Satellite system, monitor satellite, monitoring method and program

Abstract

To provide a satellite system capable of enhancing the organization for monitoring a monitoring object in space.SOLUTION: A plurality of monitor satellites positioned at the altitude from the ground level similar to that of the geostationary orbit or an orbital position including the vicinity of the geostationary orbit are provided. The monitor satellites monitor a monitoring object positioned on one or a plurality of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the intermediate circular orbit and the low earth orbit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a satellite system, a monitoring satellite, a monitoring method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Satellites placed in orbit are at risk of collision with debris and other objects. In order to avoid such dangers to satellites and to identify the location of specific monitoring targets, it is necessary to monitor targets in space.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a satellite system having a group of monitoring satellites equipped with monitoring devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 176889 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for technology that can strengthen the surveillance system for targets in outer space using the surveillance technology described above.

[0006] An object of this disclosure is to provide a satellite system, a monitoring satellite, a monitoring method, and a program that solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a satellite system includes a plurality of monitoring satellites located at an altitude above the ground at an orbital position including geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit, and the monitoring satellites include monitoring means for monitoring monitoring objects located in one or more of the geostationary orbit, near the geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit.

[0008] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a monitoring satellite is located at an altitude above the ground at an orbital position including a geostationary orbit or a vicinity of a geostationary orbit, and is equipped with a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring object located in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit.

[0009] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a monitoring method includes a plurality of monitoring satellites positioned at an altitude above the ground at orbital positions including geostationary orbit or near a geostationary orbit, and the monitoring satellites include monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target positioned in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, near the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a monitoring method includes a monitoring satellite located at an altitude above the ground at an orbital position including a geostationary orbit or a vicinity of a geostationary orbit, and comprising a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring object located in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, a vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, the program causes a computer of a monitoring satellite located at an altitude above the ground at an orbital position including geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit to function as a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, near the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, or a low orbit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] To provide a satellite system, a monitoring satellite, a monitoring method, and a program that can strengthen the monitoring system for monitoring targets in outer space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating an overview of a satellite system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating an overview of a satellite system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a monitoring satellite according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control device of a monitoring satellite according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a ground station device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow for a satellite system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an aspect of a monitoring satellite according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow for a monitoring satellite according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating an overview of a satellite system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The satellite system 100 includes at least a plurality of monitoring satellites 1. The plurality of monitoring satellites 1 form a constellation. For example, the satellite system 100 may include three or more monitoring satellites 1 to form a constellation. Each monitoring satellite 1 monitors monitoring targets such as debris 51 and other artificial satellites 52. The monitoring targets may be various artificial objects floating in space, meteorites, etc., other than the debris 51 and the artificial satellites 52. The monitoring satellite 1 is located in a geostationary orbit orbit including a vicinity of the geostationary orbit. The monitoring satellite 1 monitors monitoring targets located in one or more orbits including geostationary orbit, vicinity of the geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit. The monitoring satellite 1 may monitor monitoring targets located in space outside of any of geostationary orbit, vicinity of the geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit. For example, the monitoring satellite 1 may monitor objects (such as rockets and meteorites) flying and moving in space outside of geostationary orbit, vicinity of geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit, and monitoring targets (such as debris) drifting in the space.

[0015] In this disclosure, the geostationary orbit is, for example, a circular orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km above the Earth's equator. In this disclosure, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit may be defined as a satellite orbit (orbit near the geostationary orbit) located at an altitude of, for example, 35,000 km to 37,000 km, including a circular orbit (geostationary orbit) at an altitude of 35,786 km above the Earth. In this disclosure, the medium orbit may be defined as a satellite orbit including a range from an altitude of 2,000 km above the Earth to the lower limit of the vicinity of the geostationary orbit. In this disclosure, the low orbit may be defined as an orbit at an altitude of up to 2,000 km above the Earth's surface. The altitudes of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit may be defined by altitudes other than those mentioned above.

[0016] The satellite system 100 of the present disclosure monitors the monitoring target using multiple monitoring satellites 1, reducing the risk of being unable to monitor due to a failure of any of the monitoring satellites 1, and strengthening the monitoring system. The monitoring satellite 1 of the present disclosure is placed in geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit, and monitors the monitoring target located in space other than geostationary orbit, near geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit from that altitude, so that it can monitor the monitoring target over a wide area. The monitoring satellite 1 of the present disclosure is placed in geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit, and monitors the monitoring target located at a low altitude such as medium orbit and low orbit from that altitude, so that it is possible to continue monitoring without losing sight of the monitoring target even if the monitoring target suddenly changes orbit. The monitoring satellite 1 of the present disclosure is placed in geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit, and switches monitoring of the monitoring target located in space other than geostationary orbit, near geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit from that altitude, so that it is possible to monitor a wide area.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating an overview of a satellite system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 2, the satellite system 100 may include a ground station device 3 that communicates with a monitoring satellite 1. The ground station device 3 communicates wirelessly with the monitoring satellite 1 to control the monitoring satellite 1. The ground station device 3 may be communicatively connected to other ground station devices 3 provided at other locations. The ground station device 3 may transmit information received from the other ground station devices 3 to the monitoring satellite 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a monitoring satellite according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The monitoring satellite 1 includes devices such as a control device 11, an imaging device 12, a radar 13, a communication device 14, and a propulsion mechanism 15. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the monitoring satellite 1 may include a battery or a solar power generation system as a power source, a fuel tank, etc.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a control device for a monitoring satellite according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The control device 11 at least has functions such as a control unit 21, a monitoring unit 22, and a switching unit 23. The control unit 21 controls the monitoring unit 22. The monitoring unit 22 performs monitoring processing of a monitoring target. The switching unit 23 switches the monitoring target to be monitored.

[0020] Specifically, the monitoring unit 22 monitors the monitoring target located in one or more orbits of geostationary orbit, near geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit, or the monitoring target located in other space. The monitoring unit 22 monitors and controls the monitoring target shown in the image generated by the image capturing device 12 based on the image. The image capturing device 12 is an example of a sensing means. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 22 monitors and controls the monitoring target sensed by the radar 13, which is one aspect of another sensing means. The monitoring unit 22 may monitor and control the monitoring target based on the monitoring result received from another monitoring satellite and the monitoring result generated by its own satellite. The switching unit 23 switches to monitor one or more orbits of geostationary orbit, near geostationary orbit, medium orbit, and low orbit, or other positions in space.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a ground station device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The ground station device 3 includes a control unit 31 and a communication unit 32. The control unit 31 controls the ground station device 3 and the monitoring satellite 1. The communication unit 32 communicates with the monitoring satellite 1 and other ground station devices 3 wirelessly.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6, the control device 11 of the monitoring satellite 1 is a computer equipped with various hardware components, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, other storage devices 104, and a communication module 105. The ground station device 3 may also be equipped with a part or all of a similar hardware configuration.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a process flow of a satellite system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, the processing flow of the satellite system will be described. The control unit 31 of the ground station device 3 determines whether to monitor a geostationary orbit, a vicinity of a geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, or a low orbit, or to monitor other space, based on the current position (coordinates) of the monitoring satellite 1 in or near a geostationary orbit in a coordinate system such as an earth-centered inertial coordinate system. The control unit 31 calculates the coordinates of the monitoring position (step S102). The control unit 31 transmits a monitoring control signal including the current position of the monitoring satellite 1, each coordinate of the monitoring position, and identification information of the orbit to be monitored (for example, an identifier of one of geostationary orbit, a vicinity of a geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, or a low orbit) to the monitoring satellite 1 via the communication unit 32 (step S103). The control unit 31 may include the current position of the monitoring satellite 1 and each coordinate of the monitoring position in the monitoring control signal. The monitoring control signal may include other information. For example, the monitoring control signal may include information on the type of the monitoring target identified by the control unit 31. The type of the monitoring target may be an identifier indicating whether it is debris 51 or another artificial satellite 52, a size, or the like.

[0024] The control device 11 of the monitoring satellite 1 acquires a monitoring control signal via the communication device 14 (step S104). The control unit 21 of the control device 11 outputs the monitoring control signal to the switching unit 23. The switching unit 23 determines whether to use the imaging device 12 or the radar 13 based on the identification information of the orbit to be monitored, the monitoring direction, the current position of the monitoring satellite 1, and the coordinates of the monitoring position, which are included in the monitoring control signal (step S105).

[0025] Specifically, the switching unit 23 may determine to use the radar 13 when the distance to the monitoring target calculated based on the current position of the monitoring satellite 1 and each coordinate of the monitoring position is equal to or greater than a threshold, and to use the imaging device 12 when the distance to the monitoring target is less than the threshold. The switching unit 23 may determine whether to use the imaging device 12 or the radar 13 simply based on an identifier of the orbit to be monitored. When the type of the monitoring target is included in the monitoring control signal, the switching unit 23 may determine whether to use the imaging device 12 or the radar 13 based on the type. The switching unit 23 outputs an identifier of the sensing means (imaging device 12 or radar 13) determined to be used to the control unit 21.

[0026] The monitoring satellite 1 may include devices other than the imaging device 12 and the radar 13 as sensing means for the monitored object. When switching the sensing means, the switching unit 23 may determine whether to monitor one of the orbits, a geostationary orbit, a near geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, or a low orbit, based on information included in the monitoring satellite signal. The switching unit 23 may then instruct the sensing means corresponding to the orbit determined to be monitored to perform sensing processing.

[0027] The control unit 21 outputs a monitoring instruction to the sensing means (the photographing device 12 or the radar 13) acquired from the switching unit 23 (step S106). The monitoring instruction may include the position (coordinates) of the monitored object, the monitoring direction, the start time and the end time of monitoring, etc. When the photographing device 12 acquires a monitoring instruction, it photographs the monitoring direction at a predetermined timing from the start time to the end time, and outputs the image generated by the photographing to the control device 11. When the radar 13 acquires a monitoring instruction, it senses a range including the monitoring direction at a predetermined timing from the start time to the end time, and outputs information generated by the sensing, such as the distance and direction to the monitored object, to the control device 11.

[0028] The control unit 21 of the control device 11 may control the sensing means (the imaging device 12 or the radar 13) obtained from the switching unit 23 and the propulsion mechanism 15 based on the monitoring control signal, thereby controlling the attitude, orbital position, etc. of the monitoring satellite 1 so that the sensing means of the monitoring satellite 1 can sense the monitoring target.

[0029] The monitoring unit 22 of the control device 11 acquires an image from the photographing device 12. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 22 acquires a sensing result (distance and direction of the monitoring target) from the radar 13. The monitoring unit 22 analyzes the monitoring target based on the image and the sensing result (step S107). For example, image data of the range of the monitoring target captured in the image may be input to a learning model, and the type of the monitoring target captured in the image may be output. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 22 calculates the distance from the monitoring satellite 1 to the monitoring target based on the image and the sensing result by the radar 13, and if the distance is less than a threshold, determines that the distance is close and controls the propulsion mechanism 15 to increase or decrease the altitude of the monitoring satellite 1. Alternatively, the monitoring unit 22 may control the propulsion mechanism 15 to decrease or increase the speed of the monitoring satellite 1. This increases the distance between the monitoring satellite 1 and the monitoring target. Alternatively, if the monitored object approaches another specified artificial satellite and poses a danger based on the position of the monitored object calculated based on images or the sensing results of the radar 13 and its position relative to another specified artificial satellite, the monitoring unit 22 may transmit an instruction signal to the other specified artificial satellite or the ground station device 3 to instruct it to take avoidance control.

[0030] The monitoring unit 22 of the control device 11 may monitor and control the monitoring target based on the monitoring results received from other monitoring satellites 1 constituting the satellite system 100 and the monitoring results generated by the own satellite. For example, the monitoring satellite 1 acquires images and sensing results taken by the other monitoring satellites 1 directly from the other monitoring satellites 1 or via the ground station device 3. The monitoring unit 22 may correct the position of the monitoring target obtained from the images and sensing results generated by the own satellite based on the position of the monitoring target obtained from the images and sensing results acquired from the other monitoring satellites 1 to detect a more accurate position of the monitoring target. Then, the monitoring unit 22 may perform the same monitoring process as described above based on the position.

[0031] The monitoring unit 22 may transmit information on the images and the sensing results of the radar 13 to the ground station device 3 (step S108). In this case, the ground station device 3 acquires the images and the sensing results of the radar 13. The control unit 31 of the ground station device 3 uses the images and the sensing results of the radar 13 acquired from the monitoring satellite 1 to perform monitoring processing similar to the processing performed by the monitoring unit 22 of the monitoring satellite 1 described above (step S109).

[0032] That is, the control unit 31 of the ground station device 3 may input image data of the range of the monitoring target shown in the image to the learning model, and as a result, output the type and identifier of the monitoring target shown in the image. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may calculate the distance from the monitoring satellite 1 to the monitoring target based on the image and the sensing result by the radar 13, and if the distance is less than a threshold, determine that the distance is close and control the monitoring satellite 1 to increase or decrease the altitude of the monitoring satellite 1, or to slow down or speed up the monitoring satellite 1. This increases the distance between the monitoring satellite 1 and the monitoring target. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may transmit an instruction signal to instruct the other specified artificial satellite to avoid the monitoring target when the monitoring target approaches another specified artificial satellite and is dangerous, based on the position of the monitoring target calculated based on the image and the sensing result of the radar 13 and the position of the other specified artificial satellite.

[0033] In the monitoring process, the control unit 31 of the ground station device 3 may compare the image or the sensing result of the radar 13 with the satellite monitoring information acquired from another system, and identify the type or identifier of the monitoring target included in the image or the sensing result of the radar 13. The satellite monitoring information is, for example, a TLE (Two Line Element set), and the TLE is publicly available information expressing the orbital information of a space object including an artificial satellite in a two-line format. The control unit 31 may output information of an object described in the TLE as an object located closest to the position of the monitoring target calculated based on the image or the sensing result of the radar 13, and perform the same monitoring process as described above based on the information. According to such a process, it becomes possible for the monitoring satellite 1 to identify the current detailed position of the satellite monitoring information published by another person. The process of identifying the current detailed position of the monitoring satellite 1 based on the satellite monitoring information may be performed by the control device 11 of the monitoring satellite 1.

[0034] The control unit 31 of the ground station device 3 may use images acquired in advance from the monitoring satellite 1 and sensing results of the radar 13 when specifying the orbit and space position to be monitored in step S101. The control unit 31 may specify a space region where debris 51 and artificial satellites 52 are concentrated based on the images and sensing results of the radar 13, and may decide to monitor that space region in the above step S101. Alternatively, the determination of the monitoring position by the control unit 31 of the ground station device 3 may be performed by the monitoring satellite 1 through a similar process.

[0035] The control device 11 of the monitoring satellite 1 or the control unit 31 of the ground station device 3 may instruct, based on detection of a malfunction of the monitoring satellite 1, that another monitoring satellite 1 can monitor the monitoring position or monitoring range that was previously covered by that monitoring satellite 1. This process is one aspect of a process in which the monitoring satellite 1 or the ground station device 3, based on detection of a malfunction of the monitoring satellite 1, controls so that another monitoring satellite 1 can monitor the monitoring position or monitoring range of the monitoring satellite 1 that detected the malfunction.

[0036] The monitoring unit 22 of the monitoring satellite 1 may transmit images and information on the sensing results of the radar 13 directly to other monitoring satellites 1 forming the satellite system 100 or other artificial satellites.

[0037] According to the above-mentioned process, the monitoring satellite 1 launched at a high altitude in or near a geostationary orbit monitors the monitoring target located in the geostationary orbit or near the geostationary orbit, or in one or more orbits, such as a medium orbit or a low orbit. Alternatively, the monitoring satellite 1 monitors the monitoring target located in space other than a geostationary orbit, near the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit or a low orbit. This allows the monitoring satellites 1 to monitor a wide range of monitoring targets.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the above-described process, since the target is monitored by multiple monitoring satellites 1, the risk of monitoring becoming impossible due to a malfunction of any of the monitoring satellites 1 can be reduced, and the monitoring system can be strengthened.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned processing, the monitoring satellite 1 is launched into geostationary orbit or at an altitude quite far from the earth's surface near the geostationary orbit, and from that altitude it is possible to monitor targets at low altitudes such as medium or low orbit, reducing the possibility of losing sight of the target even if it suddenly changes orbit, making it possible to continue monitoring.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a monitoring satellite. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow of a monitoring satellite. The monitoring satellite 1 is located at an altitude above the ground in an orbital position including a geostationary orbit or a position close to the geostationary orbit. The monitoring satellite 1 includes a monitoring unit 22. The monitoring unit 22 monitors a monitoring target located in one or more orbits including a geostationary orbit, a close to the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit (step S201).

[0041] The programs executed by the above-mentioned monitoring satellite 1 and ground station device 3 may be programs for implementing some of the above-mentioned functions, or may be so-called differential files (differential programs) that can implement the above-mentioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0042] Although the satellite system 100, the monitoring satellite 1, and the ground station device 3 of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of this disclosure within the scope of this disclosure.

[0043] Note that some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0044] (Appendix 1) a plurality of monitoring satellites located at a geostationary orbit or an orbital location including a geostationary orbit at a high altitude above the earth; The monitoring satellite includes a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, a vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. Surveillance system.

[0045] (Appendix 2) The monitoring means monitors a monitoring target located in outer space outside any one of the multiple orbits, i.e., the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. 2. A monitoring system as described in claim 1.

[0046] (Appendix 3) 2. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of monitoring satellites form a constellation.

[0047] (Appendix 4) The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring satellite is equipped with an imaging means for imaging the monitored object.

[0048] (Appendix 5) The monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the monitoring means includes a transmitting means for transmitting the image generated by the photographing to a ground station device.

[0049] (Appendix 6) The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on the images generated by the photographing. 10. A surveillance system according to claim 4 or claim 5.

[0050] (Appendix 7) The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring satellite is equipped with a sensing means for sensing the monitored object.

[0051] (Appendix 8) 8. The monitoring system according to claim 7, further comprising a transmitting means for transmitting information about the monitored object sensed by the sensing means to a ground station device.

[0052] (Appendix 9) The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on information of the object to be monitored sensed by the sensing means. 10. A monitoring system according to claim 7 or 8.

[0053] (Appendix 10) The monitoring means monitors and controls the monitoring target based on the monitoring results received from other monitoring satellites and the monitoring results generated by the own satellite. 6. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0054] (Appendix 11) A switching means for switching to monitor any one of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit; 2. The monitoring system of claim 1, comprising:

[0055] (Appendix 12) Located at an altitude above the ground in an orbital location that includes geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit; The satellite is provided with a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. surveillance satellite.

[0056] (Appendix 13) The monitoring means monitors a monitoring target located in outer space outside any one of the multiple orbits, i.e., the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. 4. The surveillance satellites described in Appendix 12.

[0057] (Appendix 14) 13. A surveillance satellite according to claim 12 forming a constellation with other surveillance satellites.

[0058] (Appendix 15) The monitoring satellite according to claim 12, further comprising an imaging means for imaging the target to be monitored.

[0059] (Appendix 16) 16. The monitoring satellite according to claim 15, wherein the monitoring means includes a transmitting means for transmitting the images generated by the photographing to a ground station device.

[0060] (Appendix 17) The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on the images generated by the photographing. 1. A surveillance satellite as described in Appendix 15 or Appendix 16.

[0061] (Appendix 18) The monitoring satellite according to claim 12, further comprising a sensing means for sensing the target to be monitored.

[0062] (Appendix 19) 19. The monitoring satellite according to claim 18, further comprising a transmitting means for transmitting information about the monitored object sensed by the sensing means to a ground station.

[0063] (Appendix 20) The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on information of the object to be monitored sensed by the sensing means. 1. A surveillance satellite as described in Appendix 18 or Appendix 19.

[0064] (Appendix 21) The monitoring means monitors and controls the monitoring target based on the monitoring results received from other monitoring satellites and the monitoring results generated by the own satellite. 17. The surveillance satellite of any one of claims 12 to 16.

[0065] (Appendix 22) A switching means for switching to monitor any one of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit; 13. The surveillance satellite according to claim 12, comprising:

[0066] (Appendix 23) The surveillance system a plurality of monitoring satellites positioned at a geostationary orbit or an orbital location including a geostationary orbit or a vicinity thereof at a high altitude above the earth; The monitoring satellite monitors a monitoring target located in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, a vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. Monitoring method.

[0067] (Appendix 24) The monitoring target located in outer space outside any one of the multiple orbits, i.e., the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit, is monitored. 23. The monitoring method according to claim 23.

[0068] (Appendix 25) 24. The monitoring method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of monitoring satellites form a constellation.

[0069] (Appendix 26) 24. The monitoring method according to claim 23, wherein the monitoring satellite photographs the target to be monitored.

[0070] (Appendix 27) 27. The monitoring method according to claim 26, further comprising transmitting the image generated by the photographing to a ground station device.

[0071] (Appendix 28) The monitoring control is performed based on the images generated by the photographing. 28. The monitoring method of claim 26 or 27.

[0072] (Appendix 29) 24. The monitoring method according to claim 23, wherein the monitoring satellite senses the monitored object.

[0073] (Appendix 30) The monitoring method according to claim 29, further comprising transmitting the sensed information of the monitored object to a ground station device.

[0074] (Appendix 31) Perform monitoring and control based on the sensed information of the monitored object. 31. The monitoring method of claim 29 or 30.

[0075] (Appendix 32) The monitoring target is monitored and controlled based on the monitoring results received from other monitoring satellites and the monitoring results generated by the own satellite. 29. The method of any one of claims 23 to 28.

[0076] (Appendix 33) Switch to monitor any one of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. 23. The monitoring method according to claim 23.

[0077] (Appendix 34) The surveillance satellite Located at an altitude above the ground in an orbital location that includes geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit; The satellite is provided with a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. Monitoring method.

[0078] (Appendix 35) The monitoring target located in outer space outside any one of the multiple orbits, i.e., the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit, is monitored. 34. The monitoring method described in Appendix 34.

[0079] (Appendix 36) 35. The monitoring method according to claim 34, wherein a constellation is formed with other monitoring satellites.

[0080] (Appendix 37) 35. The monitoring method according to claim 34, wherein the monitoring satellite photographs the monitored object.

[0081] (Appendix 38) 38. The monitoring method according to claim 37, further comprising transmitting the image generated by the photographing to a ground station device.

[0082] (Appendix 39) The monitoring control is performed based on the images generated by the photographing. 39. The monitoring method of claim 37 or 38.

[0083] (Appendix 40) 35. The monitoring method according to claim 34, wherein the monitoring satellite senses the monitored object.

[0084] (Appendix 41) The monitoring method according to claim 40, further comprising transmitting the sensed information of the monitored object to a ground station device.

[0085] (Appendix 42) Perform monitoring and control based on the sensed information of the monitored object. 42. The monitoring method of claim 40 or 41.

[0086] (Appendix 43) The monitoring target is monitored and controlled based on the monitoring results received from other monitoring satellites and the monitoring results generated by the own satellite. 39. The method of any one of claims 34 to 39.

[0087] (Appendix 44) Switch to monitor any one of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. 34. The monitoring method described in Appendix 34.

[0088] (Appendix 45) A computer of a monitoring satellite located at a high altitude above the ground in an orbital position including geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit, A monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more orbits including the geostationary orbit, a vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. A program that functions as a

[0089] (Appendix 46) The monitoring means monitors a monitoring target located in outer space outside any one of the multiple orbits, i.e., the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. 46. ​​The program according to claim 45.

[0090] (Appendix 47) 46. ​​The program according to claim 45, which functions as a constellation means for forming a constellation.

[0091] (Appendix 48) The program according to claim 45, which functions as an imaging means for imaging the target to be monitored.

[0092] (Appendix 49) The program according to claim 48, which functions as a transmitting means for transmitting the image generated by the photographing to a ground station device.

[0093] (Appendix 50) The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on the images generated by the photographing. 48. The program according to claim 49.

[0094] (Appendix 51) 46. ​​The program according to claim 45, further comprising a sensing means for sensing the monitoring target.

[0095] (Appendix 52) 52. The program according to claim 51, which causes the sensing means to function as a transmitting means for transmitting information about the monitored object sensed by the sensing means to a ground station device.

[0096] (Appendix 53) The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on information of the object to be monitored sensed by the sensing means. 53. The program according to claim 51 or 52.

[0097] (Appendix 54) The monitoring means monitors and controls the monitoring target based on the monitoring results received from other monitoring satellites and the monitoring results generated by the own satellite. 49. A program according to any one of claims 45 to 49.

[0098] (Appendix 55) A switching means for switching to monitor any one of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit; 46. ​​The program according to claim 45,

[0099] (Appendix 57) The monitoring means monitors a monitoring target that moves outside any one of the multiple orbits, the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. 4. The surveillance satellites described in Appendix 12.

[0100] (Appendix 58) The monitoring target that moves outside any one of the multiple orbits, the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit, is monitored. 23. The monitoring method according to claim 23.

[0101] (Appendix 59) The monitoring target that moves outside any one of the multiple orbits, the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit, is monitored. 34. The monitoring method described in Appendix 34.

[0102] (Appendix 60) The monitoring means monitors a monitoring target that moves outside any one of the multiple orbits, the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. 46. ​​The program according to claim 45. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1...Surveillance satellite 11. Control device 12. Imaging device 13. Radar 14. Communication equipment 15...propulsion mechanism 21 Control section 22...Monitoring Department 23 Switching section 31. Communications Department 32 Control section

Claims

1. a plurality of monitoring satellites located at a geostationary orbit or an orbital location including a geostationary orbit at a high altitude above the earth; The monitoring satellite includes a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, a vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. Satellite system.

2. The monitoring means monitors a monitoring target located in outer space outside any one of the multiple orbits, i.e., the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit. The satellite system of claim 1.

3. The satellite system of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of monitoring satellites form a constellation.

4. 2. The satellite system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring satellite comprises an image capturing means for capturing an image of said monitoring target.

5. 5. The satellite system according to claim 4, wherein said monitoring means includes a transmitting means for transmitting the images generated by said photographing to a ground station device.

6. The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on the images generated by the photographing. A satellite system according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. 2. The satellite system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring satellite comprises a sensing means for sensing said monitored object.

8. 8. A satellite system according to claim 7, further comprising a transmitting means for transmitting information on the monitored object sensed by said sensing means to a ground station device.

9. The monitoring means performs monitoring control based on information of the object to be monitored sensed by the sensing means. A satellite system according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. The monitoring means monitors and controls the monitoring target based on the monitoring results received from other monitoring satellites and the monitoring results generated by the own satellite. A satellite system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. A switching means for switching to monitor any one of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, the medium orbit, and the low orbit; The satellite system of claim 1 , comprising:

12. Located at an altitude above the ground in an orbital location that includes geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit; The satellite is provided with a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. surveillance satellite.

13. a plurality of monitoring satellites positioned at a geostationary orbit or an orbital location including a geostationary orbit or a vicinity thereof at a high altitude above the earth; The monitoring satellite includes a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more orbits, including the geostationary orbit, a vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. Monitoring method.

14. The surveillance satellite Located at an altitude above the ground in an orbital location that includes geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit; The satellite is provided with a monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more of the geostationary orbit, the vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. Monitoring method.

15. A computer of a monitoring satellite located at a high altitude above the ground in an orbital position including geostationary orbit or near geostationary orbit, A monitoring means for monitoring a monitoring target located in one or more orbits including the geostationary orbit, a vicinity of the geostationary orbit, a medium orbit, and a low orbit. A program that functions as a

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