An open-source scheduler for small satellites

The limited power generation capability of a small satellite (e.g., a CubeSat) requires robust scheduling. A scheduling approach for small satellites which considers subsystem inter-dependency (where co-operation is required, desirable or prohibited), operational requirements and ground communication windows is presented. The paper considers what the optimal way of scheduled tasks for autonomous operation (required for scheduling when not in communication with ground controllers and desirable at all times during the mission) is. It compares a genetic algorithm-based approach, an exhaustive search-based approach and a heuristic-based approach. Performance maximization is considered (in light of both decision-making time and reducing activity time).