Concept of operations

About: Concept of operations is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 964 publications have been published within this topic receiving 6845 citations. The topic is also known as: CONOPS.

Operational Context-Based Design Method of Autonomous Vehicles Logical Architectures

Abstract: Autonomous Vehicles (AV) exhibit new characteristics rendering its architecting process challenging. They are context-aware cyber-physical systems with a high sensitivity toward their operational context. In addition to the lack of industrial feedback, their architecture needs to be adapted to their Operational Context (OC). The current literature doesn’t provide a clear method for designing AV architecture based on their OC. This paper proposes a four steps method following the Concept of Operation approach (ConOps) and functional chain modeling to design AV architecture based on their OC and experts knowledge. The method uses a state-of the-art OC ontology for AV and improves the identification speed and coverage of the AV’s operational needs. A case study is presented addressing the proposed methods and limitations.

Graphical Cockpit-based Depictions of Space Vehicle Operations Based upon Use of Aeronautical Information Data Link Services

Abstract: To facilitate a more efficient use of domestic and oceanic airspace while maintaining the current level of safety for the public, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is researching new technologies and capabilities that would speed the flow of flight critical information to necessary user recipients. The intent is to increase overall situational awareness for each user segment. To this end, the FAA is developing a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the graphical cockpit depiction of space vehicle flight operations as part of a proposed addition to the FAAs Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Integrated Work Plan. The emergence of cockpit-based data link technologies permits the provision and use of data linked aeronautical information services directly to aircraft as well as the sharing of this same information with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and with the airlines operational control (AOC) function. This concept represents an additional means of enabling a framework for seamlessly integrating space vehicles on their way to and from space with more traditional air traffic management functions. By developing a means to provide timely alerts to aircraft, greater airspace access should be maintained from all users, without disruptions to todays global airspace use while, at the same time, fostering the development of this new fledging industry.

Using i* Modelling as a Bridge between Air Traffic Management Operational Concepts and Agent-based Simulation Analysis

Abstract: This paper presents our experiences of exploring how i* modelling can be used as a bridge between informal air traffic management (ATM) operational concepts and formal agent-based simulation. We report our work on an EU airspace design project that describes a revised concept of operations for lower level airspace around airports, and includes simulation based safety analysis of the critical scenarios. We describe our research towards using i* to address two challenges – how to model the revised concept from the informal concept of operations document, and how to present safety critical scenarios to operational experts. Modelling strategic aspects of a concept of operations is new to ATM, and we draw upon our experiences to provide lessons learned and directions for future work.

Small Satellite Implementation of a Lunar Relay Satellite

Abstract: The authors will report on a small lunar relay satellite concept, capable of fitting in a Minotaur V launch vehicle, to provide communication and navigation (C&N) services to users on the moon. Ultimately, the C&N system will provide multiple fixed and mobile users, human and robotic, with service from launch to lunar landing and throughout occupation. In order to provide complete coverage for users on the moon, a constellation of relay satellites will ultimately be required. In the near term, however, the relays will focus on certain important locations, particularly the South Polar region, where water may be located and early landings may occur. These locations are only visible from Earth antennas for 14 days of each 28 day time period, requiring a relay satellite to fill the gaps. One alternative for this satellite is a small, less costly lunar relay capable of launching on the relatively inexpensive Minotaur class of launch vehicles, the Minotaur V in particular. In this paper, this spacecraft concept will be discussed, including the mission context, concept of operations, mission requirements, payload concept, ground system concept and spacecraft concept. *This work was performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.