Scintillation avoidance apparatus, scintillation avoidance system, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a scintillation avoidance device, a scintillation avoidance system, a method and a program capable of avoiding the influence of scintillation.SOLUTION: The tracking control station includes a control means for performing control to switch a tracking control station for tracking and controlling an artificial satellite from a tracking control station in which a straight line connecting the artificial satellite and the tracking control station passes through a scintillation occurrence region to a tracking control station in which the straight line does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region to another tracking control station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scintillation avoidance device, a scintillation avoidance system, a scintillation avoidance method, and a scintillation avoidance program. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technique related to satellite communications, for example, Patent Document 1 describes maintaining communication capability by generating an atmospheric attenuation model and avoiding paths that are severely attenuated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-190550 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, the reception level between a satellite and the ground can be reduced due to scintillation, a phenomenon in which the reception level fluctuates greatly due to non-uniformity in electron density as the satellite passes through the ionosphere (altitudes of approximately 60 to 1,000 km).

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, an attenuation model is generated from atmospheric data and reception data as a premise for route selection. In other words, when the technology described in Patent Document 1 is applied, measures are taken to avoid routes that are severely attenuated after being affected by scintillation.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its purposes is to provide a scintillation avoidance device, a scintillation avoidance system, a scintillation avoidance method, and a scintillation avoidance program that can avoid the effects of scintillation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The scintillation avoidance device according to the present disclosure includes a control means for controlling switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking control station where a straight line connecting the tracking and control target satellite and the tracking and control station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur, to a tracking control station where a straight line connecting the satellite and the tracking and control station does not pass through a scintillation generation area.

[0008] The scintillation avoidance system according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of tracking and control stations arranged at different positions from one another, and a scintillation avoidance device, and the scintillation avoidance device includes a control means for controlling switching of the tracking and control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking and control station where a straight line connecting the tracking and control target satellite and the tracking and control station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur, to a tracking and control station where a straight line connecting the satellite and the tracking and control station does not pass through the scintillation generation area.

[0009] The scintillation avoidance method according to the present disclosure involves a computer controlling the switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking control station where a straight line connecting the tracking and control target satellite and the tracking and control station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation is likely to occur, to a tracking control station where a straight line connecting the satellite and the tracking and control station does not pass through a scintillation generation area.

[0010] The scintillation avoidance program according to the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a control process for controlling switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of a satellite from a tracking control station where a straight line connecting the tracking and control target satellite and the tracking and control station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation is likely to occur, to a tracking control station where a straight line connecting the satellite and the tracking and control station does not pass through a scintillation generation area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the effects of scintillation can be avoided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a scintillation avoidance system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a scintillation avoidance device. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the scintillation avoidance device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of a scintillation avoidance system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching between tracking and control stations. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching between tracking and control stations. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the generation of plasma bubbles. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the avoidance of scintillation by plasma bubbles. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another functional configuration of the scintillation avoidance device. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main parts of a scintillation avoidance device. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of a scintillation avoidance system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary for clarity. Unless otherwise specified, predetermined values ​​such as predetermined values ​​and threshold values ​​are stored in advance in a storage device accessible from a device that uses the values. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the storage unit is composed of one or any number of storage devices.

[0014] In the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, scintillation reduces the reception level between the satellite and the ground, causing line disconnections and reducing service availability, which has become a problem. Scintillation occurs frequently during the nighttime hours near the equator. There is a tendency for it to peak at the vernal and autumnal equinoxes and to peak at the summer and winter solstices. However, it is difficult to predict whether or not scintillation will occur on a daily basis. For this reason, currently, measures such as switching tracking and control stations are taken only after service is affected. As scintillation tends to be larger during periods of high solar activity, it is expected that scintillation will become an issue more frequently in the future. Therefore, measures to prevent scintillation from affecting service are more necessary than ever before.

[0015] [Configuration Description] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a scintillation avoidance system according to this embodiment. A scintillation avoidance system 100 according to this embodiment functions as ground equipment for an artificial satellite (hereinafter also simply referred to as a satellite). The scintillation avoidance system 100 includes a tracking control station 200, a tracking control station 210, and a scintillation avoidance device 300. The tracking control station 200, the tracking control station 210, and the scintillation avoidance device 300 are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0016] The tracking control stations 200 and 210 have the function of tracking and controlling satellites. For example, the tracking control stations 200 and 210 transmit and receive data to and from satellites as part of their tracking and control of the satellites. Furthermore, for example, the tracking control stations 200 and 210 monitor and control the satellites as part of their tracking and control of the satellites. Hereinafter, the tracking control stations 200 and 210 are collectively referred to simply as tracking control stations (or nominal stations).

[0017] The tracking control station 200 and the tracking control station 210 are located at different positions. For example, the tracking control station 200 and the tracking control station 210 are located at positions where at least one of the latitude and the longitude is different from each other. Note that although the scintillation avoidance system 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes two tracking control stations, the tracking control station 200 and the tracking control station 210, it may include three or more tracking control stations.

[0018] The scintillation avoidance device 300 has a function of controlling switching of tracking control stations that track and control satellites. The scintillation avoidance device 300 can switch the propagation path between the satellite and the tracking control station by switching the tracking control station that tracks and controls the satellite. The scintillation avoidance device 300 is installed, for example, in a master control station (not shown) that transmits positioning data and commands (instructions) to the tracking control station.

[0019] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a scintillation avoidance device 300 of this embodiment. The scintillation avoidance device 300 of this embodiment includes a coordinate determination unit 301 and a control unit 302.

[0020] In this embodiment, a scintillation generation region is defined in advance as a region where scintillation may occur. Specifically, the scintillation generation region is defined as a region between ±15 degrees of the equator (i.e., 15 degrees north latitude and 15 degrees south latitude). The scintillation generation region is also defined as a region at an altitude of 60 km to 1000 km, which corresponds to the ionosphere.

[0021] Scintillation tends to occur, for example, between 7 PM and 5 AM JST (Japan Standard Time). For example, Document 1: Observation of Ionospheric Scintillation in GPS (First Electronic Navigation Research Institute Research Presentation (June 2001)) states that scintillation is greatest immediately after sunset near the equator (±15 degrees from the magnetic equator). Therefore, the scintillation generation region may be defined to be effective between 7 PM and 3 AM JST. This configuration makes it possible to effectively avoid the effects of scintillation.

[0022] Scintillation tends to occur from February to May and August to November. Therefore, the scintillation occurrence area may be defined to be effective in February, March, April, May, August, September, October, and November. By configuring in this way, the effects of scintillation can be suitably avoided.

[0023] The coordinate determination unit 301 calculates the coordinates (for example, latitude or latitude and longitude) at an altitude in the ionosphere (at an altitude of approximately 60 to 1000 km) of a line connecting the position of the satellite to be tracked and controlled and the position of the ground-based tracking control station 200 or 210. The coordinate determination unit 301 also determines whether the calculated latitude passes through ±15 degrees of the equator. In other words, the coordinate determination unit 301 can determine whether the line connecting the satellite to be tracked and controlled and the tracking control station passes through a scintillation generation area. The line connecting the satellite and the tracking control station can be said to correspond to the propagation path of radio waves between the satellite and the tracking control station.

[0024] The control unit 302 controls switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking control station where the line connecting the satellite to be tracked and controlled and the tracking control station itself passes through the scintillation generation area to a tracking control station where the line connecting the satellite to the tracking control station itself does not pass through the scintillation generation area.

[0025] The scintillation avoidance system 100 is compatible with satellites in various orbits, such as geostationary orbits, quasi-geostationary orbits, and quasi-zenith orbits. The coordinate determination unit 301 is not limited to a configuration that determines whether a line connecting the satellite's current position and a tracking control station passes through a scintillation generation area. For example, the coordinate determination unit 301 may be configured to determine whether a line connecting the satellite's orbit and a tracking control station passes through a scintillation generation area. In this case, the control unit 302 controls switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the satellite's orbit and its own station passes through a scintillation generation area to a tracking control station whose line connecting the satellite's orbit and its own station does not pass through a scintillation generation area. With this configuration, it is possible to control switching of the tracking control station before the line connecting the satellite's current position and the tracking control station passes through a scintillation generation area, i.e., before the satellite is affected by scintillation.

[0026] The scintillation avoidance device 300 may include an output unit (not shown) that outputs information indicating the determination result by the coordinate determination unit 301. For example, the output unit may output and store information indicating the determination result by the coordinate determination unit 301 for each tracking control station in a storage unit (not shown) of the scintillation avoidance device 300 or an external device. Also, for example, the output unit may output and display information indicating the determination result by the coordinate determination unit 301 for each tracking control station to a display device (not shown) such as a display device.

[0027] The control unit 302 may perform control to switch the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite in response to an input operation by the user. That is, the scintillation avoidance device 300 may present to the user information indicating the determination result by the coordinate determination unit 301, and perform control to switch the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite in response to an input operation by the user.

[0028] The user is, for example, a person who operates the scintillation avoidance device 300. The user's input operation is specifically an operation in which the user inputs commands or information to the scintillation avoidance device 300 using an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0029] [Explanation of operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the scintillation avoidance device 300. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the scintillation avoidance device.

[0030] The coordinate determination unit 301 determines whether or not a straight line connecting the orbit of the tracking control target satellite (or the current position of the satellite) and the tracking control station passes through a predetermined scintillation generation area (step S1). For example, the coordinate determination unit 301 determines whether or not a straight line connecting the tracking control station 200 and the tracking control station 210 and the orbit of the satellite (or the current position of the satellite) passes through a scintillation generation area for each of the tracking control stations.

[0031] If the straight line connecting the satellite orbit (or the satellite's current position) and the tracking control station passes through the scintillation generation area (Yes in step S2), the scintillation avoidance device 300 executes the process of step S3. That is, the control unit 302 performs control to switch the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite to a tracking control station whose straight line connecting the satellite orbit (or the satellite's current position) and the tracking control station does not pass through the scintillation generation area (step S3).

[0032] If the straight line connecting the satellite orbit (or the satellite's current position) and the tracking control station does not pass through the scintillation occurrence area (No in step S2), the scintillation avoidance device 300 ends the process.

[0033] 3 does not limit the operation of the scintillation avoidance device 300. In the process of step S1, the scintillation avoidance device 300 may determine only the tracking control station that is tracking and controlling the satellite, among the multiple tracking control stations. Also, for example, in the process of step S2, if a straight line connecting the tracking control station that is tracking and controlling the satellite, among the multiple tracking control stations, and the satellite orbit (or the satellite's current position) does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region, the scintillation avoidance device 300 may end the process as is without proceeding to the process of step S3.

[0034] For example, assume that, of the tracking control station 200 and the tracking control station 210, the tracking control station 200 is performing tracking and control of the satellite. In this case, the scintillation avoidance device 300 may make only the tracking control station 200 the object of determination in the processing of step S1. Furthermore, in the processing of step S2, if the straight line connecting the satellite orbit (or the satellite's current position) and the tracking control station 200 does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region, the scintillation avoidance device 300 may end the processing as is without proceeding to the processing of step S3.

[0035] Next, an outline of the operation of the scintillation avoidance device 300 will be described. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of the scintillation avoidance device 300. Figs. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of switching between tracking control stations. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 are explanatory diagrams for facilitating understanding of the outline of the operation of the scintillation avoidance device 300. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the scintillation avoidance device 300 are not limited to those shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows a scintillation generation region at latitudes of ±15 degrees from the equator and at altitudes of 60 to 1000 km (ionosphere). Fig. 4 shows a method for avoiding the scintillation generation region by switching to another tracking control station 210 located at a different latitude when a straight line connecting a satellite and a tracking control station (nominal station) 200 passes through the scintillation generation region.

[0037] 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of switching of tracking control stations using a map of the vicinity of Japan. Fig. 5 shows a straight line connecting the tracking control station and the satellite before switching. Fig. 5 shows an example in which the straight line connecting the satellite and tracking control station 200 is at a latitude of 15 degrees or less and 0 degrees or more at an altitude of 60 to 1000 km. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 5, the propagation path between the tracking control station 200 and the satellite before switching passes through a scintillation generation area.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a straight line connecting the tracking control station 210 and the satellite after switching. In the example shown in Fig. 5 and the example shown in Fig. 6, the position of the satellite is the same but the positions of the tracking control stations are different. Fig. 6 shows an example in which the straight line connecting the satellite and tracking control station 210 is at a latitude of 15 degrees or more at an altitude of 60 to 1000 km. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 6, the propagation path between the tracking control station 210 and the satellite after switching does not pass through a scintillation generation area.

[0039] In this embodiment, when a line connecting a satellite's orbit and a tracking control station (nominal station) passes through an area between ±15 degrees of the equator at an altitude of 60 km and 1000 km, control is performed to switch to another tracking control station. By performing such control, it is possible to prevent the propagation path between the satellite and the tracking control station from passing through a scintillation generation area. The target tracking control station is designed at a latitude that does not pass through a scintillation generation area, taking into consideration the satellite orbit. That is, when designing a tracking control station, it is desirable to install candidate tracking control stations at a latitude where the propagation path does not pass through a scintillation generation area. This configuration makes it possible to stabilize the reception level between the satellite and the ground, thereby improving the availability of services. From the perspective of avoiding scintillation, it is desirable to switch to a tracking control station located at a higher latitude. However, depending on the satellite's orbit, there are cases where the tracking control station cannot track the satellite. Therefore, a balanced design is required. Furthermore, as mentioned above, scintillation tends to occur during the nighttime. Therefore, it is effective to switch the tracking control station for satellites whose propagation paths pass through areas where scintillation occurs during the nighttime.

[0040] [Effect description] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a scintillation occurrence region is predetermined as an area where scintillation may occur. Then, the control unit 302 controls switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the satellite and the local station passes through the scintillation occurrence region to a tracking control station whose line connecting the satellite and the local station does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the effects of scintillation. As a result, it is possible to stabilize the reception level between the satellite and the ground, and it is possible to obtain the effect of improving the availability of the service.

[0041] Next, we propose an effective countermeasure against the effects of scintillation, especially plasma bubbles, even when it is not possible to avoid the scintillation region within ±15 degrees of the equator due to restrictions on the placement of tracking and control stations.

[0042] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the generation of plasma bubbles. Plasma bubbles are a phenomenon in which electron density suddenly decreases locally. Plasma bubbles also move from west to east. Therefore, if the placement of tracking and control stations differs in the longitude direction, the time periods in which scintillation occurs will differ for each tracking and control station. By taking these time periods into consideration, the tracking and control station is switched to avoid a decrease in reception level due to scintillation.

[0043] When scintillation occurs, the line between the satellite and the tracking and control station is not necessarily cut off. Therefore, the tracking and control station monitors the reception level and switches to the station with no fluctuations in reception level (or the smallest fluctuations). To prevent the scintillation periods from overlapping, it is desirable to place tracking and control stations about 15 degrees apart in the longitude direction.

[0044] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating how to avoid scintillation caused by plasma bubbles. Figure 8 shows a method for avoiding scintillation by switching from a tracking and control station (nominal station) whose line connecting the satellite and the station passes through the area where scintillation caused by plasma bubbles is actually occurring to another tracking and control station located at a different longitude.

[0045] Another functional configuration of a scintillation avoidance device that can effectively deal with the effects of plasma bubbles will now be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating another functional configuration of a scintillation avoidance device. The scintillation avoidance device 300 shown in Fig. 9 includes a coordinate determination unit 301, a control unit 302, and a monitoring unit 303. The monitoring unit 303 has a function of monitoring the reception level of each tracking control station.

[0046] 9 can operate, for example, as follows: That is, when there is no tracking control station for which the line connecting the tracking control target satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation generating area, the control unit 302 performs control to switch the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite according to the reception level of each tracking control station.

[0047] For example, when a drop in reception level is detected at a tracking control station performing tracking control as a monitoring result of the monitoring unit 303, the control unit 302 determines whether there is a tracking control station for which the line connecting the tracking control target satellite and the tracking control station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. If there is a tracking control station that does not pass through the scintillation generation area, the control unit 302 performs control to switch to that tracking control station. Furthermore, if there is no tracking control station that does not pass through the scintillation generation area, the control unit 302 performs control to switch to a tracking control station with no fluctuation (or the smallest fluctuation) in reception level.

[0048] 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to the present disclosure. A CPU 1000 executes processing in accordance with a scintillation avoidance program stored in a storage device 1001, thereby realizing the functions of the scintillation avoidance device 300 according to the above embodiment.

[0049] That is, the CPU 1000 executes processing in accordance with the scintillation avoidance program stored in the memory device 1001, thereby realizing the functions of the coordinate determination unit 301, the control unit 302, and the monitoring unit 303 of the scintillation avoidance device 300 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 9.

[0050] The storage device 1001 is, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes various types of tangible storage media. Specific examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), and flash ROM).

[0051] The memory 1002 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage means for temporarily storing data when the CPU 1000 executes processing.

[0052] Next, an overview of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of a scintillation avoidance device. The scintillation avoidance device 30 shown in FIG. 11 (e.g., corresponds to scintillation avoidance device 300) includes control means 31 (implemented by a control unit 302 in the embodiment) that controls switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking control station (e.g., corresponds to tracking control station 200 or tracking control station 210 in the embodiment; corresponds to tracking control station 200 in the example shown in FIG. 4) whose line connecting the tracking and control target satellite and the tracking and control station passes through a scintillation occurrence region (e.g., corresponds to the scintillation occurrence region shown in FIG. 4) where a predetermined scintillation may occur, to a tracking control station (e.g., corresponds to tracking control station 200 or tracking control station 210 in the embodiment; corresponds to tracking control station 210 in the example shown in FIG. 4) whose line connecting the satellite and the tracking and control station does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the effects of scintillation. As a result, the reception level between the satellite and the ground can be stabilized, which has the effect of improving the availability of the service.

[0053] 12 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of a scintillation avoidance system. The scintillation avoidance system 10 (e.g., corresponding to the scintillation avoidance system 100) shown in FIG. 12 includes a plurality of tracking control stations 20 and 21 (e.g., corresponding to the tracking control stations 200 and 210 in the embodiment) arranged at different positions, and a scintillation avoidance device (e.g., corresponding to the scintillation avoidance device 300 in the embodiment). The scintillation avoidance device includes a control means (implemented by the control unit 302 in the embodiment) for controlling switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the satellite from a tracking control station (e.g., corresponding to the tracking control station 200 in the example shown in FIG. 4) whose line connecting the tracking control target satellite and the tracking control station passes through a predetermined scintillation occurrence region (e.g., corresponding to the scintillation occurrence region shown in FIG. 4) where scintillation may occur, to a tracking control station (e.g., corresponding to the tracking control station 210 in the example shown in FIG. 4) whose line connecting the satellite and the tracking control station does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the effects of scintillation. As a result, the reception level between the satellite and the ground can be stabilized, which has the effect of improving the availability of the service.

[0054] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0055] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0056] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0057] (Appendix 1) The tracking control station is provided with a control means for controlling switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking control of the artificial satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target artificial satellite and its own station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur, to a tracking control station whose line connecting the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. A scintillation avoidance device characterized by:

[0058] (Appendix 2) The scintillation generating region is the region between 15 degrees north latitude and 15 degrees south latitude, at an altitude of 1000 km or less. 10. The scintillation avoidance device of claim 1.

[0059] (Appendix 3) The scintillation generation region is an area between 60 km and 1000 km in altitude. 10. The scintillation avoidance device of claim 2.

[0060] (Appendix 4) The scintillation generating area is set to be valid between 7 PM and 3 AM Japan Standard Time. 4. The scintillation avoidance device of claim 1,

[0061] (Appendix 5) The scintillation generating areas are defined to be in effect during the months of February, March, April, May, August, September, October, and November. 5. The scintillation avoidance device of claim 1 through claim 4.

[0062] (Appendix 6) The control means controls switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the artificial satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the orbit of the artificial satellite and its own station passes through the scintillation generation area to a tracking control station whose line connecting the orbit of the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. 6. The scintillation avoidance device of claim 1 through claim 5.

[0063] (Appendix 7) A monitoring means for monitoring the reception level of each tracking and control station is provided, When there is no tracking control station for which a straight line connecting the artificial satellite and the own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area, the control means controls to switch the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the artificial satellite to a tracking control station for which there is no fluctuation in reception level. 7. The scintillation avoidance device of any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0064] (Appendix 8) A plurality of tracking and control stations arranged at different positions; and a scintillation avoidance device; The scintillation avoidance device includes a control means for controlling switching of a tracking control station that performs tracking control of the artificial satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target artificial satellite and its own station passes through a scintillation occurrence region where a predetermined scintillation may occur, to a tracking control station whose line connecting the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region. A scintillation avoidance system comprising:

[0065] (Appendix 9) The computer The tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the artificial satellite is switched from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target artificial satellite and its own station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur to a tracking control station whose line connecting the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. A method for avoiding scintillation.

[0066] (Appendix 10) On the computer, A control process for controlling switching of a tracking control station that performs tracking control of a satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target satellite and the tracking control station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur to a tracking control station whose line connecting the satellite and the tracking control station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. A scintillation avoidance program to get it running.

[0067] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8, 9, and 10 in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplementary Note may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10,100 Scintillation Avoidance System 20, 21, 200, 210 Tracking and Control Station 30,300 Scintillation Evasion Device 31 Control means 301 Coordinate determination section 302 Control Unit 303 Monitoring Department 1000 CPU 1001 Storage device 1002 memory

Claims

1. The tracking control station is provided with a control means for controlling switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking control of the artificial satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target artificial satellite and its own station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur, to a tracking control station whose line connecting the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. A scintillation avoidance device characterized by:

2. The scintillation generating region is a region between 15 degrees north latitude and 15 degrees south latitude, at an altitude of 1000 km or less.

2. The scintillation avoidance device of claim 1.

3. The scintillation generation region is an area between 60 km and 1000 km in altitude.

3. The scintillation avoidance device according to claim 2.

4. The scintillation generating area is set to be valid between 7:00 PM and 3:00 AM Japan Standard Time.

3. The scintillation avoidance device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The scintillation generating areas are defined to be in effect in February, March, April, May, August, September, October, and November.

3. The scintillation avoidance device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control means controls switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the artificial satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the orbit of the artificial satellite and its own station passes through the scintillation generation area to a tracking control station whose line connecting the orbit of the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area.

3. The scintillation avoidance device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A monitoring means for monitoring the reception level of each tracking and control station is provided, When there is no tracking control station for which a straight line connecting the artificial satellite and the own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area, the control means controls switching of the tracking control station that performs tracking control of the artificial satellite according to the reception level of each tracking control station.

3. The scintillation avoidance device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A plurality of tracking and control stations arranged at different positions; and a scintillation avoidance device; The scintillation avoidance device includes a control means for controlling switching of a tracking control station that performs tracking control of the artificial satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target artificial satellite and its own station passes through a scintillation occurrence region where a predetermined scintillation may occur, to a tracking control station whose line connecting the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation occurrence region. A scintillation avoidance system comprising:

9. The computer The tracking control station that performs tracking and control of the artificial satellite is switched from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target artificial satellite and its own station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur to a tracking control station whose line connecting the artificial satellite and its own station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. A method for avoiding scintillation.

10. On the computer, A control process for controlling switching of a tracking control station that performs tracking control of a satellite from a tracking control station whose line connecting the tracking control target satellite and the tracking control station passes through a scintillation generation area where predetermined scintillation may occur to a tracking control station whose line connecting the satellite and the tracking control station does not pass through the scintillation generation area. A scintillation avoidance program to get it running.

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