The generalized information network analysis methodology for distributed satellite systems

A systematic analysis methodology for distributed satellite systems is developed that is generalizable and can be applied to any satellite mission in communications, sensing or nav­igation. The primary enabler is that almost all satellite applications involve; the collection and dissemination of information and can thus be treated as modular information process­ing networks. This generalization allows the adoption of the mathematics for information network flow, leading to a logical classification scheme for satellite systems. The benefits and issues that are characteristic of each system class are identified, in terms of their capa­bility, performance and cost. The quantitative analysis methodology specifies measurable, unambiguous metrics for the cost, capability, performance and adaptability. The Capabili­ties are characterized by four quality of service parameters that relate to the isolation, rate, integrity and availability of the information transferred between origin-destination pairs within a market. Performance is the probability of satisfying the user's requirements for these parameters. The Cost per Function metric is the average cost incurred to provide satisfactory service to a single user, and Adapatability metrics are sensitivity indicators. Validation of the methodology is provided by a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, in which the calculated capabilities agree with mea­sured data to within 3%. The utility of the methodology for comparative analysis is high­lighted in a rigorous competitive assessment of three proposed broadband communication satellite systems. Finally, detailed architectural trades for a distributed space based radar are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the the methodology for conceptual design. The generalized information network analysis methodology is thus identified· as a valuable tool for space systems engineering, allowing qualitative and quantitative assessment of the impacts of system architecture, deployment strategy, schedule slip, market demographics and technical risk.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

1999

Author dc:creator

• Shaw, Graeme B. (Graeme Barrington)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• David W. Miller.

• Aeronautics and Astronautics

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/9731

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/9731