Program Overview
The Scientific Research Group is now conducting research focusing on “sensor web” technology, the latest component in a series of information technology research initiatives designed to help NASA solve the enormous challenge of collecting, processing, routing, and storing Earth science measurement data.
The three-year, $1.5 million competitively-won award is funded by NASA’s Advanced Information Systems Technology Program and is conducted for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Earth Science Division, in Washington D.C.
Goal and Objectives
“Sensor web” is the concept of integrating multiple Earth observing satellites and/or ground-based sensors into a cohesive network to provide timely, on-demand data and analysis to users. The goal of the sensor web approach is to employ new data acquisition strategies and systems that are responsive to environment events.
The SRG team is developing an innovative system in which satellites will become self-managing, introducing levels of autonomy and efficiency into the operation centers that were previously unavailable. SRG is developing applications that are fundamental enablers of sensor web technologies.
SRG is working with Huntsville, Alabama-based Sentar, Inc., who provides expertise in intelligent agents and the architectures that use them. The team is also partnering with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) researchers, who provide mission application and integration experience.
Significant Accomplishments
By using system models and intercommunicating operational systems, much of NASA’s planning, scheduling and validation of its operational plans can be dealt with autonomously and cost-effectively.
SRG’s approach involves building model-based agents that can function within the operational confines of the spacecraft or the ground system. These agents will leverage models of both spacecraft systems and events to manage a single spacecraft or a constellation of spacecraft. The agents will arbitrate among themselves to plan events as well as to resolve issues that occur during the mission lifecycle.
The research supports NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration, the space agency’s long-term plan to return astronauts to the moon and extend exploration to Mars and beyond.
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