Distributed network scheduling

We investigate missions where communications resources are limited, requiring autonomous planning and execution. Unlike typical networks, spacecraft networks are also suited to automated planning and scheduling because many communications can be planned in advance. Because the network of spacecraft can represent multiple missions, missions will be reluctant to give up control of the spacecraft. Because communication among spacecraft is often intermittent (due to orbital and resource constraints), a spacecraft that can make scheduling decisions autonomously will be more responsive to unexpected events. Thus, a centralized planning system will not be sufficient to enable reactive communications, so we propose a distributed network scheduling system.