Mexec Onboard Planning and Execution
Description
MEXEC is a lightweight, multi-mission software for activity scheduling and execution developed to increase the autonomy and efficiency of a robotic explorer. MEXEC was first created as a prototype demonstration for the Europa Clipper project as a potential solution to fail-operational requirements.
Detailed example
Activity Plan/Schedule
AI / analytics pattern
Classical/Predictive Machine Learning: Models trained on data to make predictions or classifications based on identified patterns or relationships.
Automation level / stage
a) Pre-deployment – The use case is in a development or acquisition status.
Expected benefit
Instead of command sequences, MEXEC works with task networks, which include abstract representations of command behavior, constraints on timing, and resources required and/or consumed by the behavior. Using this knowledge on-board, MEXEC can monitor command behavior and react to off-nominal outcomes (e.g. CPU reset), reconstructing command sequences to continue spacecraft operations without jeopardizing spacecraft safety.
Controls / human review
ATO: Not reported; PIA: Not published