Collection Planning Solutions

The Collection Planning Challenge

Image collection planning software for satellite imaging must manage large order decks, accurately model spacecraft systems, adhere to spacecraft and target constraints, provide for operator input and review of generated collection plans, and interface with external systems that either need plan outputs or provide feedback on planning results. And all of this must often be accomplished within aggressive time constraints to meet order response timelines and due to the generally poor long term cloud forecasting capabilities. In summary, a collection planning system needs to do the following:

  • Manage large order decks
  • Model spacecraft systems including slew, scan, camera, data recorder, and power
  • Adhere to spacecraft and target constraints
  • Optimize collection options
  • Interface with external systems: Plan for command generation - Feedback on imaging results
  • Replan images based upon results