Game-Theoretic Space Situational Analysis Toolbox (GaTSSAT)

ABSTRACT: By considering multiple space-based teams of cooperative and/or uncooperative players with varying orbital geometries and defense/offense capabilities such as sporadic observations, jamming confrontations, and sparse communications, the main challenges in derivation of effective decisions for autonomous space systems are: (a) development of effective game models and game training algorithms; (b) derivation of efficient techniques for distributed learning in challenging scenarios; (c) derivation of multi-player cooperative strategies in persistent area denial; and (d) developing algorithm performance assessments for evaluating and further development of algorithm robustness. To effectively address these challenges, Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) team that includes Professor Duan Stipanovic and Professor Tamer Basar from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), proposes to develop Game-Theoretic Space Situational Analysis Toolbox (GaTSSAT) algorithms and methods based on recent advancements in stochastic game theory, multi-agent and multi-goal game methods, multi-objective control strategies, multi-player confrontation learning algorithms, and optimal Space Situational Awareness (SSA) estimation methods. The proposed Phase I proof-of-concept development includes: (i) novel game-theoretic control designs; (ii) prototype software algorithms; and (iii) simulation testbed and performance metrics. Phase II and III will include further development for transition into real-time systems and commercialization. BENEFIT: Effective game decision models and efficient computational algorithms for deriving optimal strategies are important technologies for effective Space Situational Awareness and decision making in complex Earth orbit environments with important military and commercial applications that include air traffic control, commercial space operations, asset protection, surveillance, and security systems. The military applications include space and Earth surveillance, ballistic missile defense, targeting, and communications. The proposed Game-Theoretic Space Situational Analysis Toolbox (GaTSSAT) technology will improve the current capabilities and bring new capabilities to military decision makers that have to operate with partial information in highly dynamic environments with multi-level confrontations. Homeland security and law enforcement will also benefit from GaTSSAT technology. Commercial applications exist in areas such as natural disaster management, robotics, medical industry, and manufacturing processes.