Write an algorithm for the ISS and win 10 thousand dollars

International Space Station

NASA announced a competition to optimize the motion algorithms of solar panels for the International Space Station. The ISS Longeron Challenge competition is held in conjunction with the TopCoder portal.

The ISS has four pairs of wings with solar panels. Each wing (Solar Array Wings, SAW) consists of two flexible folding panels and is able to rotate around the longitudinal axis thanks to independent Beta Gimbal Assembly motors (BGA). In addition, each of the two groups of panels is able to rotate along the transverse axis with the help of the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ).


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Task: how to generate the maximum amount of electricity, given the constant change in the position of the station relative to the sun? The solution of the problem should contain an algorithm that calculates the optimal angular positioning of each of the 10 elements in the diagram at each of 92 points in time. In addition, it is allowed to change the orientation of the entire station at a small angle (from 0 to 7 degrees, which is a constant for the whole turn).

The optimal positioning of solar cells is an extremely difficult task, for the solution of which several factors need to be taken into account:

1. The station makes one revolution around the earth in 92 minutes.
2. Shadows that the panels cast on each other. When the wing rotates, the shadow cast on the adjacent wing decreases, but the generation of electricity from that wing also decreases.
3. Functional limitations of mechanical structures.

Statement of the problem, specific parameters of the orbit, angles relative to the Sun, formulas for calculating the voltage on solar panels, exact dimensions of the panels, a tester / visualizer for testing solutions - all this is available immediately after registration in the competition.






In addition to cash prizes, there are bonuses:

• 100 NASA T-shirts
• five stickers that went to orbit
• five letters of recommendation

But the most important thing is not money, because your algorithm will work on the International Space Station!

The competition started on January 16 and will run until February 6, 2013.