Joint Optimization of Condition-Based Maintenance and Performance Control for Satellite Communications Systems

A satellite communications system transmits signals from one point on Earth to another distant location through a series of satellites as relays. The performance of each satellite is controllable, which determines its capability of connecting with the following satellites and affects its degradation rate. Accumulated degradation poses a risk of satellite failure and further system failure. This paper aims to minimize long-term discounted costs associated with maintenance and system failure. We provide optimal maintenance planning and performance control through Markov decision process modeling and a dynamic programming algorithm. The system degradation state, a rocket's satellite-carrying capacity, maintenance preparation time, high maintenance setup costs, and load-sharing are considered in the model. We also offer structural insights into the optimal maintenance and performance control policy and the model, including a sensitivity analysis of maintenance setup costs.