The Use of Software Agents for Autonomous Control of a DC Space Power System

Abstract

In order to enable manned deep-space missions, the spacecraft must be controlled autonomously using on-board algorithms. A control architecture is proposed to enable this autonomous operation for an spacecraft electric power system and then implemented using a highly distributed network of software agents. These agents collaborate and compete with each other in order to implement each of the control functions. A subset of this control architecture is tested against a steadystate power system simulation and found to be able to solve a constrained optimization problem with competing objectives using only local information.

Advancing autonomy through lifelong learning: a survey of autonomous intelligent systems

“…As a result, each vehicle core subsystem will contain inbuilt intelligence to allow autonomous operation for both normal and emergency operations including defect identification and remediation. This extends previous work on creating an autonomous power control which involves the development of control architectures for deep space vehicles (Dever et al, 2014;May et al, 2014) and using software agents (May and Loparo, 2014). As a result, the application of AIS in deep space exploration and spacecraft missions opens up new frontiers for scientific discovery.…”

Bifurcation Analysis of DC Electric Power Systems for Deep Space Exploration Spacecraft

“…The designs for spacecraft electric power systems are based on photovoltaic (PV) power generation, distributed energy storage devices, distribution lines, and various resistive, constant power and AC loads. Several types of electric power system design and control approaches have been investigated for spacecraft power systems [2], [3]. Differences in these electric power systems typically involve their schemes for voltage and power regulation.…”