Mathematical model to the optimization of the data download scheduling problem for multiple satellites to multiple ground stations: new approach

This work aims to optimize the data download scheduling problem for multiple satellites to multiple ground stations, within a pre-defined planning horizon. A new strategy for modelling the problem is being proposed to obtain a more compact formulation in relation to the previously proposed mathematical model. Furthermore, new adaptations were included to consider that the download of the data stored on satellites can be done in packets as in the previous model, but now with variable sizes to be defined by the optimization. To guarantee the transition between a satellite to another in cases where there are overlapping visibility time-windows, new constraints were also included to handle cases of overlap, but now when the same satellite can download to different ground stations provided that the download started before has been completed. The proposed model was applied in some instances and the results obtained will be presented.