weather environments adversely affecting space assets. SPARK addresses the SBIR topic call for products that directly aid in spacecraft-anomaly resolution and assist end users such as spacecraft operators. SPARK extends the relevant SPRINTS framework to offer highly reactive user dashboards capable of visualizing 35+ years of space weather time-series and associated event (e.g., solar flare or inputted anomaly) data at 1-minute resolution in seconds. SPARK has powerful time series data annotation tools for users to add to space weather or anomaly event information with associated APIs for database input and retrieval. Users securely input satellite diagnostic information either events or time-series that can be used in additional analysis. Users can choose to share their anomalies or use them in their own secure SPARK deployment with other shared anomalies. Spacecraft operators are often unwilling or unable to share the precise position and velocity of their satellite at a given time; furthermore, commercial satellite owners have articulated that they prefer not to reveal the identity of the spacecraft experiencing anomalies. It is a challenge to establish a centrally used tool and database to collect the variety of sensitive information securely and make the anomaly consolidation useful. Vital trust and privacy requirements related to developing a database of anomalies are as follows: Incorporating and protecting sensitive data in a trusted database Controlling user access to the database, to include data filtering and anonymization SPARK will play a significant role in supporting these observed needs and issues: DB is broader and more complete because of trusted security, ease of use, and the extensibility of foundational anomaly and space environment datasets Analytics and visualization libraries aid in anomaly investigations Provides trust and security, data encryption, cybersecurity best practices, and a cloud-native infrastructure The goal of the proposed Phase II effort is to further mature the SPARK capability, deploy a secure and centralized anomaly database, and have relevant stakeholders (from NASA GSFC, NASA JPL, NASA CCMC, NOAA NESDIS, NOAA SWPC, and CGMS) use the tool, advocate for improvements, and provide feedback.  For successful execution of Phase II, the following technical objectives need to be met: Extend and supplement the existing spacecraft anomaly catalogs and events Implement security protocols to enable user- and organization-based controls and access to data Involve stakeholders to support product ownership and develop transition goals Improve and deploy updated SPARK tools continually based on feedback By achieving these four technical objectives, the spacecraft and space environment communities will have SPARK “products that directly aid in spacecraft-anomaly resolution and assist end users such as spacecraft operators.” Deliverables include: Kickoff Briefing Charts Quarterly Status Reports User Testing /Feedback Report Software, Data Catalogs Technical Briefings/Demos Final Technical Report

Our primary NASA customer is the Goddard Space Flight Center and their supported Spacecraft Orbital Anomaly Report System (SOARS) application. SPARK can potentially improve SOARS ability for data access and analysis.  Additional customers may also include NASA JPL, who have a more restricted anomaly database that SPARK may be suitable to provide secure interfacing for.  Finally, NASA CCMC is a potential user and customer for their role in supporting anomaly resolution for supported NASA spacecraft missions.  NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to support anomaly resolution. NOAA Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) to support space situational awareness with environmental data and anomaly resolution. Coordinated Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) to support anomaly databasing and resolution. The space insurance and reinsurance industry is also a potential customer.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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