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MixTeam Scheduling Algorithms: Application to Space-Based Interferometric Observatories

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Abstract

Long-baseline interferometric observatories comprising multiple space telescopes in the same circular Earth orbit have been proposed for high-resolution imaging of exosolar planets. In this paper, we describe the novel class of MixTeam scheduling algorithms for such observatories. A range of schedulers within this class was evaluated through simulation. The results indicate that observation schedules can be shortened by up to 21% by applying well-designed learning mechanisms. The influence of constellation geometry on observation scheduling was also studied and is characterized in terms of tradeoffs among coverage, capacity and utilization of the observatory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, 189 Grumman Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA

    Venkatesh G. Rao

  2. Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 1320 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2140, USA

    Pierre T. Kabamba

Authors
  1. Venkatesh G. Rao
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  2. Pierre T. Kabamba
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Correspondence to Venkatesh G. Rao.

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Rao, V.G., Kabamba, P.T. MixTeam Scheduling Algorithms: Application to Space-Based Interferometric Observatories. J of Astronaut Sci 53, 167–183 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546348

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