Multi-agent Positioning for Optimal Dynamic Event Coverage

Abstract

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Naturally occurring events are generally characterized by dynamic states that are mostly unpredictable and undergo temporal changes. Mapping such events is essential to pursuing studies of their temporal states and eventually being able to understand and map the event occurrence. This is especially required when studying celestial events like high-velocity flybys to small bodies or performing planetary defense activities. In this work, we propose a methodology for ascertaining the optimal positions of agents to capture the most certain event occurrence fulfilled by functional agreements. To validate our methodology, we perform evaluations and comparisons with other samplers, as well as simultaneous experiments within a simulation environment and a physical analog environment at the Tartu Observatory to observe proxy cometary flyby instantaneously. The work has the potential to augment relative spacecraft positioning for intercepting pristine targets as proposed by the Comet Interceptor mission, towards optimal positioning for observing the aftermath of the DART mission or towards endeavors for sighting Apophis.