Assessment of Autonomous Options for the DSCS III Satellite System. Volume II. Description and Autonomy Assessment of Current DSCS III Design.

This volume presents the results of an assessment of the current capabilities of the next generation Defense Systems Communication Satellite DSCS III to operate without ground intervention. The DSCS III Block A design is described functionally and the level of autonomy of each function is evaluated. DSCS III is a complex spacecraft which requires frequent ground interaction to meet mission requirements. It incorporates an on-board computer primarily used for real-time attitude control. By the use of hard wired automatic functions and the on-board computer, the satellites routine, on-station service functions power, attitude control, thermal control, etc. are already quite autonomous. Health and welfare maintenance and fault protection activities are nearly all ground controlled. Stationkeeping is a totally ground-performed function. A considerable increase in the overall autonomy level of the spacecraft is required for it to operate without ground intervention for a six-day to six-month period an autonomy goal. Author