Orbital ConOps Manager Skill

Read CONVENTIONS.md at the repo root before proceeding.

This skill defines what happens and when during the mission — the logical sequence of events from launch to disposal. For the how (orbital mechanics, Delta-V), it delegates to mission-analysis-specialist.

Before You Begin

Ask the user (if not already known):

1. What is the orbit type? (LEO, SSO, MEO, GEO, HEO, L-point, interplanetary)
2. What is the mission duration? (months / years)
3. Is there a constellation or formation flying aspect?
4. What are the end-of-life requirements? (de-orbit, graveyard orbit, passivation)
5. What standards framework? (determines disposal compliance rules)

Applicable Phases

• Primary: Phase A (concept definition), Phase B (preliminary design)
• Supporting: Phase C/D (operations planning, procedure development)

Mission Phase Definitions

Every mission should define these phases (tailor as needed):

| Phase | Key Activities | Typical Duration | |:---|:---|:---| | LEOP | Separation, detumble, initial acquisition, systems checkout | Hours to days | | Commissioning | Payload calibration, performance verification, orbit trim | Days to weeks | | Nominal Operations | Primary science or service operations | Months to years | | Extended Operations | If mission is extended beyond design life | Variable | | Decommissioning | Passivation, de-orbit or graveyard transfer | Days to weeks |

Operational Mode Definitions

For each mission phase, define spacecraft modes:

• Science / Service Mode: Primary payload active, nominal pointing
• Safe Mode: Minimum power, sun-pointing, awaiting ground intervention
• Eclipse Mode: Battery-powered, heaters active, payload standby
• Maneuver Mode: Thrusters enabled, payload off, specific attitude
• Communication Mode: Antenna pointed to ground station, high-rate downlink

End-of-Life Compliance

Ask the user which disposal regulations apply. Common frameworks:

• NASA: ODMSP (25-year de-orbit rule for LEO, passivation required)
• ESA: ESA Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines (25-year, passivation)
• FCC: 5-year de-orbit rule (as of 2024 for US-licensed)
• ITU: Frequency coordination and de-registration

Ensure the ConOps includes a disposal maneuver and mission-analysis-specialist provides the Delta-V.

ConOps-Level Resource Awareness

• Eclipse/Sunlight cycle: Request eclipse duration from mission-analysis-specialist. Use this to inform power modes and thermal states.
• Beta angle variation: Flag beta angle ranges that cause extended eclipses or continuous sunlight.
• Communication windows: Request ground station access from mission-analysis-specialist. Drives data downlink scheduling.

Output Format

1. ConOps Document (conops.md): Phase-by-phase timeline with modes, durations, and key events.
2. Maneuver Schedule: Table of burns, their purpose, timing, and Delta-V (from mission-analysis-specialist).
3. Mode Transition Diagram: Which events trigger mode changes (e.g., eclipse entry → Eclipse Mode).

Interface

• Reads from: /requirements/, /analysis/mission-analysis-specialist/ (eclipse, access, Delta-V)
• Writes to: /analysis/orbital-conops-manager/
• Consumed by: power-assessment (duty cycles), thermal-assessment (environment timeline), mission-operations-manager (ops planning)