Automating the Deep Space Network Data Systems; A Case Study in Adaptive Anomaly Detection through Agentic AI

TL;DR

This paper presents an integrated AI system combining machine learning, reinforcement learning, and large language models to automate anomaly detection and maintenance in NASA's Deep Space Network, improving reliability and operational efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive agentic AI framework that automates data processing, anomaly detection, severity classification, and explanation generation for DSN equipment, with real-time capabilities and human feedback integration.

Findings

Successful implementation of a data pipeline for DSN transmitters.

Effective anomaly detection and classification using machine learning and reinforcement learning.

Enhanced interpretability with LLM-generated explanations for anomalies.

Abstract

The Deep Space Network (DSN) is NASA's largest network of antenna facilities that generate a large volume of multivariate time-series data. These facilities contain DSN antennas and transmitters that undergo degradation over long periods of time, which may cause costly disruptions to the data flow and threaten the earth-connection of dozens of spacecraft that rely on the Deep Space Network for their lifeline. The purpose of this study was to experiment with different methods that would be able to assist JPL engineers with directly pinpointing anomalies and equipment degradation through collected data, and continue conducting maintenance and operations of the DSN for future space missions around our universe. As such, we have researched various machine learning techniques that can fully reconstruct data through predictive analysis, and determine anomalous data entries within real-time datasets through statistical computations and thresholds. On top of the fully trained and tested machine learning models, we have also integrated the use of a reinforcement learning subsystem that classifies identified anomalies based on severity level and a Large Language Model that labels an explanation for each anomalous data entry, all of which can be improved and fine-tuned over time through human feedback/input. Specifically, for the DSN transmitters, we have also implemented a full data pipeline system that connects the data extraction, parsing, and processing workflow all together as there was no coherent program or script for performing these tasks before. Using this data pipeline system, we were able to then also connect the models trained from DSN antenna data, completing the data workflow for DSN anomaly detection. This was all wrapped around and further connected by an agentic AI system, where complex reasoning was utilized to determine the classifications and predictions of anomalous data.