Reflections and Perspectives on the In-Orbit Operational Management of Space Station Space Application System

With the advancement of China’s space sector, the China Space Station has transitioned from the research and construction phase to the application and development phase. This evolution signifies that payload missions in orbit are now being comprehensively executed. As a result, the management and control of payload operations face numerous challenges, including substantial workloads, extended timelines, complex operational requirements, multifaceted collaborations, and dynamic conditions. To ensure the safe and efficient implementation of extensive space science missions under the China Manned Space Program, as well as to optimize the utilization of space resources and enhance application outcomes, it is imperative to systematically assess and synthesize the requirements for in-orbit management of space applications. Employing a task-oriented framework, this study compares the organizational structures of both domestic and international space stations, providing a comprehensive overview of the operational management model for space application systems. It delineates strategies for in-orbit operation management encompassing task planning, operational supervision, anomaly detection, data analysis, and personnel coordination. Furthermore, the article evaluates the current status of in-orbit operation management and highlights significant scientific achievements. Finally, it addresses the challenges and future prospects, with particular emphasis on digitization, intelligent systems, and space–ground collaborative mechanism.