Towards Self-Organisation in Multi-Task Scheduling for Multi-Satellite Missions

Abstract

The imaging tasks performed by Earth Observation Satellites (EOSs) are highly dynamic in terms of task success uncertainties arising from sensor malfunctions or weather conditions and emergence due to unexpected events such as monitoring natural hazards. Onboard decision-making for satellites is desirable for efficiency and effectiveness but provides several challenges due to complexity and scalability issues. Some of these challenges may be handled through forms of self-organisation. This work provides insights into these challenges, relevant recent research in these directions and potential next steps for achieving autonomy in onboard planning and scheduling for EOSs.