Mission Scheduling of Key Distribution Experiment in Quantum Science Experimental Satellite

The first quantum satellite was launched on 16 August 2016. One of the satellite's important scientific experiments is the quantum key distribution, and its process is more complicated than other common experiments between the ground and space. In this paper, due to the multiple scheduling constraints and high timeliness requirement problem in the key distribution experiment of quantum science experimental satellite, based on analyses of key distribution process and constraints, a constraint satisfaction scheduling model is proposed. Taking the minimum mission completion time as the model's optimization objective, and considering the distribution of optic and data receiving resources, algorithm based on depth first search is proposed, and the problem of tight coupling and high timeliness was solve commendably. Simulation analyses results showed that the proposed model and algorithm are valid, and the interaction requirements between quantum science experimental satellite and the station in key distribution experiment can be satisfied. In future, further study will be made on the optimization of the algorithm.