Method and system for constructing lightning orbit constellation for meteorological sounding

By designing a lightning orbit constellation, selecting the geographical longitude of the ascending node, determining the satellite's operating altitude and information acquisition capabilities, and constructing a three-dimensional constellation, and performing orbital maneuvers in the event of a single satellite failure, the problem of insufficient detection during on-orbit failures of satellite constellations has been solved, enabling long-term coverage of extreme regions and acquisition of multi-scale meteorological data.

CN116853519BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-18SHANGHAI INST OF ELECTROMECHANICAL ENG
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310672573.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-06-07
Publication Date
2025-11-18
Estimated Expiration
2043-06-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, satellite constellations cannot meet the needs of Arctic meteorological observation when they malfunction in orbit, and they lack coverage of extreme regions and the ability to acquire multi-scale meteorological data.

Method used

A method for constructing a lightning orbital constellation is designed, including selecting the geographical longitude range of the ascending node, determining the satellite's working altitude and information acquisition capabilities, selecting fixed ground stations, constructing a three-dimensional constellation, and achieving three-satellite all-sky three-dimensional detection through temporary orbital maneuvers in the event of a single satellite failure.

Benefits of technology

It achieves long-term coverage of extreme regions and acquisition of multi-scale meteorological data, and has constellation on-orbit resilience to ensure that detection needs can still be met in the event of a single satellite failure.

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Abstract

The application provides a lightning orbit constellation construction method and system for meteorological detection, comprising the following steps: according to basic parameters of a lightning orbit and observation requirements, selecting an orbit ascending node geographical longitude and determining an allowed range of the ascending node geographical longitude; according to dynamic coverage capacity of a lightning orbit satellite, determining working height and information acquisition capacity of each orbit of the satellite; according to characteristics of east and west orbits of the lightning orbit satellite, selecting fixed ground stations to receive satellite meteorological data in the east orbit and the west orbit respectively; according to double-satellite positioning requirements, constructing a three-dimensional constellation composed of two groups of four satellites to meet three-dimensional positioning requirements of a preset area task region; and setting a three-satellite elastic emergency mode, so that when a single satellite fails, through temporary orbit maneuvering, three satellites can realize all-day three-dimensional detection of the preset area. The constellation configuration design fully considers extreme area main tasks, and through development of a climbing section, the design also takes into account coverage of Chinese regions and increases short-time multi-scale meteorological data acquisition capacity.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of satellite technology, and more specifically, to a method and system for constructing a lightning orbit constellation for meteorological observation. Background Technology

[0002] Satellites operating in the Lightning Orbit will remain near the apogee for extended periods. Combined with their 63.4° inclination and 270° perigee argument, they can provide a long-duration observation arc over the Arctic region. Furthermore, their orbital ascent phase features altitude variations from 500km to 39,800km, enabling them to acquire images at different spatial scales. This makes them an important orbit for covering and exploring specific areas in the Arctic and mid-latitudes.

[0003] Currently, there are no patents or documents describing a constellation that can be used for Arctic weather observation while also enhancing weather observation capabilities.

[0004] Patent document CN113703009A (application number: CN202110878222.3) discloses a method and system for evaluating the satellite's ability to detect maritime targets. The method includes calculating the satellite's over-the-head maritime target value and over-the-head time based on a satellite orbit model, the satellite's sensor swath width, and the target's actual trajectory information, and generating an over-the-head window cluster; calculating the satellite's ability to detect maritime targets based on weather, time, onboard sensor model, and maritime target conditions, and generating a satellite detection window; calculating the satellite's ability to identify maritime targets, and calculating a satellite identification window; and evaluating the satellite's ability to detect maritime targets. However, this patent does not consider the flexibility of the constellation in orbit, and cannot meet detection requirements when the satellite malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system for constructing lightning orbital constellations for meteorological observation.

[0006] The lightning orbit constellation construction method for weather detection provided by the present invention includes:

[0007] Step S1: Based on the basic parameters of the lightning orbit and the observation requirements, select the geographical longitude of the ascending node and determine the allowable range of the geographical longitude of the ascending node;

[0008] Step S2: Determine the working altitude and information acquisition capability of each orbit of the satellite based on the dynamic coverage capability of the lightning orbit satellite;

[0009] Step S3: Based on the characteristics of the east and west orbits of the lightning orbit satellite, select fixed ground stations on the east and west orbits respectively to receive satellite meteorological data;

[0010] Step S4: Based on the dual-star positioning requirements, construct two sets of four-star three-dimensional constellations to meet the three-dimensional positioning requirements of the preset regional task area;

[0011] Step S5: Set up Samsung's flexible emergency mode. In the event of a single satellite failure, Samsung will perform all-day three-dimensional detection of a preset area through temporary orbital maneuvers.

[0012] Preferably, step S1 includes: in the six elements of the lightning track, the apogee altitude, perigee altitude, inclination angle, and perigee argument are specified. The lightning track uses the geographical longitude of the ascending node as the design parameter, and selects the working conditions that cover the preset area as the selectable interval by traversing the longitude 360°.

[0013] Preferably, step S2 includes: the lightning orbit has two tracks, east and west. Analyze the track that passes through the preset area, determine the arc segment that can cover the preset area, and use it as the corresponding orbital working segment. Determine the starting altitude for working, and combine the characteristics of the lightning orbit being highly elliptical, the changes in the satellite's altitude and spatial resolution in the orbital segment to obtain the satellite information acquisition capability.

[0014] Preferably, step S3 includes: selecting a location where communication is possible along the entire working section of the East and West Orbits, as the ground receiving station for the satellite data of the constellation.

[0015] Preferably, step S4 includes: based on the principle of binocular visual positioning and the error influence formula, firstly, two satellites are designed as a group, with a difference of 180° in the geographical longitude of their ascending nodes and the same mean apogee angle, which have the ability to pass over the preset area in two half-days respectively; secondly, the geographical longitude of the ascending nodes of the two sets of satellite reference satellites is designed to differ by 60° and the mean apogee angle is designed to differ by 180°, to ensure the three-dimensional observation angle of the preset area and to determine the optimized constellation configuration.

[0016] The lightning orbit constellation construction system for weather detection provided by the present invention includes:

[0017] Module M1: Based on the basic parameters of the lightning orbit and observation requirements, select the geographical longitude of the ascending node and determine the allowable range of geographical longitude of the ascending node;

[0018] Module M2: Determines the working altitude and information acquisition capability of each satellite orbit based on the dynamic coverage capability of the lightning orbit satellite;

[0019] Module M3: Based on the characteristics of the east-west orbit of the lightning orbit satellite, fixed ground stations are selected on the east and west orbits respectively to receive satellite meteorological data;

[0020] Module M4: Based on the dual-satellite positioning requirements, construct two sets of four-satellite constellations to meet the three-dimensional positioning requirements of the preset regional mission area;

[0021] Module M5: Sets up a three-satellite flexible emergency mode, which enables three-satellite all-day three-dimensional detection of a preset area through temporary orbital maneuvers in the event of a single satellite failure.

[0022] Preferably, the module M1 includes: apogee altitude, perigee altitude, inclination angle, and perigee argument angle in the six elements of the lightning track. The lightning track uses the geographical longitude of the ascending node as a design parameter and selects the working conditions that cover the preset area as the selectable interval by traversing 360° of longitude.

[0023] Preferably, the module M2 includes: the lightning orbit has two tracks, east and west. Analyze the track that passes through a preset area, determine the arc segment that can cover the preset area, and use it as the corresponding orbital working segment. Determine the starting altitude for working, and combine the characteristics of the lightning orbit being highly elliptical, the changes in the satellite's altitude and spatial resolution in this orbital segment to obtain the satellite information acquisition capability.

[0024] Preferably, module M3 includes: selecting a location where communication is possible throughout the entire working section of the East and West Orbits, as the ground receiving station for satellite data of the constellation.

[0025] Preferably, the module M4 includes: based on the principle of binocular visual positioning and the error influence formula, firstly, two satellites are designed as a group, with a difference of 180° in the geographical longitude of their ascending nodes and the same mean apogee angle, which has the ability to pass over a preset area in two half-days respectively; secondly, the geographical longitude of the ascending nodes of the two sets of satellite reference satellites is designed to differ by 60° and the mean apogee angle is designed to differ by 180°, to ensure the three-dimensional observation angle of the preset area and to determine the optimized constellation configuration.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] (1) This invention provides a method for selecting the main parameters, geographical longitude of the ascending node and phase difference of the aperimeter angle of each star in the design of lightning orbit constellations, which can guide the design of such constellations in engineering.

[0028] (2) The constellation configuration design of this invention fully considers the main mission in extreme regions, and through the development of the climbing phase, it also takes into account the coverage of my country's regions and increases the ability to acquire short-term multi-scale meteorological data.

[0029] (3) The constellation configuration design of this invention fully considers the elasticity of the constellation in orbit. When one star suffers an irreversible failure, the main mission in extreme regions can be guaranteed by adjusting the phase of the remaining three stars in orbit. This has great practical guiding significance for the implementation of the project. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the steps of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0033] Example 1:

[0034] This invention comprehensively considers constraints such as satellite coverage area, altitude and spatial resolution, ground station reception, stereo positioning and constellation flexibility for the Arctic and my country. Through analysis of the selectable range of geographical longitude parameters of the ascending node of the lightning orbit and joint design of the constellation configuration, it can fully meet various engineering constraints and provide lightning orbit parameter design results and constellation configuration schemes that meet the needs of detection missions and engineering practice.

[0035] Specifically, this invention proposes a lightning orbit constellation method for Arctic meteorological observation and to enhance my country's meteorological observation data, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following 5 steps:

[0036] S1. Based on the basic parameters of the lightning orbit and my country's observation needs, select the geographical longitude of the ascending node and determine the allowable range of the geographical longitude of the ascending node.

[0037] S2. Based on the dynamic coverage capability of the lightning orbit satellites over my country, determine the working altitude and information acquisition capability of each satellite orbit;

[0038] S3. Based on the characteristic that the lightning orbit satellite has an east-west orbit, fixed ground stations are selected in the east and west orbits respectively to receive satellite meteorological data.

[0039] S4. Based on the dual-satellite positioning requirements, two sets of four-satellite constellations were designed to meet the three-dimensional positioning requirements of mission areas in my country and the Arctic region.

[0040] S5, in view of the potential single-satellite failure that the constellation may face in orbit, designed a 3-satellite flexible emergency mode, which sacrifices part of the coverage in my country through temporary orbital maneuvers to ensure the 24-hour three-dimensional detection capability of the three satellites in the Arctic region.

[0041] Select the geographical longitude of the ascending node of the orbit.

[0042] The coverage capabilities of each point during the ascent phase of the lightning orbit satellite were analyzed, and the working phase and corresponding altitude were determined based on the coverage requirements of the Arctic and my country.

[0043] The deployment locations of the ground stations are determined through calculations, and data from the east and west rails are received respectively.

[0044] The design consists of two satellite constellations, covering the Arctic region and specific mid-latitude regions (around my country).

[0045] If a single satellite in the four-satellite constellation malfunctions, the ascending node longitude and constellation configuration can be reconstructed by adjusting the mean aperimeter angle to ensure three-dimensional coverage of the Arctic region.

[0046] This invention provides a lightning orbit constellation construction system for meteorological observation, comprising: Module M1: selecting the geographical longitude of the ascending node based on the basic parameters of the lightning orbit and observation requirements, and determining the allowable range of the geographical longitude of the ascending node; Module M2: determining the working altitude and information acquisition capability of each satellite orbit based on the dynamic coverage capability of the lightning orbit satellite; Module M3: selecting fixed ground stations on the east and west orbits respectively to receive satellite meteorological data based on the characteristics of the east and west orbits of the lightning orbit satellite; Module M4: constructing two sets of four-satellite constellations based on the dual-satellite positioning requirements to meet the three-dimensional positioning requirements of the preset area mission area; Module M5: setting a three-satellite flexible emergency mode, which enables three-satellite all-day three-dimensional detection of the preset area through temporary orbital maneuvers in the event of a single-satellite failure.

[0047] The module M1 includes: apogee altitude, perigee altitude, inclination angle, and perigee argument angle in the six elements of the lightning track. The lightning track uses the geographical longitude of the ascending node as the design parameter and selects the working conditions that cover the preset area as the selectable interval by traversing 360° of longitude.

[0048] The module M2 includes: the lightning orbit has two tracks, east and west. The track that passes through the preset area is analyzed to determine the arc segment that can cover the preset area, which is used as the corresponding working segment of the orbit. The starting altitude of the operation is determined. The satellite information acquisition capability is obtained by combining the characteristics of the lightning orbit being highly elliptical, the changes in the satellite's altitude and spatial resolution in the orbit segment.

[0049] The module M3 includes: selecting a location where communication is possible along the entire working section of the East and West Orbits, and using it as a ground receiving station for satellite data of the constellation.

[0050] The module M4 includes: based on the principle of binocular visual positioning and the error influence formula, firstly, two satellites are designed as a group, with a difference of 180° in the geographical longitude of their ascending nodes and the same mean apogee angle, which has the ability to pass over the preset area in two half-days respectively; secondly, the geographical longitude of the ascending nodes of the two sets of satellite reference satellites is designed to differ by 60° and the mean apogee angle is designed to differ by 180°, to ensure the three-dimensional observation angle of the preset area and to determine the optimized constellation configuration.

[0051] Example 2:

[0052] Example 2 is a preferred example of Example 1.

[0053] This invention proposes a lightning orbit constellation method for Arctic meteorological observation and to enhance my country's meteorological observation data. It targets all-day, all-weather primary and secondary constellations in areas north of 60°N latitude and involves joint design, including the following steps:

[0054] Step 1: Considering that the high-orbit section of the lightning orbit naturally has a coverage capability of more than 6 hours for the Arctic region, in order to improve the coverage capability of the ascent phase for my country, the geographical longitude of the ascending node should be selected in the East 6 to East 9 time zones where my country is located. After analysis and simulation, the design range of the geographical longitude of the ascending node is determined to be between 70°E and 140°E. At the same time, according to the characteristic of the lightning orbit returning twice a day, a range of 180° interval (i.e., between 110°W and 40°W) also meets the requirements.

[0055] Step 2: To maximize the coverage of my country during the ascent phase of the lightning orbit, based on orbital analysis, we selected an altitude of 5600km to begin operation (corresponding to the satellite's nadir crossing the equator). The satellite will reach its highest point on the eastern orbit and then return to an altitude of 5600km. In both cases, it will be able to acquire meteorological data covering the entire country of my country. Therefore, the operating altitude was determined to be above 5600km on the eastern orbit. The four satellites will work in relay to achieve all-day detection. The western orbit will also operate in the same way to ensure the detection of meteorological data in North America.

[0056] Step 3: Based on the orbit design and satellite-to-ground transmission relationship analysis, Beijing Station and North American Station were selected as fixed ground stations for receiving lightning orbit meteorological data in the East and West orbits, respectively, which can meet the data reception requirements of the four satellites throughout their entire working period.

[0057] Step 4: By designing the optional parameters (geographic longitude of the ascending node, mean perihelion angle, and relative phase) of the lightning orbit satellites, based on the principle of binocular visual positioning, the design should ensure that the spatial observation angle between the two satellites and the target area is approximately 30° or more (for high-latitude regions, the longitude difference between the two satellites' sub-points should be greater than 60°), thus guaranteeing stereo observation and processing efficiency. The optional parameters for each satellite in the constellation are shown in the table below:

[0058] Ascending node geographical longitude relative phase of the near point angle Group A 01 star 75° East 0° Group A 02 Star 105° West 0° Group B 01 Star 135° East 180° Group B 02 Star 45° West 180°

[0059] Step 5: If a single satellite in the 4-satellite constellation malfunctions, the ascending node longitude and constellation configuration will be reconstructed by adjusting the mean apogee angle to ensure three-dimensional coverage of the Arctic region. Specifically, the mean apogee angle of the 3 satellites in orbit will be adjusted by 120°, shifting their ground trajectories by 60°. At the same time, the average phase interval of the 3 satellites will be maintained at 240°, ensuring dual coverage of the Arctic region. Combined with the design in Step 1, the ground trajectories of the two sets of satellites will be interchanged, which is still within the design range and can still take into account the acquisition of meteorological data in mid-latitude regions (such as my country).

[0060] Based on the constellation design in step 4, assuming that star 01 in group B malfunctions, the adjustment method is as follows:

[0061] relative phase of the near point angle of the original planar position Adjustment Plan Group A 01 star 0° +120°→120° Group A 02 Star 0° Unchanged, 0° Group B 01 Star 180° Fault Group B 02 Star 180° -120°→60°

[0062] The A-group 01 and 02 satellites and the B-group 02 satellite, which are still in orbit, can continue to operate together to ensure three-dimensional exploration of the Arctic region by the two satellites.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to implementing the system, apparatus, and their modules provided by this invention in purely computer-readable program code, the same program can be implemented in the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers by logically programming the method steps. Therefore, the system, apparatus, and their modules provided by this invention can be considered a hardware component, and the modules included therein for implementing various programs can also be considered structures within the hardware component; alternatively, modules for implementing various functions can be considered both software programs implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0064] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a lightning orbit constellation for meteorological observation, characterized in that, include: Step S1: Based on the basic parameters of the lightning orbit and the observation requirements, select the geographical longitude of the ascending node and determine the allowable range of the geographical longitude of the ascending node; Step S1 includes: in the six elements of the lightning orbit, the apogee altitude, perigee altitude, inclination angle, and perigee argument angle are specified. The lightning orbit uses the geographical longitude of the ascending node as the design parameter, and selects the working conditions that cover the preset area as the optional interval by traversing the longitude 360°; Step S2: Based on the dynamic coverage capability of the lightning orbit satellite, determine the working altitude and information acquisition capability of each orbit of the satellite; Step S2 includes: The lightning orbit has two orbits, east and west. Analyze the orbit that passes through the preset area, determine the arc segment that can cover the preset area, and use it as the corresponding orbit working segment. Determine the starting altitude for working, and combine the characteristics of the lightning orbit being highly elliptical, the changes in the satellite's altitude and spatial resolution in the orbit segment to obtain the satellite's information acquisition capability. Step S3: Based on the characteristics of the east and west orbits of the Lightning Orbit satellite, select fixed ground stations on the east and west orbits respectively to receive satellite meteorological data; Step S3 includes: selecting locations where communication is possible along the entire working section of the east and west orbits as ground receiving stations for the satellite data of this constellation; Step S4: Based on the dual-satellite positioning requirements, construct two sets of four-satellite constellations to meet the three-dimensional positioning requirements of the preset area mission region; Step S4 includes: based on the binocular visual positioning principle and error influence formula, firstly design two satellites as a group, with a difference of 180° in the geographical longitude of their ascending nodes and the same mean apogee angle, enabling them to pass over the preset area in two separate half-days; secondly, design two sets of satellite reference stars with a difference of 60° in the geographical longitude of their ascending nodes and a difference of 180° in the mean apogee angle, ensuring the three-dimensional observation angle of the preset area and determining the optimized constellation configuration; Step S5: Set up Samsung's flexible emergency mode. In the event of a single satellite failure, Samsung will perform all-day three-dimensional detection of a preset area through temporary orbital maneuvers.

2. A lightning orbit constellation construction system for meteorological observation, characterized in that, include: Module M1: Based on the basic parameters of the lightning orbit and observation requirements, select the geographical longitude of the ascending node and determine the allowable range of the geographical longitude of the ascending node; Module M1 includes: apogee altitude, perigee altitude, inclination angle, and perigee argument angle among the six elements of the lightning orbit. The lightning orbit uses the geographical longitude of the ascending node as a design parameter, and selects the working conditions that cover the preset area as the selectable interval by traversing 360° of longitude; Module M2: Based on the dynamic coverage capability of the lightning orbit satellite, determine the working altitude and information acquisition capability of each satellite orbit; Module M2 includes: the lightning orbit has two orbits, east and west. Analyze the orbit that passes through a preset area, determine the arc segment that can cover the preset area, and use it as the corresponding orbit working segment. Determine the starting altitude for working, and combine the characteristics of the lightning orbit being highly elliptical, the changes in the satellite's altitude and spatial resolution in this orbit segment to obtain the satellite's information acquisition capability; Module M3: Based on the characteristics of the east-west orbit of the Lightning Orbit satellite, fixed ground stations are selected on the east and west orbits respectively to receive satellite meteorological data; Module M3 includes: selecting locations where communication is possible throughout the entire working section of the east and west orbits, serving as ground receiving stations for the satellite data of this constellation; Module M4: Based on the dual-satellite positioning requirements, a three-dimensional constellation consisting of two groups of four satellites is constructed to meet the three-dimensional positioning requirements of the preset mission area. Module M4 includes: based on the principle of binocular visual positioning and the error influence formula, firstly, two satellites are designed as a group, with a difference of 180° in the geographical longitude of their ascending nodes and the same mean apogee angle, enabling them to pass over the preset area in two separate half-days; secondly, the geographical longitude of the ascending nodes of the two sets of satellite reference satellites differs by 60° and the mean apogee angle differs by 180°, ensuring the three-dimensional observation angle of the preset area and determining the optimized constellation configuration. Module M5: Sets up a three-satellite flexible emergency mode, which enables three-satellite all-day three-dimensional detection of a preset area through temporary orbital maneuvers in the event of a single satellite failure.

Citation Information

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