Kathiravan Thangavel

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Propellant gauging is crucial for a spacecraft approaching the end of its lifespan. Current gauging systems for satellites typically have an accuracy rate of a few months to a year at the end of their operational life. Therefore, it is essential to determine the appropriate gauging system for mission operations. This research focuses on modeling the propellant gauging system for PRISMA, an Earth Observation (EO) satellite of the Italian Space Agency. The analysis centers on implementing algorithms that calibrate the remaining propellant mass in the satellite tank using traditional methods such as bookkeeping (BKP) and pressure-volume-temperature (PVT). To enhance accuracy in quantification, an unconventional approach called thermal propellant gauging (TPG) has been considered. Preliminary computations were conducted using data obtained from the PRISMA thermal model to understand the calibration accuracy of the three methods. At the end of its operational life, the BKP and PVT methods exhibited error rates of 4.6% and 4.8%, respectively, in calculating the mass. In contrast, the TPG method demonstrated a significantly higher precision with an error rate of 1.86%. However, at the beginning of the satellite’s operational life, the PVT and TPG methods showed error rates of 1.0% and 1.3%, respectively, while the BKP technique reported an error rate of 0.1%. Based on these findings, it has been concluded that combining the BKP and TPG approaches yields superior results throughout the satellite’s lifespan. Furthermore, the researchers have determined the specific time duration for which each of these distinct approaches can be effectively utilized.

Space-based Earth Observation (EO) systems have undergone a continuous evolution in the twenty-first century. With the help of space-based Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), specially Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), their applicability across the world’s waterways, among others, has grown substantially. This research work explores the potential applicability of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Distributed Satellite Systems (DSS) for the MDA operation. A robust multi-baseline Along-Track Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (AT-InSAR) Formation Flying concept is proposed to combine several along-track baseline observations effectively for single-pass interferometry. Simulation results are presented to support the feasibility of implementing this acquisition mode with autonomous orbit control, using low-thrust actuation suitable for electric propulsion. To improve repeatability, a constellation of this formation concept is also proposed to combine the benefits of the DSS. An MDA application is considered as a hypothetical mission to be solved by this combined approach.