An approach to mode and anomaly detection with spacecraft telemetry data

Abstract

This paper discusses a mixed method that combines unsupervised learning methods and human expert input for analyzing telemetry data from long-duration robotic space mis-sions. Our goal is to develop more automated methods for detecting anomalies in time series data. Once anomalies are identified using unsupervised learning methods we use fea-ture selection methods followed by expert input to derive the knowledge required for building on-line detectors. These detectors can be used in later phases of the current mission and in future missions for improving operations and overall safety of the mission. Whereas the primary focus in this paper is on developing data-driven anomaly detection methods, we also present a computational platform for data mining and analytics that can operate on historical data offline, as well as incoming telemetry data on-line.