Corresponding author: Lakhin Oleg I., Head of AeroSpace Department, Software Engineering Company "Smart Solutions" Ltd, Samara, 443013, Russian Federation, Ph./Fax: + 7 (846) 279-37-79, e-mail: lakhin@smartsolutions-123.ru

Received on October 12, 2015
Accepted on October 20, 2015

Problem statement: In this paper the implementation of an interactive multi-agent system for flight program and cargo flow scheduling of the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS RS) is considered. The system solves the problem of the crew life support and ensuring proper functioning of ISS RS, as well as increasing the efficiency of decision-making by specialists of RSC "Energia" during ISS RS flight program and cargo flow schedule development and resource computation. The system provides a solution for a large number of interrelated tasks of flight scheduling (including starts, dockings and undockings) for transport and manned spacecrafts taking into account different requirements and deliveries of necessary equipment, various materials and tools onboard the ISS RS. Methods: The system implements a method of adaptive flight program and cargo flow scheduling for the ISS RS in real time, taking into account priorities, rules, restrictions of cargos and transport vehicles. This method is based on multi-agent technology for resolving conflicts through negotiation between agents. Results: The system can adapt the flight program and cargo flow schedule of the ISS RS flexibly and efficiently in response to events in real time. The developed interactive multi-agent system has been implemented in RSC "Energia" and is now in industrial operation. Practical relevance: The described system is used for flight program and cargo flow scheduling. The system supports coordinated work of 8 leading project engineers and more than 120 application managers working with manufacturers. A key result of the system introduction for improvement of the enterprise efficiency is reducing the complexity and time required for scheduling and, consequently, the capability for simulation of different schedule options for vehicles and cargos, as well as for support of interactions and negotiations among stakeholders, aimed at finding the best response to external events and adaptation of plans "on the fly" during the station operation.

Keywords: International Space Station, the Russian segment, adaptive scheduling, multi-agent systems, flight program, cargo flow, ontology

Acknowledgements: The work was supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

For citation:
Lakhin O. I. Implementation of Multi-Agent System for Scheduling of Flight Program, Cargo Flow and Resources of International Space Station, Mekhatronika, Avtomatizatsiya, Upravlenie, 2016, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 42—46.
DOI: 10.17587/mau/17.42-46

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