Satellite communication payload system and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a satellite communication payload system and a control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of satellite communication. The system comprises an NXM distributed wide-area coverage NTN array, a distributed energy management architecture, a redundant beam reconstruction control system and a deployment control module. The NXM distributed wide-area coverage NTN array is folded according to a preset folding scheme before entering an orbit, the overall envelope size is adapted to the fairing of a carrier rocket, and the occupied space is greatly saved; the distributed energy management architecture adopts a distributed micro-grid to realize power allocation between modules; and the redundant beam reconstruction system supports dynamic switching of power compensation or sparse matrix optimization reconstruction strategies when a module fails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a satellite communication payload system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are a new communication architecture defined by 3GPP. They utilize satellite or high-altitude platform systems to provide communication services in areas inaccessible to terrestrial networks, forming a key component of integrated air-space-ground networks. Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, due to their low orbit, have brought unprecedented opportunities for communication coverage, driven by both commercial and defense needs. With the rapid development of internet and mobile direct-connection satellite communication technologies, LEO satellite communication payload systems need to balance multiple objectives, including large coverage area, high antenna gain, and low manufacturing cost.

[0003] However, most mainstream satellite communication payloads currently adopt an integrated large-size antenna array structure, which has technical defects such as high manufacturing difficulty, high launch cost, difficulty in adapting to miniaturized platforms, low reliability, lack of redundancy and fault tolerance design, centralized energy management, and insufficient survivability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention

[0005] To address the problems of existing wide-area coverage NTN arrays, which employ an integrated board structure, resulting in high manufacturing difficulty, high development and launch costs, lack of redundancy and fault tolerance, high on-orbit failure rate, difficulty in increasing antenna area and gain, and insufficient resilience due to centralized power management, this invention provides a satellite communication payload system and its control method, as well as a satellite containing the system.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this invention discloses a satellite communication payload system, comprising an N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array, composed of N rows × M columns of independent wide-area coverage NTN communication modules, where N≥2 and M≥2; adjacent wide-area coverage NTN communication modules are flexibly connected via controlled hinges, each wide-area coverage NTN communication module is an independent active phased array subarray, each subarray containing multiple sets of antenna radiating elements for forming signal beams to support direct terminal-to-satellite communication; signal transmission between the wide-area coverage NTN communication modules is achieved through signal transmission lines integrated within the controlled hinges; a distributed energy management architecture is configured within the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array; a redundant beam reconfiguration control system includes a fault detection module, a mode decision module, and a beamforming calculation module, the fault detection module being communicatively connected to the self-test circuits within each wide-area coverage NTN communication module; and a deployment control module connected between the satellite platform and the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array, synchronously controlling multiple controlled hinges to achieve the folding and unfolding of the NTN array in orbit.

[0008] Furthermore, the controlled hinge is either an elastic hinge or a dynamic hinge; the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array is folded up according to a preset folding scheme before launch and unfolded into a planar array after entering orbit.

[0009] Furthermore, the folding scheme can be selected from any one of Z-shaped folding, roll folding, or stacked folding.

[0010] Furthermore, the terminal includes mobile phones, IoT devices, or handheld terminals.

[0011] Furthermore, the signal processing architecture of a single wide-area coverage NTN communication module is as follows: it integrates a complete radio frequency transceiver unit and a digital signal processing unit, independently completing the entire physical layer signal processing from radio frequency transceiver to the generation of baseband I / Q data streams. The baseband I / Q data streams are aggregated to the dedicated baseband processing module of the satellite platform via a digital bus to independently complete the entire link signal processing; or, it only completes radio frequency transceiver and analog signal preprocessing. The analog signal output after analog signal preprocessing is aggregated to the dedicated baseband processing module of the satellite platform for centralized processing via high-frequency cables and a power divider / combining network.

[0012] Furthermore, the distributed energy management architecture is a distributed microgrid, including a microgrid bus and energy interface units corresponding to each wide-area coverage NTN communication module. Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module is independently configured with photovoltaic panels, battery packs and automatic thermal control units. Each energy interface unit interconnects the photovoltaic panels and battery packs of the corresponding wide-area coverage NTN communication module to the microgrid bus.

[0013] Furthermore, the working mechanism of the distributed microgrid includes the energy interface unit of each wide-area coverage NTN communication module monitoring the energy status of local photovoltaic panels and battery packs in real time; when the photovoltaic panels or battery packs of any one or more wide-area coverage NTN communication modules are damaged, resulting in insufficient local energy, the energy interface unit of that module automatically obtains power from the microgrid bus; when multiple wide-area coverage NTN communication modules experience energy failure simultaneously and the internal power of the microgrid is insufficient, the platform power supply of the satellite platform automatically supplements the power supply through the platform-array interface.

[0014] The present invention also discloses a satellite, including any of the above-mentioned satellite communication payload systems.

[0015] This invention also discloses a control method for a satellite communication payload system. Based on the aforementioned satellite communication payload system, the method includes the following steps: On-rocket folding: The N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array is folded according to a preset folding scheme and then installed into the launch vehicle fairing; Orbital deployment: After separation of the satellite and the launch vehicle, the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array is fully deployed into a planar phased array by the deployment control module. During the deployment process, each wide-area coverage NTN communication module is powered on and performs a self-test sequentially; Normal communication: The N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array continuously outputs beams to provide direct terminal connection wide-area coverage NTN communication services; Fault adaptive control: When the fault detection module detects a module fault, the mode decision module dynamically selects the operating mode based on real-time service load, user distribution, fault information, and service type.

[0016] Furthermore, the fault adaptive control mechanism includes increasing the transmission power of adjacent normal wide-area coverage NTN communication modules of the faulty wide-area coverage NTN communication module to compensate for coverage blind spots; or reconstructing the global beamforming matrix based on a sparse matrix optimization algorithm to achieve uninterrupted and seamless coverage compensation.

[0017] Beneficial effects

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] By reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost, the ultra-large integral antenna is decomposed into standardized small-sized modules, significantly reducing the difficulty of individual unit manufacturing, improving yield, and significantly reducing mass production costs. This also reduces launch costs and improves space utilization; the space occupied by a single satellite in the launch vehicle fairing is significantly reduced after folding, effectively reducing the launch cost per satellite while meeting the requirements for multi-satellite launches. High redundancy and fault tolerance enhance system reliability; failure of any module does not affect the overall satellite function, significantly improving system reliability and resilience. Furthermore, the NTN communication module supports direct connection to commercial terminals (including mobile phones) for wide-area coverage, enabling seamless global coverage without terminal modification. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, 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 this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system structure according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar unfolded structure of an N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a Z-shaped fold according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of a signal processing architecture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram of a signal processing architecture according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a distributed energy management architecture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the functional module connections of a redundant beam reconfiguration control system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control steps of a communication payload system according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] It should be understood that "multiple" as mentioned in this application refers to two or more. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply differences.

[0031] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a satellite communication payload system, including an N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200, a distributed power management architecture 300, a redundant beam reconfiguration control system 400, and a deployment control module 500. Figure 1The satellite platform 100 carrying a satellite communication payload system is also shown.

[0034] The satellite platform 100, as the main structure of the satellite, provides basic functions such as structural support, power distribution, thermal control management, and attitude control. The satellite platform 100 is equipped with a satellite management computer 101, a platform power supply 102, an attitude control unit 103, and a thermal control management unit 104. The satellite management computer 101, as the core of the entire satellite's management, is responsible for receiving ground commands, scheduling the operation of various payloads, and managing data.

[0035] An N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 is positioned on one side of satellite platform 100. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 is composed of N rows × M columns of independent wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201, where N≥2 and M≥2. In this embodiment, a 6×6 array is used as an example, but the invention is not limited to this; the values ​​of N and M can be flexibly adjusted according to satellite service requirements and launch vehicle fairing envelope constraints. Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 is an independent active phased array subarray, internally integrating antenna radiating elements 202, T / R components (transceiver components), phase shifters, and power amplifiers, etc.

[0036] As an example, the antenna radiating element 202 operates in the frequency band of 1.5 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

[0037] Adjacent wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 are flexibly connected via controlled hinges 203. The controlled hinges 203 can be elastic or powered hinges, ensuring both the mechanical connection strength between modules and allowing the array to fold and retract before launch and unfold into a planar array after orbit insertion. As an example, the controlled hinges can be powered hinges, with built-in micro-motors and reduction mechanisms, which can actively drive the relative rotation of adjacent modules upon receiving an unfolding command. Signal transmission between the wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 is achieved through signal transmission lines integrated within the controlled hinges 203, ensuring the operation of the distributed array. As an example, the controlled hinges can integrate flexible signal transmission lines, including radio frequency signal lines, control signal lines, and synchronization signal lines. In the folded state, the flexible signal transmission lines bend with the controlled hinges without affecting signal transmission quality; after the array unfolds into a planar state, the flexible signal transmission lines maintain a stable connection, ensuring high-speed and reliable signal transmission between modules.

[0038] Before launch, the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 needs to be folded according to a preset folding scheme to fit the limited space of the launch vehicle fairing. The folding scheme can be selected from Z-shaped folding, roll-up folding, or stacked folding. After entering orbit, the satellite-rocket separation signal triggers the deployment control module 500, driving the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 to fully deploy into a planar phased array.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a Z-shaped fold according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, N=6, M=6, and the folding scheme adopts a Z-shaped folding, with each module stacked in the thickness direction. After entering the track, the unfolding control module unfolds each controlled hinge sequentially in the order of "middle first, then both sides", finally forming a flat planar phased array.

[0040] In this invention, the wide-area coverage NTN communication module supports two different signal processing architectures, and the configuration can be selected according to the satellite platform resources and mission requirements.

[0041] Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of a signal processing architecture according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 4(a), each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 integrates a complete radio frequency transceiver unit 206 and a digital signal processing unit 207. Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 independently completes digital signal processing such as radio frequency signal transmission / reception, optional down / upconversion, analog-to-digital / digital-to-analog conversion, and digital downconversion (DDC) / digital upconversion (DUC). The processed baseband I / Q data stream is then uniformly converged to the dedicated baseband processing module 105 of the satellite platform 100 via a digital bus integrated within the controlled hinge 203 and the deployment control module 500. This architecture has strong module independence and good fault isolation, but the module complexity is relatively high.

[0042] In some embodiments, the wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 adopts a direct radio frequency sampling architecture. Specifically, the wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 integrates a radio frequency transceiver unit 206 and a high-speed ADC / DAC conversion unit. After the radio frequency signal is received by the antenna, it is directly amplified by a low-noise amplifier and directly sampled and converted into a digital signal by the high-speed ADC without down-conversion. The digital signal is then digitally down-converted (DDC) to generate a baseband I / Q data stream. The baseband I / Q data streams of each module are integrated into the controlled hinge 203 and the deployment control module. The high-speed digital bus within the 500 is uniformly converged to the dedicated baseband processing module 105 of the satellite platform 100, where the platform centrally performs baseband processing such as demodulation, channel decoding, and protocol parsing. Conversely, the baseband I / Q data stream generated by the baseband processing module 105 after protocol encapsulation, encoding, and modulation is transmitted back to each communication module 201 via the high-speed digital bus. Each module performs digital upconversion (DUC) and directly synthesizes RF signals by a high-speed DAC. After amplification by a power amplifier, the signals are radiated to the ground by the antenna, thus realizing a closed-loop signal for both uplink and downlink. This architecture eliminates the analog downconversion / upconversion links and intermediate frequency power divider / combiner network, achieving full-domain digital processing from RF to digital. Each module has strong independence, good fault isolation, and supports flexible software reconfiguration. However, the modules are more complex, placing higher demands on the sampling rate and power consumption of the high-speed ADC / DAC chips.

[0043] Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram of a signal processing architecture according to another exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 4(b), each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 only completes radio frequency transceiver and analog signal preprocessing (such as filtering, amplification, and down-conversion to intermediate frequency). Multiple analog intermediate frequency signals are converged to the satellite platform 100 through high-frequency cables integrated within the controlled hinge 203 and the deployment control module 500 via a power divider network. After analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), they are converted into digital intermediate frequency signals, which are then centrally processed and digitally demodulated by the baseband processing module 105. Conversely, the transmit digital intermediate frequency signal output by the dedicated baseband processing module 105 after digital modulation and protocol encapsulation is converted back to analog intermediate frequency signal by digital-to-analog conversion (DAC). It is also equally distributed into multiple analog intermediate frequency signals through the same power divider network and transmitted back to each communication module 201 via high-frequency cables. Each module then performs up-conversion, filtering, and power amplification before radiating to the ground via an antenna, thereby achieving a closed-loop signal for both uplink and downlink. This scheme has low module complexity but relies on the reliability of the platform processing modules.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a distributed energy management architecture according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5As shown, the distributed energy management architecture 300 adopts a distributed microgrid format. Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 is independently configured with a photovoltaic panel 301, a battery pack 302, and an automatic thermal control unit 303. As an example, the photovoltaic panel 301 is attached to the back panel or side panel surface of the wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201, the battery pack 302 uses lithium-ion batteries or solid-state batteries, and the automatic thermal control unit 303 includes a thin-film electric heater and heat pipes to maintain the operating temperature of the T / R components inside the wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201.

[0045] Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 is interconnected to the microgrid bus 305 via the energy interface unit 304. As an example, the energy interface unit 304 is an intelligent power electronics unit that integrates a DC converter, a solid-state switch, and an energy status monitoring circuit, which can monitor the output voltage and current of the local photovoltaic panel 301 and the state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack 302 in real time.

[0046] As an example, the energy interface unit 304 can further integrate maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuitry to optimize the energy conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic panel 301 under different illumination angles.

[0047] In this embodiment, the working mechanism of the distributed energy management architecture is as follows:

[0048] Normal mode: Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 prioritizes the use of local photovoltaic panels 301 and battery packs 302 for power supply, and excess power is transmitted to the microgrid bus 305 through the corresponding energy interface unit 304.

[0049] Mutual assistance mode: When a power failure occurs in a wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201, the power interface unit 304 of the wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 automatically obtains power from the microgrid bus 305 to ensure that the module continues to work normally.

[0050] Emergency replenishment mode: When multiple wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 experience power failures simultaneously, resulting in insufficient power within the microgrid, the platform power supply 102 of the satellite platform 100 automatically replenishes power to the microgrid bus 305 through the platform-array interface to ensure that critical communication functions are not interrupted.

[0051] The distributed energy management architecture proposed in this application establishes a three-dimensional energy collaboration system of "module-level autonomy + array-level mutual support + platform-level assurance". Each NTN communication module can independently utilize photovoltaic energy to achieve self-powered operation, and can also achieve dynamic energy allocation and mutual backup through the microgrid bus in the event of a fault. The satellite platform power supply serves as the final backup, ensuring the power supply security of the entire system under extreme operating conditions. The distributed energy management architecture and the aforementioned signal processing architecture together constitute a wide-area coverage NTN communication system with dual-dimensional collaboration of "computing power-energy", providing a system-level solution for the reliable deployment and efficient operation of large-scale low-Earth orbit satellite constellations.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional module connections of a redundant beam reconfiguration control system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the redundant beam reconfiguration control system 400 includes a fault detection module 401, a mode decision module 402, and a beamforming calculation module 403.

[0053] The fault detection module 401 is communicatively connected to the self-test circuits inside each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201, and is used to monitor in real time the T / R component temperature, output power, VSWR, power supply current, and heartbeat signal of the digital signal processing unit of the wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201. When any parameter exceeds a preset threshold, the self-test circuit reports a fault code to the fault detection module 401.

[0054] The mode decision module 402 is communicatively connected to the fault detection module 401 and the beamforming calculation module 403. The mode decision module 402 incorporates a decision tree or a lightweight neural network. As an example, the input parameters for the mode decision module 402 include: real-time service load (e.g., the number of currently accessing users), user distribution (e.g., hotspot location), fault information (e.g., the number and location of failed modules), and service type (e.g., broadband data, voice, or IoT narrowband service). Based on these parameters, the mode decision module 402 dynamically selects one of the following operating modes:

[0055] Method 1: Power Compensation Mode. When the number of faulty wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 is small and they are located at the edge of the array, the adjacent normal wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 increase their transmission power and adjust their beam direction to cover the ground coverage area of ​​the original faulty wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201, thereby compensating for coverage blind spots. This method has low computational load and fast response, and is suitable for minor faults.

[0056] Method 2: Global Reconstruction Mode. When there are a large number of faulty wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 or when they are located at the center of the array, the mode decision module 402 triggers the beamforming calculation module 403 to reconstruct the global beamforming matrix based on a sparse matrix optimization algorithm. This algorithm re-optimizes the beam shape with the remaining effective array elements as constraints, ensuring the continuity and uniformity of ground coverage and achieving uninterrupted seamless coverage compensation.

[0057] As an example, sparse matrix optimization algorithms can employ convex optimization or compressed sensing algorithms, as long as the beamforming matrix can be reconstructed with the remaining effective array elements as constraints.

[0058] The redundant beam reconfiguration control system of this application constructs a complete "perception-decision-recovery" closed-loop fault-tolerant system through real-time multi-dimensional perception by the fault detection module 401, intelligent hierarchical decision-making by the mode decision module 402, and optimized reconfiguration by the beamforming calculation module 403. The redundant beam reconfiguration control system can adaptively switch flexibly between power compensation and global reconfiguration recovery modes according to dynamic changes in fault scale, service load, and user distribution, achieving an optimal balance between computational complexity and recovery effect.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a communication payload system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a control method for the above-mentioned satellite communication payload system, including the following steps:

[0060] S1: Rocket retraction. During the ground assembly stage, the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 is retracted according to a preset folding scheme (such as Z-shaped folding) so that the overall envelope size of the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 is adapted to the inner diameter of the launch vehicle fairing.

[0061] S2: Orbital Deployment. After separation from the launch vehicle, the satellite platform 100's satellite computer 101 sends a deployment command. The deployment control module 500 drives the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 to deploy into a planar phased array. During deployment, each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 is powered on sequentially, and the self-test circuit performs a power-on self-test (including T / R component function test, power interface unit communication test, and controlled hinge locking status detection). If all wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 pass the self-test, the system enters normal communication mode; if individual wide-area coverage NTN communication modules 201 fail the self-test, the system records the location of the faulty module and enters a faulty normal communication mode, while simultaneously initiating redundant beam reconfiguration.

[0062] S3: Normal Communication. After the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 is fully deployed and locked, each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 continuously outputs beams to provide ground terminals with direct satellite wide-area coverage NTN communication services. Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201 maintains control synchronization through the signal transmission line within the controlled hinge 203, forming a cooperative scanning beam.

[0063] S4: Fault Adaptive Control. During normal communication, the fault detection module 401 continuously monitors the health status of each wide-area coverage NTN communication module 201. When a module fault is detected, the mode decision module 402 dynamically selects either the power compensation mode or the global reconstruction mode based on real-time service load, user distribution, fault information, and service type.

[0064] The satellite communication payload system control method proposed in this application realizes a complete closed loop from "ground retraction → on-orbit deployment → normal communication → fault reconfiguration". The folded launch scheme solves the launch adaptation problem of large-aperture arrays; the graded power-on and self-test ensure the reliability of on-orbit deployment; and the redundant beam reconfiguration mechanism guarantees the continuity of coverage.

[0065] One embodiment of this application provides a satellite, including a satellite platform 100 and a satellite communication payload system as described in the above embodiment. The satellite can be a low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), or geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite, with preference given to communication satellites in a LEO constellation. The satellite platform 100 ensures that the normal of the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array 200 continuously points to the coverage area through an attitude control unit 103, and maintains the operating temperature of the payload system in coordination with the automatic thermal control unit 303 of the distributed microgrid through a thermal control management unit 104.

[0066] In other variations of the invention, the controlled hinge 203 may be further integrated with waveguides or optical fibers for transmitting radio frequency signals or high-speed digital signals to replace or supplement high-frequency cables.

[0067] This invention solves the technical bottlenecks of traditional satellite communication payloads in terms of reliability, energy redundancy, and launch adaptability through the collaborative design of modular distributed NTN arrays, controlled hinge interconnection, distributed energy management architecture, redundant beam reconfiguration control system, and highly reliable deployment control module. It is suitable for next-generation low-Earth orbit satellite constellations for direct mobile phone connection and wide-area Internet of Things coverage missions.

[0068] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A satellite communication payload system, characterized in that, include: An N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array is composed of N rows × M columns of independent wide-area coverage NTN communication modules, where N≥2 and M≥2; The adjacent wide-area coverage NTN communication modules are flexibly connected by controlled hinges. Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module is an independent active phased array subarray. Each subarray contains multiple sets of antenna radiating elements to form a signal beam to support direct satellite communication between the terminal. Each of the wide-area coverage NTN communication modules transmits signals to the other through a signal transmission line integrated inside the controlled hinge. A distributed energy management architecture is configured in the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array; The redundant beam reconfiguration control system includes a fault detection module, a mode decision module, and a beamforming calculation module. The fault detection module is communicatively connected to the self-test circuit in each of the wide-area coverage NTN communication modules. The deployment control module is connected between the satellite platform and the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array, and synchronously controls multiple controlled hinges to realize the folding and unfolding of the NTN array in orbit.

2. The satellite communication payload system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controlled hinge is an elastic hinge or a dynamic hinge; the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array is folded up according to a preset folding scheme before launch and unfolded into a planar array after entering orbit.

3. The satellite communication payload system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The folding scheme is selected from any one of Z-shaped folding, rolling folding, and stacking folding.

4. The satellite communication payload system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal includes mobile phones, IoT devices, or handheld terminals.

5. The satellite communication payload system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing architecture of a single wide-area coverage NTN communication module is as follows: It integrates a complete radio frequency transceiver unit and a digital signal processing unit, and independently completes the entire physical layer signal processing from radio frequency transceiver to the generation of baseband I / Q data streams. The baseband I / Q data streams are aggregated to the dedicated baseband processing module of the satellite platform through a digital bus. or, After completing radio frequency transceiver and analog signal preprocessing, the analog signal output after analog signal preprocessing is converged to the dedicated baseband processing module of the satellite platform through high-frequency cables and power divider / combiner network.

6. The satellite communication payload system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distributed energy management architecture is a distributed microgrid, including a microgrid bus and an energy interface unit corresponding to each of the wide-area coverage NTN communication modules. Each wide-area coverage NTN communication module is independently configured with photovoltaic panels, battery packs and an automatic thermal control unit. Each energy interface unit interconnects the photovoltaic panels and battery packs of the corresponding wide-area coverage NTN communication module to the microgrid bus.

7. The satellite communication payload system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The working mechanism of the distributed microgrid includes: Each wide-area NTN communication module's energy interface unit monitors the energy status of local photovoltaic panels and battery packs in real time; When the photovoltaic panels or battery packs of any one or more of the wide-area coverage NTN communication modules are damaged, resulting in insufficient local energy, the energy interface unit of the module automatically obtains power from the microgrid bus. When multiple wide-area coverage NTN communication modules experience power failures simultaneously or the microgrid's internal power is insufficient, the satellite platform's power supply automatically replenishes power through the platform-array interface.

8. A satellite, characterized in that, The satellite includes the satellite communication payload system as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A control method for a satellite communication payload system, based on the satellite communication payload system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Arrow retraction: The N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array is retracted according to a preset folding scheme and then installed into the fairing of the launch vehicle; Orbital deployment: After the satellite separates from the rocket, the deployment control module drives the N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array to fully deploy into a planar phased array. During the deployment process, each of the wide-area coverage NTN communication modules is powered on and self-tested in sequence. Normal communication: The N×M distributed wide-area coverage NTN array continuously outputs beams to provide direct terminal connection wide-area coverage NTN communication services; Fault adaptive control: When the fault detection module detects a module fault, the mode decision module dynamically selects the working mode based on real-time business load, user distribution, fault information and business type.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The working mode of the fault adaptive control includes: Increase the transmission power of adjacent normal wide-area coverage NTN communication modules of the faulty wide-area coverage NTN communication module to compensate for coverage blind spots; or, The global beamforming matrix is ​​reconstructed based on a sparse matrix optimization algorithm to achieve uninterrupted and seamless coverage compensation.

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