Distributed-satellite systems are becoming recognized as an efficient and cost-effective means for accomplishing objectives once considered out of reach for their monolithic cousins. Enabling technologies such as micro-miniature electronics, ultra-light component manufacturing, high-performance propulsion systems, advanced sensors, and distributed-architecture satellite systems are all coalescing to facilitate the development of micro-satellites, capable of revolutionizing space missions. Collaborating systems of micro-satellites can be dynamically adapted for various uses including distributed, synthetic-aperture radar, geolocation, distributed ionospheric measurement, etc. The associated reduced launch costs of these under-100kg micro-satellites make them especially attractive to cost conscious sponsors.

Associated with space operations, satellite command and control is costly in terms of manpower, training, and operations that run continuously throughout the lifetime of the satellite. For a cluster of collaborating satellites, the operations complexity is significantly increased. Distributed, virtual, cluster commanding is transparently commanding the entire satellite cluster via any one satellite in the cluster.

The development of architectures and algorithms for facilitating distributed, virtual, cluster commanding and autonomous operation provides many benefits. These benefits include reducing the size of the ground crew, reducing the required bandwidth of the satellite-to-ground link, decreasing the need for scheduled or dedicated ground assets (antennas, control stations, etc.), and reducing cost.

ICS is a product development and engineering services company specializing in the development of real-time, embedded, and autonomous command and control software systems. Services include software systems engineering, integration and test, and project and software life cycle management. ICS is a privately held company with main offices in Columbia, MD, and Melbourne, FL.