Antenna system for a ground station for the automatic reception of satellite signals from freely selectable satellites

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna system (1) for a ground station for the automatic reception of satellite signals (10) from satellites (9), comprising - at least one antenna (23, 24) for receiving a satellite signal (10), - a signal processing unit (4, 5) for acquiring information encoded in a satellite signal, - a control unit (3) for controlling at least one antenna (23,24), and - an AI unit (2) that is previously trained with training data relevant for receiving satellite signals from different satellites and can be continuously trained with real-time measurements where the AI ​​unit (2) is configured to recognize, on the basis of at least one characteristic of a received satellite signal, the signal configuration of this satellite signal and / or the identity of the satellite transmitting this satellite signal, so that, on the basis of the recognized signal configuration and / or the recognized identity, the control unit can control the at least one antenna (23, 24) for receiving this satellite signal and / or the signal processing unit (4, 5) can acquire information encoded in this satellite signal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna system for a ground station for the automatic reception of satellite signals from satellites. Furthermore, a method for operating an antenna system is proposed. The invention can be used in particular in the field of satellite communication.

[0002] A ground station is typically used for satellite communication and serves as an interface for data exchange between satellites in space and users or control centers on Earth. The ground station antenna allows users to receive data from satellites and send commands to satellites.

[0003] However, the autonomy of conventional ground station antennas is severely limited. Information such as the identity of the satellites to be communicated with, the satellites' orbital data (e.g., for correct antenna alignment), and the satellites' timing (e.g., for correct antenna alignment within the correct time window) must be known. This information is typically not provided locally by the ground station itself, but rather by external partners such as a flight dynamics service and / or a mission operations center. Furthermore, the signal configuration and data format of the satellite signals for a specific satellite must be known and stored in the ground station's receiving and transmitting equipment.This allows user data from the received satellite signal of this satellite to be decoded according to its satellite configuration and data format, or another satellite signal can be provided into which commands are encoded and then sent to this satellite.

[0004] However, the limited autonomy of conventional ground station antennas leads to further challenges and problems due to the increasing number and complexity of satellites, as described below.

[0005] Satellites require support at various stages of their mission, for example, from a mission operations center via the ground station. The satellites requiring support are becoming increasingly complex, and their number is constantly growing. The signals transmitted by satellites require ever more processing and increasingly complex configurations. At the same time, the pace of changes between passes is accelerating. This creates potential for errors and ties up resources, whether in the form of operators, station engineers, or software engineers, who must develop increasingly complex control software systems.

[0006] Furthermore, security aspects must be considered. As the complexity of satellites and their software increases, so does the risk of security breaches. The complex configuration for the ground station is often prepared in multiple locations and shared between several partners.

[0007] Accurate satellite tracking is a well-known challenge. Currently, two methods exist: autotracking and program tracking. With autotracking, a ground station antenna follows the strongest signal on a specific frequency. However, interference can cause the system to suddenly track a different satellite. In this case, either human intervention is required, such as switching back to the previous orbit, or the tracking is deemed faulty. With program tracking, the ground station antenna follows a predefined orbit. While this method is immune to drift caused by interference, the quality of the tracking depends heavily on the quality of the available orbital data. If the orbital data is insufficiently accurate or even incorrect, tracking is lost.

[0008] XIAO, Wenjing [et al.]: AI-based satellite ground communication system with intelligent antenna pointing. In: 2020 IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM): Proceedings, virtual conference, 7-11 December 2020; Piscataway, NJ : IEEE, 2020. 6 pp. ISBN 978-1-7281-8298-8; https: / / doi.org / 10.1109 / GLOBECOM42002.2020.9322562 describes a method for the automatic tracking of a satellite at a ground station, where antenna tracking is supported by AI-based methods.

[0009] The object of the invention is to improve the autonomy of antenna systems for ground stations.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features specified in the claims can be combined individually with each other and / or with the subject matter of the general description, thereby revealing further embodiments of the invention.

[0011] The antenna system according to the invention for a ground station for the automatic reception of satellite signals from, in particular freely selectable, satellites comprises - at least one antenna for receiving a satellite signal, - a signal processing unit for capturing information encoded in a satellite signal, - a control unit for controlling at least one antenna and - an AI unit that was previously trained with training data relevant for receiving satellite signals from, in particular freely selectable, satellites and can be continuously trained with real-time measurements, wherein the AI ​​unit is configured to recognize, based on at least one characteristic of a received satellite signal, the signal configuration of that satellite signal and / or the identity of the satellite transmitting that satellite signal, so that, based on the recognized signal configuration and / or the recognized identity, the control unit can control the at least one antenna for, in particular improved, reception of that satellite signal and / or the The signal processing unit can capture information encoded in this satellite signal.

[0012] The antenna system according to the invention can be used in a ground station. The ground station is, in particular, a satellite ground station that serves as a communication interface between satellites in space and users or control centers on Earth. The antenna system enables a direct communication link between the ground station and satellites to receive user data from satellites and to send commands to satellites.

[0013] In particular, a key aspect of the invention is that the AI ​​unit acts as the decision-making source for the antenna system's activities, replacing human support personnel. This includes, in particular, antenna alignment, satellite signal reception, component configuration, and / or data transmission to external receivers. The AI ​​unit is software-based and can be implemented as a software product. The AI ​​unit can be integrated into the antenna system. This offers the significant advantage that the antenna system according to the invention can be easily integrated into existing ground stations.

[0014] In order to communicate with a satellite, the antenna system includes at least one antenna, one signal processing unit and one control unit.

[0015] The at least one antenna is configured to receive signals. These signals are primarily satellite signals containing encoded user data such as satellite measurement data. The antenna can also transmit signals. These transmit signals are primarily command signals containing commands, for example, for controlling and / or supporting a satellite. It is possible to configure one antenna for both receiving and transmitting signals. It is also possible to configure one antenna for receiving signals and another for transmitting signals. Depending on the frequency and type of communication, the at least one antenna can be designed in various ways, such as a parabolic antenna, a phased-array antenna, and / or an antenna array.

[0016] The signal processing unit is designed to capture information encoded in a satellite signal. In particular, the signal processing unit serves to recover usable data from satellite signals.

[0017] The control unit is designed to control at least one antenna. In particular, the control unit serves to steer the antenna into the correct orientation within the appropriate time windows in order to receive satellite signals from a satellite during the time window in which the satellite passes over the relevant ground station.

[0018] In order to be able to communicate with any satellite without prior hardware configuration and without human intervention before and during communication, the antenna system also includes an AI unit (i.e., an artificial intelligence unit).

[0019] The AI ​​unit was previously trained with training data and can be continuously trained with real-time measurements. The training data is relevant for communication with various satellites. Specifically, this training data includes the orbital data (e.g., almanac data and / or ephemeris data) of the respective satellites, the signal configuration of the satellite signals transmitted by each satellite, and the data format used to encode the payload within those satellite signals. The real-time measurements can include, in particular, a satellite signal received by an antenna at a specific time, the antenna's orientation at that time, and / or the orbital position of the satellite transmitting that signal at that time.

[0020] The AI ​​unit is designed to recognize, based on at least one characteristic of a received satellite signal, the signal configuration of this satellite signal and / or the identity of the satellite transmitting this satellite signal, so that, based on the recognized signal configuration and / or the recognized identity, the control unit can control the signal receiving unit for, in particular improved, reception of this signal and / or the signal processing unit can capture information encoded in this satellite signal.

[0021] In order to transmit payload data, such as measurement data acquired by a satellite during a mission, the payload data is converted into a signal in which the payload data is encoded according to a data format. This signal is called the payload signal.

[0022] In order to transmit the user data in the form of the user signal over long distances in space, the user signal is modulated onto a high-frequency carrier signal.

[0023] A satellite signal is therefore a modulated carrier signal that carries a data signal. At least one characteristic parameter of a received satellite signal is, in particular, the amplitude, frequency, and / or phase of the carrier signal. That is, the parameter referred to here is a physical quantity that can be measured.

[0024] The signal configuration of a satellite signal can contain or consist of information about the technical parameters and settings for encoding the user data into the signal and for modulating the signal onto the carrier signal. Since the signal configuration of satellite signals from different satellites is generally known, and at least one characteristic parameter is a measurable physical quantity, it is possible to determine the signal configuration of a received satellite signal based on at least one measured parameter. For example, the signal configuration of a satellite signal can be determined by analyzing its signal spectrum. The signal spectrum shows how the energy, power, or amplitude of the satellite signal is distributed across its frequency components. The signal spectrum can be measured using, for example, a 3D analyzer.It can be measured using a spectrum analyzer or an oscilloscope with an FFT function, or it can be acquired through software-based signal processing. Depending on the detected signal configuration, the useful signal of this satellite signal can be demodulated from the carrier signal of this satellite signal, and the user data can be recovered from the demodulated useful signal.

[0025] Furthermore, it is possible to identify and recognize the satellite that transmitted a received satellite signal based on at least one measured parameter. Depending on the identified satellite, the AI ​​unit can determine its orbital data and / or trajectory. This allows the control unit to then control at least one antenna, specifically its orientation, to track the satellite during its overflight and receive the satellite signals it transmits.

[0026] The AI ​​unit includes at least one artificial neural network (ANN) that is capable of making decisions about the activities of the antenna system and, on the other hand, improves itself through self-learning algorithms, e.g., by data adaptation.

[0027] Additionally, the AI ​​unit can include Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). This has the advantage that synthetic data can be generated with GANs when real-world data is scarce, which is useful for training the AI ​​unit.

[0028] Additionally, the AI ​​unit can include a neural network engine. This has the advantage that, with the help of the neural network engine, at least one artificial neural network can perform tasks faster and more efficiently.

[0029] It is preferred that the AI ​​unit is able to predict, based on the recognized identity of a satellite, its orbital data and / or trajectory, and thus the orientation of the at least one antenna based on the predicted orbital data. It is further preferred that the control unit is able to control the at least one antenna based on the predicted orientation so that the at least one antenna can receive the satellite signal, in particular optimally, e.g., with regard to signal strength and / or signal quality.

[0030] The AI ​​unit can be configured to determine the current orbit of a satellite to be communicated with, predict its future position, provide the control unit with a time window during which the satellite will pass over the ground station, and / or provide the control unit with the satellite's position data within that time window. This allows the control unit to align the antenna at the correct time for improved communication with the satellite. This eliminates the need for antenna alignment to depend on orbital data and / or trajectories provided by an external partner, such as an air traffic control service, but rather on the in-house AI unit. This results in further benefits, including faster control response times and increased safety.

[0031] It is preferred that the signal processing unit comprises a digitizer for converting a satellite signal from analog to digital form and a decoder for decoding information encoded in a satellite signal, wherein the digitizer and the decoder are connected to the AI ​​unit via data transmission.

[0032] The digitizer, also known as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), is designed to convert signals from analog to digital form. Specifically, the digitizer is designed to convert the useful signals from received satellite signals from analog to digital form. A satellite signal typically contains a modulated high-frequency carrier signal with a superimposed useful signal containing data, such as measurement data, acquired by a satellite during a mission. The advantage of digitization is that signals, especially useful signals from received satellite signals, can be processed, analyzed, and / or stored in digital form by digital systems such as computers, microprocessors, or digital signal processors (DSPs).

[0033] It is particularly advantageous for the digitizer to be connected to the AI ​​unit via a data connection, i.e., to an input of the AI ​​unit. This has the advantage that useful signals can be input into the AI ​​unit as real-time measurements, allowing the AI ​​unit to learn continuously.

[0034] The decoder is preferably designed to extract the information encoded in the signals. Specifically, the decoder is designed to recover user data, such as satellite measurements, from user signals. Therefore, the decoder is typically connected downstream of the digitizer, allowing a user signal in digital form to be fed into the decoder, which can then recover the original user data.

[0035] Preferably, the decoder is connected to the AI ​​unit via a data line, allowing the AI ​​unit to assist the decoder in recovering the user data. This is particularly advantageous for recovering the user data transmitted by the satellite in correct form despite potential interference and signal loss, as the AI ​​unit, with its intelligence, can support the decoder, especially in error detection and correction.

[0036] It is preferred that the decoder be able to decode information encoded in the satellite signal based on the signal configuration of a satellite signal detected by the AI ​​unit.

[0037] The information encoded in a satellite signal contains, in particular, user data acquired by the corresponding satellite. This preferred embodiment has the particular advantage that the decoder can decode or recover the information, especially the user data, from an external satellite signal, preferably solely with the aid of the AI ​​unit, without prior human configuration.

[0038] It is preferred that the antenna system includes a data provider for communication with end users, with the data provider being connected to the AI ​​unit via a data-conducting link.

[0039] The data provider is configured to communicate with end users, such as a mission operations center. Specifically, the data provider is configured to make payload data from satellite signals accessible. Therefore, the data provider can be located downstream of the decoder, allowing the payload data recovered by the decoder from the received satellite signals to be forwarded to the end users via the data provider.

[0040] The data provider is, for example, able to convert the user data into a suitable format that meets the requirements of the end users and then deliver it to the end users via, for example, leased lines, mobile communications or the Internet.

[0041] In this particular implementation, the AI ​​unit is connected to the data provider via a data-conducting link. This allows the AI ​​unit to support the data provider in data preparation, such as data formatting or conversion, and / or data transmission. A preferred feature is that the AI ​​unit can make decisions for the data provider regarding when, which data, in which format, and via which communication link (e.g., leased line and / or mobile network) should be transmitted to which end user, and / or whether the data should be transmitted in encrypted form. This preferred implementation thus offers the particular advantage of enabling the efficient, reliable, and secure transmission of user data from satellites to end users.

[0042] It is preferred that the training data include data on satellite signal characteristics, data on satellite properties, data on antenna characteristics and / or data on signal reception environment conditions.

[0043] Data on satellite signal characteristics include, for example, frequency, amplitude, spectrum, strength, signal configuration, and / or data format. Data on satellite characteristics include, for example, satellite type, orbital data, and / or trajectories. Data on antenna characteristics include, for example, antenna type, position (orientation), and / or location. Data on signal reception environmental conditions include, for example, temperature, air pressure, and / or humidity, which are particularly relevant for signal phase shift during reception and can be measured with sensors.

[0044] It is preferred that the AI ​​unit includes a database for storing training data. It is particularly preferred that the database can be connected to at least one end user in a data-conducting manner, so that feedback from the at least one end user for expanding the database for the continuous training of the AI ​​unit can be stored in the database.

[0045] It is preferred that real-time measurements be stored in the database to expand the database for the continuous training of the AI ​​unit.

[0046] It is preferred that the real-time measurements include at least one of the following measurements: satellite signal measurement, time measurement, antenna measurement and / or environmental impact measurement.

[0047] It is preferred that the at least one antenna is designed in the form of a parabolic antenna or a phased-array antenna or an antenna array.

[0048] The parabolic antenna can comprise a parabolic reflector and a feedhorn, with the parabolic reflector serving to focus incoming signals onto the feedhorn, and the feedhorn serving to receive and transmit signals. The parabolic antenna is particularly advantageous for communication with geostationary satellites because of its high directivity; that is, it can receive and transmit signals precisely, thus establishing a stable and efficient connection to the target satellites. Furthermore, the parabolic antenna has the advantage of being simple and inexpensive to manufacture. In this embodiment, the control unit, based on orbital data and / or trajectories from the target satellites provided by the AI ​​unit, can control the parabolic antenna to move mechanically, for example, by physically rotating and / or tilting it, in order to precisely align its parabolic reflector for communication with the target satellites.

[0049] The antenna array can comprise several individual antenna elements arranged in a specific geometric configuration, e.g., linear, planar, and / or cylindrical. The antenna elements can be geometrically arranged to cover a larger area of ​​the sky. In this embodiment, the control unit can individually control the orientation of each antenna element based on the orbital data and / or trajectories of the satellites to be communicated, provided by the AI ​​unit. This has the advantage that multiple beam directions can be generated for the simultaneous reception and transmission of satellite signals, and different areas of the sky can be covered, thus enabling simultaneous communication with several different satellites.The control unit can also control the antenna array by combining multiple antenna elements to amplify the received signal or transmit a stronger signal. This is particularly advantageous for long-distance communication or in areas with weak signal sources.

[0050] The phased-array antenna is a special type of antenna array. It can also comprise multiple individual antenna elements, but with the added feature of phase control, meaning the individual control of the signal phases at each antenna element. In this embodiment, the control unit can perform the phase control of the phased-array antenna based on the orbital data and / or trajectories of the satellites to be communicated, supplied by the AI ​​unit. This phase control allows the antenna orientation to be controlled electronically without having to move the antenna mechanically. This design therefore offers maximum flexibility and is particularly advantageous for tracking fast-moving satellites, such as LEO satellites, and for simultaneous communication with multiple fast-moving satellites.

[0051] The invention further comprises a method for operating an antenna system comprising at least one antenna, a signal processing unit, a control unit and an AI unit, wherein the AI ​​unit has been previously trained with training data relevant for receiving satellite signals from, in particular freely selectable, satellites and can be continuously trained with real-time measurements, comprising the following steps: a) Receiving a satellite signal with at least one antenna, b) Determining the signal configuration of the satellite signal and / or the identity of the satellite transmitting the satellite signal based on at least one characteristic of the satellite signal using the AI ​​unit, c) Execute at least one of the following sub-steps based on the detected signal configuration and / or the detected satellite identity - Controlling at least one antenna with the control unit for, in particular, improved reception of the satellite signal, - Capturing information encoded in the satellite signal using the signal processing unit.

[0052] It is preferred that in step a) the satellite signal is received with a parabolic antenna or a phased-array antenna or an antenna array, if the at least one antenna is designed in the form of a parabolic antenna or a phased-array antenna or an antenna array.

[0053] It is preferred that in step b) the satellite's orbital data and / or trajectories are predicted from the recognized identity of the satellite, and thus the orientation of the at least one antenna for, in particular better, reception of the signal transmitted by the satellite is predicted from the predicted orbital data and / or trajectories.

[0054] It is preferred that in step c) the at least one antenna is controlled based on the orbital data and / or trajectories predicted by the AI ​​unit and the predicted orientation.

[0055] It is preferred that in step c) the information is decoded based on the signal configuration detected by the AI ​​unit.

[0056] The core concept presented here involves integrating an AI unit with an artificial neural network into an antenna system for a ground station. This AI unit acts as the decision-making tool for the antenna system's activities, specifically orientation, reception, component configuration, and data transmission to external receivers. The AI ​​unit autonomously identifies satellites and signal characteristics and determines how support should be provided and who should receive the data. In the case of phased-array or antenna arrays, the AI ​​unit can also determine which signals are appropriate for which satellites, thus enabling simultaneous support for multiple satellites. A feedback loop involving the station's own systems, external missions (e.g., mission control centers), or human operators allows the AI ​​unit to learn and refine its predictions.

[0057] The concepts presented here can improve the autonomy of the antenna system and mitigate or at least partially solve the problems mentioned at the beginning.

[0058] The solution presented here and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the illustrated embodiments. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the situations explained in the figures and combine them with other components and / or findings from other figures and / or the present description. The figures show schematically and by way of example: Fig. 1 an antenna system according to the invention, Fig. 2 an AI unit according to the invention, Fig. 3 a method for operating a conventional antenna system for a ground station, Fig. 4 a method for operating an antenna system according to the invention for a ground station, Fig. 5 a method for operating an antenna system according to the invention with an antenna array, and Fig. 6 a method for operating an antenna system according to the invention with a phased-array antenna.

[0059] Fig. Figure 1 shows schematically and by way of example an antenna system 1 according to the invention, comprising an AI unit 2, a control unit 3, a digitizer 4, a decoder 5, a data provider 6 and an antenna (not shown).

[0060] In Fig. Figure 1 shows that the digitizer 4, the decoder 5, and the data provider 6 are connected in series. The digitizer 4 can be configured to digitize the analog satellite signal 10 received by the antenna, which was broadcast by a satellite 9. The decoder 5 can be configured to decode the user data contained in the satellite signal 10. The data provider 6 can be configured to forward the user data decoded by the decoder 5 to end users (not shown) via an external data line 7, such as the internet or mobile network.

[0061] In Fig. Figure 1 shows in particular that the AI ​​unit 2 is connected to the control unit 3, the digitizer 4, the decoder 5, and the data provider 6 via a data transmission line. Furthermore, the AI ​​unit 2 can also be connected to end users via a feedback line 8. This allows the AI ​​unit 2 to continuously learn from the outputs of the digitizer 4 and the feedback from the end users, and to make decisions regarding the activities of the control unit 2, the decoder 5, and the data provider 6.

[0062] Fig. Figure 2 shows schematically and by way of example an AI unit 2 according to the invention, which comprises an artificial neural network 201 and a local database 202 for storing training data.

[0063] In Fig. Figure 2 shows that database 202 is located locally in AI unit 2 and is connected to artificial neural network 201 via data transmission. It is also connected to end users (not shown) via a feedback line 8. In this way, feedback from end users can be stored in database 202 as training data for the continuous learning of artificial neural network 201.

[0064] In Fig. It can also be seen that the artificial neural network 201 is able to detect a satellite 20 and its signal configuration 21 using the input real-time measurements such as signal properties 15, antenna properties 16, time 17, antenna location 18, and sensor data 19, and to perform the prediction 22 of the satellite orbit data and the antenna orientation. In particular, the detected satellite 20, the detected signal configuration 21, the predicted orbit data of the detected satellite, and the antenna orientation predicted according to the predicted orbit data can also be output by the AI ​​unit 2 and stored in the database 202 as training data for the continuous learning of the network 201 (see dashed arrows in Fig. 2).

[0065] Fig. Figure 3 schematically and exemplarily shows a method for operating a conventional antenna system for a ground station, while Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a method for operating an antenna system according to the invention for a ground station with various embodiments. To better illustrate the difference between the conventional antenna system and the antenna system according to the invention, the following sections describe Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 explained together.

[0066] Fig. Figure 3 schematically and exemplarily shows a conventional antenna system 101 for a ground station (not shown) with a classic design variant.

[0067] In Fig. Figure 3 shows that the antenna system 101 is connected to a mission operations center 11 and a flight dynamics service 12 via data transmission. This allows the mission operations center 11 to monitor and control a satellite 9 and to provide the antenna system 101 with scheduling information 13, which includes, for example, commands for controlling the satellite 9. The flight dynamics service 12 calculates the current orbit of the satellite 9 to be communicated with, predicts its future position, and provides the antenna system 101 with a time window in which the satellite 9 will pass over the ground station, as well as the satellite 9's position data within that time window.This allows the antenna system 101 to align itself in the correct direction at the right time for communication with the satellite 9, based on the time windows and position data supplied by the flight dynamics service 12, and to send the commands received from the mission operations center 11 to the satellite 9 and / or to receive the payload data acquired by the satellite 9, e.g. scientific measurements, and forward this payload data to the mission operations center 11 for further monitoring and control of the satellite 9.

[0068] At the in Fig. For the conventional antenna system 101 shown in Figure 3, the signal configurations and data format of the satellite signal 10 with respect to the satellite 9 to be communicated with must be known in advance and also stored in the receiving and transmitting devices. Furthermore, information such as the identity of satellite 9, its orbital data (for antenna alignment), and its timing must be known. This information must be provided or negotiated in several processes before and during communication and is provided by an external flight dynamics service 12 and delivered to the antenna system 101.

[0069] Fig. Figure 4 shows schematically and by way of example a method for operating an antenna system 1 according to the invention for a ground station.

[0070] In Fig. 4 can be seen that the in Fig. 3 flight dynamics service shown for calculating time windows and position data of a satellite to be communicated 9 in Fig. 4 is omitted and instead an AI unit (not shown) located in the antenna system takes over these tasks. Furthermore, the AI ​​unit analyzes the received satellite signals 10 and identifies the satellites 9 transmitting these satellite signals 10 and the signal configuration of these satellite signals 10.

[0071] Fig. Figure 4 further shows an additional feedback line 8 between the antenna system 1 and the respective end users 25 to receive feedback from the end users 25. The end users 25 can control mission operations from a mission operations center as shown in Fig. 3. Thus, the execution results of the respective mission operations can be fed into the database (not shown) of the AI ​​unit via the feedback line 8 and used as training data for the AI ​​unit.

[0072] In contrast to the one in Fig. The three procedures described must be used in the Fig. In the methods described in Figure 4, the signal configurations and data format no longer need to be pre-stored in the receiving and transmitting devices. With the aid of the AI ​​unit, time windows and position data for each satellite to be communicated with can be calculated without external support from the flight dynamics service. The antenna system 1 according to the invention can thus communicate flexibly with multiple satellites 9 without requiring prior hardware and software configuration for these satellites by humans. The user data 26 obtained from the received satellite signals 10 can be forwarded to the end user 25. The feedback line 8 enables the AI ​​unit to continuously learn from the feedback of the end users and to continuously improve its capabilities.

[0073] Starting from Fig. 4 show Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Two preferred embodiments. The advantageous improvement lies in the use of an antenna array ( Fig. 5) or a phased-array antenna ( Fig. 6).

[0074] In Fig. Figure 5 shows that the antenna system 1 according to the invention comprises an antenna array with several antenna elements 23 and an AI unit 2. The antenna elements 23 can be arranged geometrically such that a larger area of ​​the sky is covered.

[0075] In this embodiment, each antenna element can be individually controlled in its orientation using the AI ​​unit. This has the advantage that multiple beam directions can be generated for the simultaneous reception and transmission of satellite signals 10, and different areas of the sky can be covered, thus enabling simultaneous communication with several different satellites 9. The antenna array can also be controlled by the AI ​​unit to combine several antenna elements 23 in order to amplify the received signal or transmit a stronger signal. This is particularly advantageous for communication over long distances or in the presence of weak signal sources.

[0076] Fig. Figure 6 shows that the antenna system 1 according to the invention comprises a phased-array antenna 24 and an AI unit 2. The phased-array antenna 24 is a special type of antenna array and can also comprise several individual antenna elements (not shown), but with the additional function of phase control, i.e., individual control of the signal phases at each antenna element.

[0077] In this embodiment, the phase control of the phased-array antenna 24 can be achieved using the AI ​​unit 2. This phase control makes it possible to electronically control the orientation of the phased-array antenna 24 without having to mechanically move the antenna 24 (the antenna elements 23 in Fig.5 are normally controlled by mechanical movement). This embodiment therefore offers maximum flexibility and is particularly advantageous for tracking fast-moving satellites, e.g., LEO satellites, and for simultaneous communication with several fast-moving satellites. Reference symbol list 1 antenna system according to the invention 101 conventional antenna system 2 AI units 201 artificial neural network 202 Database 3 Control unit 4 digitizers 5 decoders 6 data providers 7 external data lines 8 Feedback line 9 satellites 10 satellite signals 11 Mission Operations Center 12 Flight Dynamics Services 13 Scheduling Information 14 satellite orbit data 15 Signal characteristics 16 Antenna characteristics 17 Time 18 antenna locations 19 sensor data 20 detected satellites 21 Detected signal configuration 22 Forecast 23 Antenna elements of an antenna array 24-phased-array antenna 25 end users 26 user data

Claims

[1] Antenna system (1) for a ground station for automatic reception of satellite signals (10) from satellites (9), comprising - at least one antenna (23, 24) for receiving a satellite signal (10) - a signal processing unit (4, 5) for acquiring information encoded in a satellite signal, - a control unit (3) for controlling at least one antenna (23, 24) and - an AI unit (2) that has been previously trained with training data relevant for receiving satellite signals from freely selectable satellites and can be continuously trained with real-time measurements, where The AI ​​unit (2) is configured to recognize, based on at least one characteristic of a received satellite signal, the signal configuration of that satellite signal and / or the identity of the satellite transmitting that satellite signal, so that, based on the recognized signal configuration and / or the recognized identity, the control unit (3) can control the at least one antenna (23, 24) for receiving that satellite signal and / or the signal processing unit (4, 5) can acquire information encoded in that satellite signal. [2] Antenna system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the AI ​​unit (2) is able to predict, depending on the recognized identity of a satellite, its orbital data and thus the orientation of the at least one antenna depending on the predicted orbital data. [3] Antenna system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (3) is able to control the at least one antenna (23, 24) on the basis of the predicted orientation so that the at least one antenna (23, 24) can receive the satellite signal. [4] Antenna system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal processing unit comprises a digitizer (4) for converting a satellite signal from analog to digital form and a decoder (5) for decoding information encoded in a satellite signal, wherein the digitizer (4) and the decoder (5) are connected to the AI ​​unit (2) via a data conductor. [5] Antenna system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the decoder (5) is able to decode information encoded in the satellite signal based on the signal configuration of a satellite signal detected by the AI ​​unit (2). [6] Antenna system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a data provider (6) for communication with end users (25), wherein the data provider (6) is connected to the AI ​​unit (2) in a data-conducting manner. [7] Antenna system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the training data comprise data on satellite signal characteristics, data on satellite characteristics, data on antenna characteristics and / or data on signal reception environment conditions. [8] Antenna system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the AI ​​unit (2) comprises a database (202) for storing the training data. [9] Antenna system according to claim 8, wherein the database (202) can be connected to at least one end user (25) in a data-conducting manner, so that feedback from the at least one end user for the extension of the database (202) for the continuous training of the AI ​​unit is stored in the database (202). [10] Antenna system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein real-time measurements for expanding the database (202) for the continuous training of the AI ​​unit are stored in the database. [11] Antenna system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the real-time measurements comprise at least one of the following measurements: Satellite signal measurement, time measurement, antenna measurement and / or environmental impact measurement. [12] Antenna system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one antenna (23, 24) is designed in the form of a parabolic antenna or a phased array antenna (24) or an antenna array (23). [13] Method for operating an antenna system (1) comprising at least one antenna (23, 24), a signal processing unit (4, 5), a control unit (3) and an AI unit (2), wherein the AI ​​unit has been previously trained with training data relevant for receiving satellite signals from satellites and can be continuously trained with real-time measurements, comprising the following steps: a) Receiving a satellite signal with at least one antenna (23, 24), b) Detecting the signal configuration of the satellite signal and / or the identity of the satellite transmitting the satellite signal based on at least one characteristic of the satellite signal using the AI ​​unit (2), c) Execute at least one of the following sub-steps based on the detected signal configuration and / or the detected identity of the satellite - Controlling at least one antenna (23, 24) with the control unit (3) for receiving the satellite signal, - Capturing information encoded in the satellite signal using the signal processing unit (4, 5). [14] Method according to claim 13, wherein the at least one antenna (23, 24) is designed in the form of a parabolic antenna or a phased-array antenna (24) or an antenna array (23) and wherein in step a) the satellite signal is received with the parabolic antenna or the phased-array antenna (24) or the antenna array (23). [15] Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein in step b) the satellite's orbital data are predicted from the recognized identity of the satellite and thus the orientation of the at least one antenna for receiving the signal emitted by the satellite is predicted from the predicted orbital data. [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein in step c) the at least one antenna (23, 24) is controlled based on the orbit data predicted by the AI ​​unit (2) and the predicted orientation. [17] Method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein in step c) the information is decoded based on the signal configuration detected by the AI ​​unit (2).

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