A method, system and relay device for satellite relay communication

Abstract

The application discloses a satellite relay communication method, system and relay device, which utilizes a relay satellite carrying RIS to realize reflection and forwarding of communication signals, effectively reduces the number of communication satellites and the maintenance cost of a satellite communication system. The method comprises the following steps: a relay satellite receives a target signal sent by a sending terminal device, the relay satellite represents a satellite carrying RIS, the relay satellite is used for forwarding signals of at least one frequency band, and the sending terminal device comprises devices other than the relay satellite in a constellation satellite communication system; the relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the target signal to be forwarded to a receiving terminal device; and the receiving terminal device comprises devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a method, system and relay equipment for satellite relay communication. Background Technology

[0002] Satellites are established at a set altitude above the Earth. Satellites in multiple orbits at the same altitude form a satellite constellation, which includes high-orbit satellite constellations and low-orbit satellite constellations.

[0003] Currently, constellation satellite communication systems consist of a large number of communication satellites, making the system complex, with low reliability and short lifespan. They require frequent launches of new communication satellites to replace aging or malfunctioning ones, resulting in high maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method, system, and relay equipment for satellite relay communication. It utilizes a relay satellite equipped with RIS to reflect and forward communication signals, effectively reducing the number of communication satellites and the maintenance cost of the satellite communication system.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for satellite relay communication, the method comprising:

[0006] The relay satellite receives the target signal sent by the transmitting equipment. The relay satellite refers to a satellite carrying a RIS (Radio Router System). The relay satellite is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting equipment includes equipment in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellite.

[0007] The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0008] As an optional implementation method,

[0009] If the target signal is a microwave signal, then the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal;

[0010] If the target signal is a laser signal, then the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, which is used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a microwave signal, the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers;

[0012] The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device, including:

[0013] The incident microwave signal is reflected using the RIS array to obtain the microwave reflected signal;

[0014] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array;

[0015] The microwave signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0016] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology, then the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal, including:

[0017] The phase shift angle of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0018] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the phase shift angle of the RIS array.

[0019] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology, then the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal, including:

[0020] The beam switch of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0021] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the beam switch of the RIS array.

[0022] As an optional implementation, the microwave relay satellite also includes an incoming wave sensing system;

[0023] The incoming wave sensing system is used to sense the angle of arrival of the microwave signal and to track the incident microwave signal based on the angle of arrival; wherein the angle of arrival represents the incident angle of the microwave signal.

[0024] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a laser signal, and the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite; the laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor;

[0025] The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device, including:

[0026] The incident laser signal is reflected by the laser reflector to obtain the reflected laser signal;

[0027] The rotation of the laser reflector is controlled by the rotary motor, thereby controlling the reflection direction of the laser reflection signal;

[0028] The laser signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0029] As an optional implementation, the laser relay satellite also includes a focusing system that enhances the laser signal by focusing the incident laser signal.

[0030] As an optional implementation, the relay satellite includes a remote control communication system for communication between the relay satellite and devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0031] As an optional implementation method,

[0032] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0033] The transmitting equipment includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0034] The transmitting device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0035] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system.

[0036] Secondly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a satellite relay communication system, comprising a relay satellite, a ground station, and a communication satellite, wherein:

[0037] A relay satellite receives a target signal transmitted by a transmitting device. The relay satellite is a satellite carrying a RIS (Radio Router System). The relay satellite is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting device includes a ground station and / or a communication satellite.

[0038] The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes a ground station and / or a communication satellite.

[0039] As an optional implementation method,

[0040] If the target signal is a microwave signal, then the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal;

[0041] If the target signal is a laser signal, then the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, which is used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal.

[0042] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a microwave signal, and the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite. The microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers. The relay satellite is used for:

[0043] The incident microwave signal is reflected using the RIS array to obtain the microwave reflected signal;

[0044] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array;

[0045] The microwave signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0046] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology, then the relay satellite is used for:

[0047] The phase shift angle of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0048] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the phase shift angle of the RIS array.

[0049] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology, then the relay satellite is used for:

[0050] The beam switch of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0051] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the beam switch of the RIS array.

[0052] As an optional implementation, the microwave relay satellite also includes an incoming wave sensing system;

[0053] The incoming wave sensing system is used to sense the angle of arrival of the microwave signal and to track the incident microwave signal based on the angle of arrival; wherein the angle of arrival represents the incident angle of the microwave signal.

[0054] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a laser signal, and the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite; the laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor; the relay satellite is used for:

[0055] The incident laser signal is reflected by the laser reflector to obtain the reflected laser signal;

[0056] The rotation of the laser reflector is controlled by the rotary motor, thereby controlling the reflection direction of the laser reflection signal;

[0057] The laser signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0058] As an optional implementation, the laser relay satellite also includes a focusing system that enhances the laser signal by focusing the incident laser signal.

[0059] As an optional implementation, the relay satellite includes a remote control communication system for communication between the relay satellite and devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0060] As an optional implementation method,

[0061] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0062] The transmitting equipment includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0063] The transmitting device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0064] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system.

[0065] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a relay device, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a program executable by the processor, and the processor is used to read the program in the memory and perform the following steps:

[0066] The relay satellite receives the target signal sent by the transmitting equipment. The relay satellite refers to a satellite carrying a RIS (Radio Router System). The relay satellite is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting equipment includes equipment in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellite.

[0067] The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0068] As an optional implementation method,

[0069] If the target signal is a microwave signal, then the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal;

[0070] If the target signal is a laser signal, then the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, which is used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal.

[0071] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a microwave signal, the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers; the processor is specifically configured to execute:

[0072] The incident microwave signal is reflected using the RIS array to obtain the microwave reflected signal;

[0073] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array;

[0074] The microwave signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0075] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology, then the processor is specifically configured to execute:

[0076] The phase shift angle of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0077] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the phase shift angle of the RIS array.

[0078] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology, then the relay satellite is used for:

[0079] The beam switch of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0080] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the beam switch of the RIS array.

[0081] As an optional implementation, the microwave relay satellite also includes an incoming wave sensing system;

[0082] The incoming wave sensing system is used to sense the angle of arrival of the microwave signal and to track the incident microwave signal based on the angle of arrival; wherein the angle of arrival represents the incident angle of the microwave signal.

[0083] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a laser signal, and the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite; the laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor; the processor is specifically configured to execute:

[0084] The incident laser signal is reflected by the laser reflector to obtain the reflected laser signal;

[0085] The rotation of the laser reflector is controlled by the rotary motor, thereby controlling the reflection direction of the laser reflection signal;

[0086] The laser signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0087] As an optional implementation, the laser relay satellite also includes a focusing system, and the processor is specifically configured to execute:

[0088] The laser signal is enhanced by focusing the incident laser signal using the focusing system.

[0089] As an optional implementation, the relay satellite includes a remote control communication system for communication between the relay satellite and devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0090] As an optional implementation method,

[0091] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0092] The transmitting equipment includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0093] The transmitting device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0094] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system.

[0095] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect above.

[0096] These or other aspects of this application will become more apparent in the following description of embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0097] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0098] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the implementation of a satellite relay communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0099] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a constellation satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0100] Figure 3 A system architecture diagram for ground-to-satellite relay communication provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0101] Figure 4 A system architecture diagram for inter-satellite relay communication provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0102] Figure 5 A system architecture diagram for ground-to-ground relay communication provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0103] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a relay communication system for a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0104] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a microwave relay satellite system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0105] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an incoming wave sensing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a microwave relay satellite system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0107] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite relay communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0108] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a relay device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0109] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0110] In this embodiment of the invention, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0111] The term "Starlink" in this embodiment of the invention refers to a project by SpaceX, which plans to build a network of approximately 12,000 satellites in space between 2019 and 2024 to provide internet service. Of these, 1,584 will be deployed in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers and will begin operation in 2020.

[0112] In this invention, the term "RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligence Surface)" refers to an important application of information metamaterials in the field of mobile communication. Its basic principle is to control the electromagnetic properties of metamaterials through digital programming, thereby changing the diffuse reflection of space electromagnetic waves by ordinary walls, realizing intelligent control and beamforming of space electromagnetic waves, and having the characteristics of low power consumption and low cost, it is expected to become an important infrastructure for future mobile communication networks.

[0113] The application scenarios described in the embodiments of this invention are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that with the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this invention are also applicable to similar technical problems. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0114] Satellites are established by setting altitudes above the Earth to create orbits. Multiple satellites in orbit at the same altitude constitute a satellite constellation, which includes high-Earth orbit (HEO) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations. Communication systems typically use satellites to transmit data. Satellite-based systems enable the wireless transmission of information over long distances, such as over oceans. For example, satellite-based systems can be used to transmit information to land-based devices, such as handheld devices and home or office equipment. Furthermore, satellite communication systems can be used to provide coverage in areas where physical infrastructure has not yet been installed and / or to provide coverage for mobile devices that are not connected to infrastructure resources. An effective satellite-based communication system can be challenging; satellite deployment can be inefficient, leading to increased costs and poor terrestrial coverage.

[0115] Currently, satellite constellation communication systems primarily consist of communication satellites. Communication satellite systems are typically quite complex. For example, Starlink satellites include microwave communication systems, laser communication systems, tracking and control systems, attitude control systems, and propulsion systems. Current constellation satellite communication systems comprise a large number of communication satellites, often numbering in the tens of thousands. These systems are complex, have low reliability, and short lifespans, frequently requiring the launch of new communication satellites to replace aging or malfunctioning ones, resulting in very high maintenance costs.

[0116] The satellite relay communication method provided in this embodiment introduces a multifunctional onboard RIS (intelligent metasurface) satellite into the constellation satellite communication system to achieve the reflection and forwarding of communication signals such as lasers and microwaves. At the same time, it reduces the number of communication satellites. The onboard RIS satellite has the advantages of simple system, high reliability and low cost, which can effectively reduce the cost of the constellation satellite communication system and improve the reliability of the system.

[0117] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the implementation flow of a satellite relay communication method provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0118] Step 100: The relay satellite receives the target signal sent by the transmitting device. The relay satellite refers to a satellite carrying a RIS (Radio Router System). The relay satellite is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting device includes devices in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellite.

[0119] In some embodiments, the constellation satellite communication system in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, relay satellites, ground stations, and communication satellites. Equipment in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellites includes, but is not limited to, ground stations and / or communication satellites. For example... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, this embodiment provides a schematic diagram of a constellation satellite communication system, including a ground station, a relay satellite, and a communication satellite.

[0120] A ground station is a component of a satellite or space system. It refers to ground-based equipment located on Earth for space communication. Generally, it refers to ground-based equipment on the Earth's surface (including those mounted on ships and aircraft) for artificial satellite communication. It mainly consists of a high-gain antenna system for tracking artificial satellites, a high-power microwave transmission system, a low-noise receiving system, and a power supply system. Ground stations typically include tracking, telemetry, command stations, and gateway stations. A communication satellite is an artificial Earth satellite used as a radio communication relay station. Communication satellites relay radio signals, enabling communication between satellite communication earth stations (including mobile terminals) or between earth stations and spacecraft. Communication satellites include propulsion systems, navigation systems, obstacle avoidance systems, microwave communication systems, laser communication systems, and solar panels.

[0121] The relay satellite in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a propulsion system, a navigation system, an obstacle avoidance system, a microwave RIS system, and a laser / microwave reflection system.

[0122] In some embodiments, the target signal includes, but is not limited to, signals in different frequency bands. Optionally, the target signal includes microwave signals and laser signals. Microwave signals refer to electromagnetic waves with frequencies from 300 MHz to 300 GHz, a finite frequency band within radio waves, specifically electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 1 meter (excluding 1 meter) and 1 millimeter. Laser signals are light emitted by stimulated emission of atoms.

[0123] Step 101: The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the target signal to be forwarded to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0124] In some embodiments, the signal forwarding scheme for relay communication includes, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following:

[0125] Option 1: Forward the signal from the ground station to the communication satellite, or forward the signal from the communication satellite to the ground station.

[0126] Optionally, the transmitting device includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0127] Optionally, the transmitting device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a ground station in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0128] like Figure 3As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a system architecture diagram for ground-to-satellite relay communication. The relay satellite reflects microwave / laser signals between the communication satellite and the ground terminal to change the transmission direction of the microwave / laser signals. It can also focus and reflect the target signal once to realize signal relay between the ground and the satellite.

[0129] Option 2: Forward the signal from one communication satellite to another.

[0130] Optionally, the transmitting device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a system architecture diagram for inter-satellite relay communication. The relay satellite reflects microwave / laser signals between two communication satellites to change the transmission direction of the microwave / laser signals. It can also focus and reflect the target signal once.

[0132] Option 3: Forward the signal from one ground station to another ground station.

[0133] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system.

[0134] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a system architecture diagram for ground-to-ground relay communication. In this system, the relay satellite reflects microwave / laser signals between ground terminals to change the transmission direction of the microwave / laser signals. It can also focus and reflect the target signal once to realize signal relay between ground terminals.

[0135] like Figure 6 As shown in the figure, this embodiment also provides a system diagram of relay communication in a satellite communication system, wherein the relay satellite can reflect microwave signals / laser signals between the communication satellite and the ground terminal (satellite-to-ground reflection link), the relay satellite can also reflect microwave signals / laser signals between two communication satellites (inter-satellite reflection link), and the relay satellite can also reflect microwave signals / laser signals between ground terminals (ground-to-ground reflection link).

[0136] In some embodiments, this embodiment utilizes different relay satellites for forwarding based on the frequency band of the target signal, thereby achieving the forwarding function for signals in multiple frequency bands, as detailed below:

[0137] If the target signal is a microwave signal, then the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal;

[0138] If the target signal is a laser signal, then the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, which is used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal.

[0139] In practice, the propulsion system, navigation system, and obstacle avoidance system of relay satellites are basically the same as those of traditional communication satellites, and the relay scheme of microwave relay satellites can be implemented in a variety of ways.

[0140] Relay scheme 1: Microwave relay satellites include RIS arrays and RIS controllers.

[0141] In some embodiments, when the target signal is a microwave signal and the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, the microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers; the relay satellite reflects the target signal through the following steps and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device:

[0142] 1) The incident microwave signal is reflected using the RIS array to obtain the microwave reflected signal;

[0143] 2) The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array;

[0144] In practice, the RIS array in this embodiment can be a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology or a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology. A corresponding RIS controller is selected for different RIS panels, and the architecture of different RIS controllers is different.

[0145] In some embodiments, different RIS arrays correspond to different RIS controllers. The control methods for different RIS arrays are as follows:

[0146] Method a: If the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology, then the phase-shifting angle of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array; and the reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the phase-shifting angle of the RIS array. In practice, the phase-shifting control unit can be designed using liquid crystal.

[0147] Method b: If the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology, then the beam switch of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array; the reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the beam switch of the RIS array. In practice, the beam switch control can be based on the holographic principle.

[0148] It should be noted that the beam switch in this embodiment is used to control the transmission of the beam.

[0149] like Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, this embodiment provides a system architecture schematic for a microwave relay satellite. In practice, the microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller. The RIS controller controls the beam switching / phase shift angle of the RIS array to regulate the reflection direction of the incident wave. The RIS controller can be controlled via a long-wave wireless communication system; control commands can be issued by the communication satellite or by a ground station. The RIS array includes regularly arranged sub-units (small squares in the diagram), and the beam switching / phase shift angle of each sub-unit can be controlled individually or uniformly.

[0150] Relay scheme 2: The microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array, a RIS controller, and an incoming wave sensing system.

[0151] In some embodiments, the microwave relay satellite further includes an incoming wave sensing system;

[0152] The incoming wave sensing system is used to sense the angle of arrival of the microwave signal and to track the incident microwave signal based on the angle of arrival; wherein the angle of arrival represents the incident angle of the microwave signal.

[0153] like Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, this embodiment provides a schematic of an incoming wave sensing system, including an antenna (which can be composed of sub-units in a RIS array), a radio frequency (RF) unit, an RF transceiver, and a digital processing unit. The RF unit is used to filter and mix the received target signal (RF signal); the RF transceiver is used to acquire the RF signal; and the digital processing unit is used to analyze and process the RF signal, such as analyzing signal quality and direction of arrival.

[0154] like Figure 9As shown in the diagram, this embodiment provides a system architecture schematic for a microwave relay satellite. In practice, the microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array, a RIS controller, and an arrival wave sensing system. The RIS controller controls the beam switching / phase shift angle of the RIS array to regulate the reflection direction of the incident wave. The arrival wave sensing system can sense the arrival angle of the communication satellite, thereby performing simple satellite pointing and tracking. The RIS array includes regularly arranged sub-units (small squares in the diagram), and the beam switching / phase shift angle of each sub-unit can be controlled individually or uniformly.

[0155] 3) The microwave signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the target signal is a laser signal and the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, the laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor;

[0157] The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device through the following steps:

[0158] i) The incident laser signal is reflected using the laser reflector to obtain a laser reflected signal;

[0159] ii) The rotation of the laser reflector is controlled by the rotary motor to control the reflection direction of the laser reflection signal;

[0160] iii) The laser signal is forwarded to the receiving device in the direction of reflection.

[0161] In some embodiments, the laser relay satellite further includes a focusing system that enhances the laser signal by focusing the incident laser signal.

[0162] Optionally, the laser relay satellite in this embodiment includes a laser reflector, a rotary motor, and a focusing system. The focusing system includes a focusing lens and a light intensity sensing system. The laser reflector is used to reflect the laser signal, the rotary motor is used to control the rotation of the laser reflector, the focusing lens is used to achieve secondary focusing of the laser signal, and the light intensity sensing system is used to sense the light intensity of the laser signal and dynamically focus the laser signal.

[0163] Optionally, the laser relay satellite also includes an optical path for transmitting the laser.

[0164] In some embodiments, the relay satellite includes a remote communication system for communication between the relay satellite and devices in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellite.

[0165] Optionally, the remote control communication system includes a microwave remote control communication system and a laser remote control communication system; the remote control communication system is used for communication between communication satellites / ground stations and relay satellites (microwave relay satellites and laser relay satellites).

[0166] The microwave relay satellite in this embodiment also includes a microwave remote control communication system, and the laser relay satellite in this embodiment also includes a laser remote control communication system. The microwave remote control communication system and the laser remote control communication system can be the same system or different systems. Since the data transmission volume of the remote control communication system is very small, it can be achieved by improving the traditional low-speed wireless communication system, which can ensure the reliability of data transmission and reduce costs.

[0167] This embodiment introduces a relay satellite into the constellation communication satellite system to relay communication signals via reflection. By introducing a relay satellite into the traditional constellation satellite system, the number of communication satellites can be effectively reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the constellation system. RIS relay satellites also have the advantages of system simplicity, thus improving the overall reliability of the constellation satellites.

[0168] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment of the invention also provides a satellite relay communication system. Since this device is the system in the method of this embodiment of the invention, and the principle of solving the problem by this system is similar to that of this method, the implementation of this system can refer to the implementation of the method, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0169] like Figure 10 As shown, the system includes relay satellite 1000, ground station 1001, and communication satellite 1002, wherein:

[0170] The relay satellite 1000 receives the target signal sent by the transmitting equipment. The relay satellite 1000 represents a satellite carrying a RIS. The relay satellite 1000 is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting equipment includes a ground station 1001 and / or a communication satellite 1002.

[0171] The relay satellite 1000 reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes a ground station 1001 and / or a communication satellite 1002.

[0172] As an optional implementation method,

[0173] If the target signal is a microwave signal, then the relay satellite 1000 is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal;

[0174] If the target signal is a laser signal, then the relay satellite 1000 is a laser relay satellite, which is used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal.

[0175] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a microwave signal, and the relay satellite 1000 is a microwave relay satellite. The microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers. The relay satellite 1000 is used for:

[0176] The incident microwave signal is reflected using the RIS array to obtain the microwave reflected signal;

[0177] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array;

[0178] The microwave signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0179] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology, then the relay satellite 1000 is used for:

[0180] The phase shift angle of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0181] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the phase shift angle of the RIS array.

[0182] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology, then the relay satellite 1000 is used for:

[0183] The beam switch of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0184] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the beam switch of the RIS array.

[0185] As an optional implementation, the microwave relay satellite also includes an incoming wave sensing system;

[0186] The incoming wave sensing system is used to sense the angle of arrival of the microwave signal and to track the incident microwave signal based on the angle of arrival; wherein the angle of arrival represents the incident angle of the microwave signal.

[0187] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a laser signal, and the relay satellite 1000 is a laser relay satellite; the laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor; the relay satellite 1000 is used for:

[0188] The incident laser signal is reflected by the laser reflector to obtain the reflected laser signal;

[0189] The rotation of the laser reflector is controlled by the rotary motor, thereby controlling the reflection direction of the laser reflection signal;

[0190] The laser signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0191] As an optional implementation, the laser relay satellite also includes a focusing system that enhances the laser signal by focusing the incident laser signal.

[0192] As an optional implementation, the relay satellite 1000 includes a remote control communication system for communication between the relay satellite 1000 and other devices in the constellation satellite communication system besides the relay satellite 1000.

[0193] As an optional implementation method,

[0194] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station 1001 in the constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a communication satellite 1002 in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0195] The transmitting equipment includes a communication satellite 1002 in the constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station 1001 in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0196] The transmitting device includes a communication satellite 1002 in the constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite 1002 in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0197] The transmitting device includes a ground station 1001 in the constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a ground station 1001 in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0198] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment of the invention also provides a relay device. Since this device is the same as the device in the method of this embodiment of the invention, and the principle of the device in solving the problem is similar to that of the method, the implementation of the device can refer to the implementation of the method, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0199] like Figure 11 As shown, the relay device includes a processor 1100 and a memory 1101. The memory 1101 is used to store programs executable by the processor 1100. The processor 1101 is used to read the programs in the memory 1101 and perform the following steps:

[0200] The relay satellite receives the target signal sent by the transmitting equipment. The relay satellite refers to a satellite carrying a RIS (Radio Router System). The relay satellite is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting equipment includes equipment in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellite.

[0201] The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0202] As an optional implementation method,

[0203] If the target signal is a microwave signal, then the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal;

[0204] If the target signal is a laser signal, then the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, which is used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal.

[0205] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a microwave signal, the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers; the processor 1100 is specifically configured to execute:

[0206] The incident microwave signal is reflected using the RIS array to obtain the microwave reflected signal;

[0207] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array;

[0208] The microwave signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0209] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology, then the processor 1100 is specifically configured to execute:

[0210] The phase shift angle of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0211] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the phase shift angle of the RIS array.

[0212] As an optional implementation, if the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology, then the relay satellite is used for:

[0213] The beam switch of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array.

[0214] The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the beam switch of the RIS array.

[0215] As an optional implementation, the microwave relay satellite also includes an incoming wave sensing system;

[0216] The incoming wave sensing system is used to sense the angle of arrival of the microwave signal and to track the incident microwave signal based on the angle of arrival; wherein the angle of arrival represents the incident angle of the microwave signal.

[0217] As an optional implementation, the target signal is a laser signal, and the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite; the laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor; the processor 1100 is specifically configured to execute:

[0218] The incident laser signal is reflected by the laser reflector to obtain the reflected laser signal;

[0219] The rotation of the laser reflector is controlled by the rotary motor, thereby controlling the reflection direction of the laser reflection signal;

[0220] The laser signal is forwarded to the receiving device according to the reflection direction.

[0221] As an optional implementation, the laser relay satellite also includes a focusing system, and the processor 1100 is specifically configured to perform:

[0222] The laser signal is enhanced by focusing the incident laser signal using the focusing system.

[0223] As an optional implementation, the relay satellite includes a remote control communication system for communication between the relay satellite and devices other than the relay satellite in the constellation satellite communication system.

[0224] As an optional implementation method,

[0225] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0226] The transmitting equipment includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0227] The transmitting device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or,

[0228] The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system.

[0229] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure provides a computer storage medium comprising: computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the satellite relay communication methods described above. Since the principle by which the computer storage medium solves the problem is similar to that of the satellite relay communication method, the implementation of the computer storage medium can be found in the implementation of the method, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0230] In specific implementation, computer storage media can include: Universal Serial Bus Flash Drive (USB), portable hard drive, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk, and other storage media that can store program code.

[0231] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the satellite relay communication methods described above. Since the principle by which the above-described computer program product solves the problem is similar to that of the satellite relay communication method, the implementation of the above-described computer program product can be referred to the implementation of the method, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0232] Computer program products may employ any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of readable storage media include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0233] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0234] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 Devices that specify the functions in one or more boxes.

[0235] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including an instruction device, which is implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0236] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0237] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method of satellite relay communication, characterized by, The method includes: A relay satellite receives a target signal transmitted by a transmitting device. The relay satellite is a satellite carrying a RIS (Radio Router System). The relay satellite is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting device includes equipment in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellite. If the target signal is a microwave signal, the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal. If the target signal is a laser signal, the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal. The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes equipment in the constellation satellite communication system other than the relay satellite; The target signal is a microwave signal, and the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite. The microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers. The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device, including: using the RIS array to reflect the incident microwave signal to obtain a microwave reflected signal; using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array to control the reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal; and forwarding the microwave signal to the receiving device according to the reflection direction. The target signal is a laser signal, and the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite. The laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor. The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device, including: reflecting the incident laser signal using the laser reflector to obtain a laser reflected signal; controlling the rotation of the laser reflector through the rotating motor to control the reflection direction of the laser reflected signal; and forwarding the laser signal to the receiving device according to the reflection direction. The laser relay satellite also includes an optical path for transmitting the laser.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, If the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on liquid crystal phase-shifting technology, then the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal, including: The phase shift angle of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array. The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled according to the phase shift angle of the RIS array.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, If the RIS array includes a RIS panel based on PIN diode technology, then the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array is used to control the reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal, including: The beam switch of the RIS array is controlled using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array. The reflection direction of the microwave reflected signal is controlled by the beam switch of the RIS array.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The microwave relay satellite also includes an incoming wave sensing system; The incoming wave sensing system is used to sense the angle of arrival of the microwave signal and to track the incident microwave signal based on the angle of arrival; wherein the angle of arrival represents the incident angle of the microwave signal.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The laser relay satellite also includes a focusing system, which enhances the laser signal by focusing the incident laser signal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The relay satellite includes a remote control communication system, which is used for communication between the relay satellite and other devices in the constellation satellite communication system besides the relay satellite.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or, The transmitting equipment includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in the constellation satellite communication system; or, The transmitting device includes a communication satellite in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving device includes a communication satellite in the constellation satellite communication system; or, The transmitting equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system, and the receiving equipment includes a ground station in a constellation satellite communication system.

8. A system for satellite relayed communication, characterized by The system includes relay satellites, ground stations, and communication satellites, among which: A relay satellite receives a target signal transmitted by a transmitting device. The relay satellite is a satellite carrying a RIS (Radio Router System). The relay satellite is used to forward signals in at least one frequency band. The transmitting device includes a ground station and / or a communication satellite. If the target signal is a microwave signal, the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, used to control the reflection direction of the microwave signal. If the target signal is a laser signal, the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite, used to control the reflection direction of the laser signal. The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device; wherein the receiving device includes a ground station and / or a communication satellite; the target signal is a microwave signal, the relay satellite is a microwave relay satellite, and the microwave relay satellite includes a RIS array and a RIS controller, with different RIS arrays corresponding to different RIS controllers; the relay satellite reflecting the target signal and controlling the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device includes: using the RIS array to reflect the incident microwave signal to obtain a microwave reflected signal; and using the RIS controller corresponding to the RIS array to control the reflection of the microwave reflected signal. The target signal is a laser signal, and the relay satellite is a laser relay satellite. The laser relay satellite includes a laser reflector and a rotating motor. The relay satellite reflects the target signal and controls the forwarding of the target signal to the receiving device, including: reflecting the incident laser signal using the laser reflector to obtain a laser reflected signal; controlling the rotation of the laser reflector through the rotating motor to control the reflection direction of the laser reflected signal; and forwarding the laser signal to the receiving device according to the reflection direction. The laser relay satellite also includes an optical path for transmitting the laser signal.

9. A relay device, characterized by, The relay device includes a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a program executable by the processor, and the processor being used to read the program in the memory and execute the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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