Automated scheduling for NASA's Deep Space Network

Abstract

This article describes the Deep Space Network (DSN) scheduling engine (DSE) component of a new scheduling system being deployed for NASA's Deep Space Network. The DSE provides core automation functionality for scheduling the network, including the interpretation of scheduling requirements expressed by users, their elaboration into tracking passes, and the resolution of conlicts and constraint violations. The DSE incorporates both systematic search- and repairbased algorithms, used for different phases and purposes in the overall system. It has been integrated with a web application that provides DSE functionality to all DSN users through a standard web browser, as part of a peer-to-peer schedule negotiation process for the entire network. The system has been deployed operationally and is in routine use, and is in the process of being extended to support long-range planning and forecasting and near real-time scheduling.