Architecture for Spacecraft Operations Planning

The dynamic environment of working in space presents several challenges to planning space operations. One challenge is the heterogeneous nature of the operations to be performed, ranging from life science experimentation to vehicle assembly. Generating plans for such diverse tasks requires a system that exhibits many domain-independent characteristics. A second major challenge is that the performers of these operations (plan agents) are also heterogeneous, possessing varying skills and physical capabilities. In this regard, planning must be possible both separately from, and in consideration of, each agent's capabilities, whether crewmember or robot. Finally, operating in space encompasses unanticipated events. By definition, no pre-established (or "canned") plan can accommodate such situations; hence a system is required which can dynamically plan and replan according to evolving knowledge.