Diagnosis of small satellites using multiple sensors and a robot

Abstract

Four diagnostic methods for small satellite malfunction using several types of sensors and a robot are proposed and tested experimentally. The four methods are (1) averaging method of probability, (2) small probability deleting method, (3) Bayesian network method and (4) correlation matrix method. The reasoning method of the malfunction essentially has a probabilistic property. We limit the malfunction of the solar paddle to five kinds and use symptom parameters to identify the malfunction by inference. In our experiment, all four methods are effective. In particular, Bayesian network method produces excellent results; however, in this case a single failure may cause total failure. The averaging method and correlation matrix method generate rather ambiguous results; however, they are hardly affected by failure. In many cases, the small probability deleting method works well, however, a single failure may cause total failure.