Real-time adaptive scheduling optimization for inter-satellite contact window resources in dynamic satellite networks

Real-time scheduling of contact window resources is a fundamental technology for the future construction of Space–Terrestrial Integrated Networks (STIN). The spatio-temporal dynamics of satellite networks result in continuous variations in satellite relative positions and inter-satellite visibility window resource status. Furthermore, frequent changes in task priority make real-time resource scheduling extremely challenging. Centralized online scheduling methods often lead to a significant amount of waiting time, while distributed online scheduling methods struggle to adapt to the high dynamics of satellite networks. Therefore, the real-time scheduling technology for contact window resources in satellite networks is still in the exploration phase. We propose an inter-satellite online resource allocation method to solve the latency issue caused by the seizure of contact window resources. First, we determine the shortest and maximum flow paths set in the satellite network according to task requirements and construct them as the core network. Then, we comprehensively analyze the supply and demand situation of the task and the core network at a specific moment and verify the reliability of our minimum cost flow-solving method based on the core network. Moreover, we consider factors such as changes in task priority and edge modifications and validate the correctness of our method to update the minimum cost flow at the next moment based on local network changes. Finally, through extensive comparative simulations, we evaluate the absolute advantage of our inter-satellite online scheduling method and validate a significant improvement in task scheduling timeliness. •Autonomous and cooperative online scheduling among satellites for multiple resources.•Core network and dynamic updates for adaptive resource allocation.•Simulation platform for multi-angle validation, enhancing task timeliness.