Communication methods, ground stations, and programs

Abstract

To improve the responsiveness of communications between satellite equipment and ground stations. [Solution] A ground station that communicates with a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices that relay command data and satellite information among the satellite devices, comprising a transmission processing unit that transmits command data, which is multiplexed with commands for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station, and a reception processing unit that receives data, which is multiplexed with satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices, from a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a communication method, a terrestrial station, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Technologies related to a constellation formed by a plurality of satellites have been disclosed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite system in which a constellation is formed by a large number of satellites, and each satellite communicates with a large number of terminal devices existing on the earth side and other satellites existing on the orbit side. In the LEO satellite system described in Patent Document 1, a configuration is described in which a large number of satellites cooperate to monitor a specific terminal device and a plurality of terminal device groups existing on the earth side while alternating each management area on the earth side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the LEO satellite system described in Patent Document, there is a problem that a satellite can only communicate with a terminal device existing in a management area. In other words, a terminal device existing on the earth side can only communicate with a satellite corresponding to the management area in which the terminal device exists. Therefore, when a terminal device existing on the earth side transmits data to a predetermined satellite or receives data from the predetermined satellite, the data cannot be transmitted and received immediately, so there is a problem that the responsiveness in communication between the satellite and the ground device is low.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one example of its objective is to provide a technology that improves the responsiveness of communication between satellite equipment and ground stations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A constellation system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of satellite devices, each satellite device comprising inter-satellite communication means for communicating between satellite devices, ground station communication means for communicating with a ground station, and information generation means for generating satellite information, wherein the inter-satellite communication means relays command data received from the ground station in any of the satellite devices among the plurality of satellite devices, and relays the satellite information generated by each satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices, and the ground station communication means receives the command data from the ground station in a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station, and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0008] A satellite device according to one aspect of the present invention is a satellite device included in a constellation system comprising a plurality of satellite devices, comprising: inter-satellite communication means for communicating between satellite devices; ground station communication means for communicating with a ground station; and information generation means for generating satellite information, wherein the inter-satellite communication means transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to the ground station communication means receiving command data from the ground station, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices, the information generation means transmits the satellite information generated by the information generation means to other satellite devices, the other satellite devices relay the satellite information generated by the other satellite devices among the satellite devices, and the ground station communication means, when able to communicate with the ground station, receives the command data from the ground station and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0009] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention includes each satellite device of a plurality of satellite devices in a constellation system performing communication with other satellite devices, performing communication with a ground station, and generating satellite information, wherein in performing communication with the ground station, the satellite device receives command data from the ground station; in performing communication with other satellite devices, the satellite device relays the command data received from the ground station among the plurality of satellite devices; in generating satellite information, the satellite information generated by each satellite device is relayed among the plurality of satellite devices; and in performing communication with the ground station, data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device is transmitted to the ground station.

[0010] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a satellite device in a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices performing communication between satellite devices, communicating with a ground station, and generating satellite information, wherein, when communication with the ground station is possible, the satellite device receives the command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station, and when communicating between satellite devices, the satellite device transmits the command data to other satellite devices in response to receiving the command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station, and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station, and when communication with the ground station is not possible, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices, transmit the generated satellite information to other satellite devices when generating satellite information, and relay the generated satellite information by other satellite devices among the satellite devices.

[0011] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a satellite device in a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices, wherein the program causes the computer to function as an inter-satellite communication means for communicating between satellite devices, a ground station communication means for communicating with a ground station, and an information generation means for generating satellite information, wherein the inter-satellite communication means transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to the ground station communication means receiving command data from the ground station, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices, the information generation means transmits the satellite information generated by the information generation means to other satellite devices, the other satellite devices relay the satellite information generated by the satellite devices among the satellite devices, and the ground station communication means, when able to communicate with the ground station, receives the command data from the ground station and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0012] A ground station according to one aspect of the present invention is a ground station that communicates with a constellation system comprising a plurality of satellite devices and relaying command data and satellite information between the satellite devices, and comprises a transmission processing unit that transmits command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the plurality of satellite devices, to a satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station, and a reception processing unit that receives data, which is a multiplexed satellite information generated by one or more of the plurality of satellite devices, from a satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station.

[0013] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a ground station communicating with a constellation system comprising a plurality of satellite devices that relay command data and satellite information among the satellite devices, transmitting command data, which is multiplexed with commands for one or more of the plurality of satellite devices, to a satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station, and receiving data, which is multiplexed with satellite information generated by one or more of the plurality of satellite devices, from a satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station.

[0014] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a ground station communicating with a constellation system comprising a plurality of satellite devices that relay command data and satellite information among the satellite devices, the program comprising: a transmission processing unit that transmits command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the plurality of satellite devices, to a satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station; and a reception processing unit that receives data, which is a multiplexed satellite information generated by one or more of the plurality of satellite devices, from a satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the responsiveness of communication between a satellite device and a ground station can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a constellation system according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication method according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a satellite device according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication method according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a ground station according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the flow of a communication method according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a constellation system according to exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a constellation system according to exemplary embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the flow of command data in the constellation system according to Exemplary Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the flow of telemetry data in the constellation system according to Exemplary Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a ground station and a constellation system according to Exemplary Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the flow of data between the ground station and the constellation system according to Exemplary Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a satellite device and a ground station according to each exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] 〔Exemplary Embodiment 1〕 The first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for the exemplary embodiments described later.

[0018] (Configuration of Constellation System 100) The configuration of the constellation system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the constellation system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the constellation system 100 includes a plurality of satellite devices 1A to 1N. The number of satellite devices included in the constellation system 100 is not particularly limited.

[0020] In the constellation system 100, each satellite device can communicate with a communicative ground station located on Earth. Furthermore, the constellation system 100 allows for communication between the satellite devices themselves. Therefore, the constellation system 100 is a system that allows the multiple satellite devices it comprises to be treated as one large satellite device.

[0021] Each satellite device in the constellation system 100 includes an inter-satellite communication unit 101, a ground station communication unit 102, and an information generation unit 103, as shown in Figure 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the inter-satellite communication unit 101, the ground station communication unit 102, and the information generation unit 103 are configured to realize inter-satellite communication means, ground station communication means, and information generation means, respectively.

[0022] The inter-satellite communication unit 101 performs communication between satellite devices. For example, the inter-satellite communication unit 101 relays command data received from a ground station by one of the satellite devices among multiple satellite devices. The inter-satellite communication unit 101 also relays satellite information generated by each satellite device among the multiple satellite devices.

[0023] Here, "command data" refers to data transmitted by ground stations, which are control signals used to control satellite equipment. "Satellite information" refers to information related to each satellite device. For example, satellite information includes at least one of the following: telemetry data showing the status and response to control signals of each satellite device, and mission data observed by each satellite device.

[0024] Furthermore, "relaying" refers to transmitting data received from a ground station or other satellite device to a different satellite device. In the following, "relaying" will also be expressed as "transferring."

[0025] The ground station communication unit 102 communicates with the ground station. For example, the ground station communication unit 102 receives command data from the ground station in satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station. The ground station communication unit 102 also transmits data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station in satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station.

[0026] Here, "data based on satellite information" may refer to the relayed satellite information itself, a part of the relayed satellite information, or data obtained by processing the relayed satellite information. As an example, data obtained by combining the relayed satellite information with satellite information from the satellite device that received the information may be included.

[0027] The information generation unit 103 generates satellite information.

[0028] As described above, in the constellation system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment, each satellite device is configured to include an inter-satellite communication unit 101 for communication between satellite devices, a ground station communication unit 102 for communication with a ground station, and an information generation unit 103 for generating satellite information.

[0029] In the constellation system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment, the inter-satellite communication unit 101 relays command data received from the ground station by any of the satellite devices among the multiple satellite devices, and relays satellite information generated by each satellite device among the multiple satellite devices. In addition, in the constellation system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment, the ground station communication unit 102 receives command data from the ground station in satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station, and transmits data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0030] Therefore, according to the constellation system 100 of this exemplary embodiment, command data received from a ground station is received by a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station, and the received command data is relayed between the satellite devices. In addition, satellite information generated by each satellite device is relayed between the satellite devices and transmitted to the ground station by a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station. Thus, the constellation system 100 of this exemplary embodiment can treat multiple satellite devices as one large satellite, which has the effect of improving the responsiveness of communication between satellite devices and ground stations.

[0031] (Communication method S100 procedure) The flow of the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0032] (Step S101) In step S101, the ground station communication unit 102 of the satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station receives the command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station.

[0033] (Step S102) In step S102, the inter-satellite communication unit 101 relays the command data received in step S101 among the multiple satellite devices in order to communicate between the satellite devices.

[0034] (Step S103) In step S103, the inter-satellite communication unit 101, in performing communication between satellite devices, relays the satellite information generated by each satellite device among the multiple satellite devices.

[0035] (Step S104) In step S104, the ground station communication unit 102 of a satellite device capable of communicating with a ground station transmits data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station when communicating with the ground station. The ground station communication unit 102 may transmit all of the relayed satellite information to the ground station as data based on satellite information, or it may transmit only a portion of the relayed satellite information to the ground station, or it may perform statistical processing or other processing on the relayed satellite information before transmitting it to the ground station.

[0036] As described above, the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment includes communication between satellite devices, communication with a ground station, and generation of satellite information.

[0037] In the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment, the ground station communication unit 102 of a satellite device capable of communicating with a ground station receives the command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station. In the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment, the inter-satellite communication unit 101 relays the command data received from the ground station in any of the satellite devices among the multiple satellite devices when communicating between satellite devices. In the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment, the inter-satellite communication unit 101 relays the satellite information generated by each satellite device among the multiple satellite devices when generating satellite information when communicating between satellite devices. In the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment, the ground station communication unit 102 of a satellite device capable of communicating with a ground station transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station when communicating with the ground station.

[0038] Therefore, the communication method S100 according to this exemplary embodiment provides the same effects as the constellation system 100 described above.

[0039] (Configuration of Satellite Device 1) The configuration of the satellite device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the satellite device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Satellite device 1 is a satellite device included in a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices. As shown in Figure 3, satellite device 1 includes an inter-satellite communication unit 11, a ground station communication unit 12, and an information generation unit 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the inter-satellite communication unit 11, the ground station communication unit 12, and the information generation unit 13 are configured to realize inter-satellite communication means, ground station communication means, and information generation means, respectively.

[0041] The inter-satellite communication unit 11 performs communication between satellite devices. For example, when the ground station communication unit 12 (described later) receives command data from a ground station, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 transmits the command data to other satellite devices. The inter-satellite communication unit 11 also relays the command data received from the ground station by other satellite devices between satellite devices. Furthermore, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 transmits satellite information generated by the information generation unit 13 (described later) to other satellite devices. The inter-satellite communication unit 11 also relays satellite information generated by other satellite devices between satellite devices.

[0042] The ground station communication unit 12 communicates with the ground station. For example, if the ground station communication unit 12 can communicate with the ground station, it receives the command data from the ground station. Also, if the ground station communication unit 12 can communicate with the ground station, it transmits data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0043] The information generation unit 13 generates satellite information.

[0044] As described above, the satellite device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment employs a configuration that includes an inter-satellite communication unit 11 for communication between satellite devices, a ground station communication unit 12 for communication with ground stations, and an information generation unit 13 for generating satellite information.

[0045] In the satellite device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to the ground station communication unit 12 receiving command data from a ground station, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station between satellite devices, the information generation unit 13 transmits the generated satellite information to other satellite devices, and the other satellite devices relay the generated satellite information between satellite devices. Furthermore, the ground station communication unit 12 receives command data from the ground station when communication with the ground station is possible, and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0046] Therefore, according to the satellite device 1 of this exemplary embodiment, the same effects as the constellation system 100 described above can be obtained.

[0047] (Communication method S1 flow) The flow of the communication method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0048] (Step S11) In step S11, the ground station communication unit 12 determines whether or not it is possible to communicate with the ground station.

[0049] (Step S12) If it is determined in step S11 that communication with the ground station is possible (step S11: YES), then in step S12, the ground station communication unit 12 receives command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station.

[0050] (Step S13) In step S13, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to the ground station communication unit 12 receiving command data from a ground station when performing communication between satellite devices.

[0051] (Step S14) In step S14, the ground station communication unit 12 transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station when communicating with the ground station and generating satellite information.

[0052] (Step S15) On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that communication with the ground station is not possible (step S11: NO), in step S15, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 relays the command data received from the ground station by one of the satellite devices among the multiple satellite devices when performing communication between the satellite devices.

[0053] (Step S16) In step S16, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 transmits the generated satellite information to other satellite devices when performing communication between satellite devices.

[0054] (Step S17) In step S17, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 relays satellite information generated by other satellite devices between satellite devices when communicating between satellite devices.

[0055] As described above, the communication method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes communication between satellite devices, communication with a ground station, and generation of satellite information.

[0056] Furthermore, in the communication method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment, when communication with a ground station is possible, the ground station communication unit 12 receives command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to the ground station communication unit 12 receiving command data from the ground station when communicating with satellite devices, and the ground station communication unit 12 transmits data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station when generating satellite information when communicating with the ground station.

[0057] Furthermore, in the communication method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment, when communication with a ground station is not possible, the inter-satellite communication unit 11 relays command data received from the ground station by one of the satellite devices among multiple satellite devices when performing communication between satellite devices, transmits generated satellite information to other satellite devices when generating satellite information when performing communication between satellite devices, and relays satellite information generated by other satellite devices among satellite devices when performing communication between satellite devices.

[0058] Therefore, the communication method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment provides the same effects as the constellation system 100 described above.

[0059] (Configuration of Ground Station 4) The configuration of the ground station 4 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ground station 4 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0060] Ground station 4 is equipped with multiple satellite devices and communicates with a constellation system that relays command data and satellite information between these satellite devices. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, ground station 4 includes a transmission processing unit 41 and a reception processing unit 42. In this exemplary embodiment, the transmission processing unit 41 and the reception processing unit 42 are configured to implement transmission processing means and reception processing means, respectively.

[0061] The transmission processing unit 41 transmits command data, which is multiplexed with commands for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices.

[0062] Here, command data is transmitted to the constellation system in a format appropriate to the controlled satellite device. For example, if the command data uses CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) code multiplexing, the code will differ depending on the controlled satellite device; if the command data uses frequency multiplexing, the frequency will differ depending on the controlled satellite device. Furthermore, the command data (cmd) may be multiplexed using a common wireless multiplexing method (e.g., TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)).

[0063] The receiving processing unit 42 receives multiplexed data of satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices from a satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices.

[0064] As described above, the ground station 4 in this exemplary embodiment is a ground station 4 that communicates with a constellation system which has multiple satellite devices and relays command data and satellite information between the satellite devices, and employs a configuration that includes a transmission processing unit 41 which transmits command data, which is multiplexed with commands for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station 4, and a reception processing unit 42 which receives data, which is multiplexed with satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices, from a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station 4.

[0065] Therefore, according to the ground station 4 of this exemplary embodiment, multiplexed command data is transmitted to a satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices of the constellation system, and multiplexed data is received from the satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices of the constellation system. Thus, according to the ground station 4 of this exemplary embodiment, the effect of improving the responsiveness of communication between the satellite device and the ground station can be obtained.

[0066] (Communication method S4 flow) The flow of the communication method S4 according to this exemplary embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication method S4 according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0067] (Step S41) In step S41, the transmission processing unit 41 transmits command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices.

[0068] (Step S42) In step S42, the receiving processing unit 42 receives multiplexed data of satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices from a satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices.

[0069] As described above, the communication method S4 according to this exemplary embodiment employs a configuration in which the transmission processing unit 41 transmits command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices, and the reception processing unit 42 receives data, which is a multiplexed satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices, from a satellite device that can communicate with the ground station 4 among the multiple satellite devices.

[0070] Therefore, the communication method S4 according to this exemplary embodiment provides the same effects as the ground station 4 described above.

[0071] [Exemplary Embodiment 2] A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function as those described in Exemplary Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0072] (Overview of Constellation System 100A) An overview of the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, the constellation system 100A is equipped with multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D. The number of satellite devices equipped in the constellation system 100A is not particularly limited.

[0074] Furthermore, the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D are moving in orbit ob. The orbits of each of the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D are not particularly limited. In the constellation system 100A, the orbits of each of the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D can be adapted to any orbit by, for example, referring to the attitude information of the satellite devices or adding relay methods between the satellite devices, depending on the orbit of the satellite device.

[0075] In the constellation system 100A, one of the satellite devices 1A to 1D transmits and receives data with a ground station es located on the Earth ea. This data is then relayed among the satellite devices 1A to 1D. As an example, data is relayed between the ground station es and the satellite devices 1A to 1D, and among the satellite devices 1A to 1D, using RF (Radio Frequency). By relaying data using RF, the constellation system 100A can relay data at a higher speed compared to when data is packetized and depacked. As another example, optical spatial communication using laser light propagating through space may be used between the ground station es and the satellite devices 1A to 1D, and among the satellite devices 1A to 1D.

[0076] For example, in constellation system 100A, command data cmd transmitted from ground station es is received by one of the satellite devices in constellation system 100A. The command data cmd is then relayed among the multiple satellite devices in constellation system 100A.

[0077] The command data (cmd) is transmitted from the ground station (es) in a format appropriate to the satellite device being controlled. For example, if the command data (cmd) uses CDMA code multiplexing, the code will differ depending on the satellite device being controlled; if the command data (cmd) uses frequency multiplexing, the frequency will differ depending on the satellite device being controlled. The command data (cmd) may also be multiplexed using a common wireless multiplexing method (e.g., TDMA).

[0078] In the constellation system 100A shown in Figure 7, as an example, satellite device 1A receives command data cmd transmitted from a ground station es located on Earth ea. Satellite device 1A relays the received command data cmd to satellite device 1B, satellite device 1B relays the command data cmd to satellite device 1C, and satellite device 1C relays the command data cmd to satellite device 1D. When each of the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D receives the command data cmd, it extracts and executes the command data to control its own device.

[0079] Furthermore, in the constellation system 100A, satellite devices other than those capable of communicating with the ground station es do not relay the command data cmd that has been relayed to them to the satellite devices capable of communicating with the ground station es. In Figure 7, satellite devices 1B to 1D, other than satellite device 1A capable of communicating with the ground station es, do not relay the command data cmd that has been relayed to satellite device 1B to 1D to satellite device 1A capable of communicating with the ground station es.

[0080] Furthermore, in the constellation system 100A, satellite information generated by each satellite device is relayed between multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D, and one of the satellite devices in the constellation system 100A transmits the satellite information to the ground station es. The satellite information is as described above. In Figure 7, telemetry data tlm and mission data md are shown as satellite information.

[0081] Satellite information is relayed in a format appropriate to the satellite device that generated it. For example, if satellite information is generated using CDMA code multiplexing, the code will differ depending on the generating satellite device, and if satellite information is generated using frequency multiplexing, the frequency will differ depending on the generating satellite device. Satellite information may also be multiplexed using a common wireless multiplexing method (e.g., TDMA).

[0082] In the constellation system 100A shown in Figure 7, as an example, satellite device 1B transmits satellite information to satellite device 1C, satellite device 1C relays the satellite information to satellite device 1D, satellite device 1D relays the satellite information to satellite device 1A, and satellite device 1A transmits the satellite information to ground station es.

[0083] Furthermore, in the constellation system 100A, satellite devices capable of communicating with the ground station es do not relay the satellite information relayed to them to other satellite devices. In Figure 7, satellite device 1A, capable of communicating with the ground station es, does not relay the satellite information relayed to satellite device 1A to other satellite devices 1B to 1D.

[0084] Details regarding the command data (cmd) and satellite information flow in Constellation System 100A will be described later with reference to different diagrams.

[0085] Here, the satellite device that receives command data cmd from the ground station es and transmits data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station es may be the satellite device that is able to communicate with the ground station es and is the closest satellite device to the ground station es among the multiple satellite devices provided by the constellation system 100A. With this configuration, the constellation system 100A can improve the responsiveness of communication between satellite devices and ground stations.

[0086] (Configuration of Constellation System 100A) The configuration of the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8, the constellation system 100A is equipped with multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D. Since satellite devices 1B to 1D have the same functions as satellite device 1A, the functions of satellite device 1A will be described below.

[0088] (Satellite device 1A) As shown in Figure 8, the satellite device 1A includes a control unit 10A, a first antenna 31A, a second antenna 32A, and a storage unit 33A.

[0089] The first antenna 31A is an antenna for communicating with the ground station es.

[0090] The second antenna, 32A, is an antenna used for communication between satellite devices.

[0091] The memory unit 33A is a storage device for storing data. Examples of data stored in the memory unit 33A include satellite information (telemetry data tlm and mission data md), and orbital information indicating the orbits of multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D.

[0092] (Control Unit 10A) The control unit 10A controls each component of the satellite device 1A. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 10A also functions as an inter-satellite communication unit 11A, a ground station communication unit 12A, an information generation unit 13A, an execution unit 14A, and a determination unit 15A. In this exemplary embodiment, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A, the ground station communication unit 12A, the information generation unit 13A, and the determination unit 15A are configured to implement inter-satellite communication means, ground station communication means, information generation means, and determination means, respectively.

[0093] The inter-satellite communication unit 11A performs communication between satellite devices. For example, when the ground station communication unit 12A (described later) receives command data cmd from the ground station es, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A transmits the command data cmd to another satellite device. The inter-satellite communication unit 11A also relays the command data cmd received from the ground station es to other satellite devices. Furthermore, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A performs detection and demodulation processing of the received command data cmd based on the multiplexing scheme and supplies the demodulated command data cmd to the execution unit 14A.

[0094] Furthermore, if satellite device 1A is unable to communicate with ground station es, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A of satellite device 1A will not relay the command data cmd that has been relayed to satellite device 1A to a satellite device that is able to communicate with ground station es. For example, if the determination result of the determination unit 15A, described later, is not to relay the command data cmd, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A will not relay the command data cmd.

[0095] Furthermore, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A transmits satellite information generated by the information generation unit 13A (described later) to other satellite devices. The inter-satellite communication unit 11A also relays satellite information generated by other satellite devices between satellite devices. When transmitting satellite information, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A performs modulation processing and signal amplification processing on the satellite information before transmission. Alternatively, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A may combine the satellite information generated by the information generation unit 13A with the satellite information generated by other satellite devices and transmit it as data based on the satellite information.

[0096] Furthermore, if satellite device 1A is able to communicate with ground station es, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A of satellite device 1A will not relay the satellite information relayed to satellite device 1A to other satellite devices. For example, if the determination result of the determination unit 15A, described later, is not to relay the satellite information, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A will not relay the satellite information to other satellite devices 2B to 2D.

[0097] The ground station communication unit 12A communicates with the ground station es. For example, the ground station communication unit 12A receives command data cmd from the ground station. The ground station communication unit 12A performs detection and demodulation processing of the received command data cmd based on the multiplexing scheme and supplies the demodulated command data cmd to the execution unit 14A.

[0098] Furthermore, the ground station communication unit 12A transmits data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station es. When transmitting satellite information, the ground station communication unit 12A performs modulation processing and signal amplification processing on the satellite information before transmitting it.

[0099] The information generation unit 13A generates satellite information and data based on satellite information. For example, the information generation unit 13A acquires satellite information stored in the storage unit 33A and generates satellite information. For another example, the information generation unit 13A generates data by combining the satellite information received by the inter-satellite communication unit 11A with the satellite information stored in the storage unit 33A, and generates data based on satellite information.

[0100] The execution unit 14A executes the control indicated by the command data cmd. For example, the execution unit 14A executes the control indicated by the demodulated command data cmd supplied from the ground station communication unit 12A. As another example, the execution unit 14A executes the control indicated by the demodulated command data cmd supplied from the inter-satellite communication unit 11A.

[0101] The determination unit 15A determines whether or not to transmit data, and if so, to which the data should be transmitted. For example, the determination unit 15A refers to the orbital information stored in the memory unit 33A to determine whether or not to relay the command data cmd between multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D. The determination unit 15A also refers to the orbital information stored in the memory unit 33A to determine whether or not to relay satellite information between multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D. With this configuration, the determination unit 15A can relay the command data cmd and satellite information to the most suitable satellite device.

[0102] One example of the process by which the determination unit 15A determines the data transmission destination is to refer to orbital information and determine the satellite device that is closest in distance as the data transmission destination.

[0103] (Command data flow in cmd) The flow of command data cmd in the constellation system 100A will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the flow of command data cmd in the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment. Below, we will explain the case where the satellite device 1A and the ground station es communicate, as shown in Figure 7. Also, since the flow of command data cmd in satellite device 1C is the same as that of satellite device 1B, satellite device 1C is omitted in Figure 9.

[0104] (Processing performed by satellite device 1A) The ground station communication unit 12A of the satellite device 1A receives command data cmd from the ground station es. The ground station communication unit 12A performs detection and demodulation processing of the received command data cmd based on the multiplexing scheme and supplies the demodulated command data cmd to the execution unit 14A.

[0105] The execution unit 14A executes the control indicated by the command data cmd supplied from the ground station communication unit 12A.

[0106] Furthermore, when the ground station communication unit 12A receives command data cmd, the determination unit 15A refers to the orbital information stored in the memory unit 33A and determines whether or not to relay the command data cmd to other satellite devices.

[0107] For example, if the determination unit 15A determines that it should relay the command data cmd to the satellite device 1B, the ground station communication unit 12A supplies the command data cmd to the inter-satellite communication unit 11A. Then, based on the determination result, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A relays the command data cmd supplied by the ground station communication unit 12A to the satellite device 1B.

[0108] (Processing performed by satellite device 1B) When command data cmd is relayed from satellite device 1A, the inter-satellite communication unit 11B of satellite device 1B receives the command data cmd. The inter-satellite communication unit 11B performs detection and demodulation processing of the received command data cmd based on the multiplexing scheme, and supplies the demodulated command data cmd to the execution unit 14B.

[0109] The execution unit 14B executes the control indicated by the command data cmd supplied from the inter-satellite communication unit 11B.

[0110] Furthermore, when the inter-satellite communication unit 11B receives command data cmd, the determination unit 15B refers to the orbital information stored in the memory unit 33B and determines whether or not to relay the command data cmd between other satellite devices.

[0111] For example, if the determination unit 15B determines that it should relay the command data cmd to the satellite device 1C, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A relays the command data cmd to the satellite device 1C based on the determination result.

[0112] (Processing performed by satellite device 1C) When the command data cmd is relayed from satellite device 1B, satellite device 1C performs the same processing as satellite device 1B, as described above. That is, in satellite device 1C, the execution unit 14C executes the control indicated by the command data cmd, and relays the command data cmd to satellite device 1D based on the determination result by the determination unit 15C.

[0113] (Processing performed by satellite device 1D) When command data cmd is relayed from satellite device 1C, the inter-satellite communication unit 11D of satellite device 1D receives the command data cmd. The inter-satellite communication unit 11D performs detection and demodulation processing of the received command data cmd based on the multiplexing scheme, and supplies the demodulated command data cmd to the execution unit 14D.

[0114] The execution unit 14D executes the control indicated by the command data cmd supplied from the inter-satellite communication unit 11D.

[0115] Furthermore, when the inter-satellite communication unit 11D receives command data cmd, the determination unit 15D refers to the orbital information stored in the memory unit 33D and determines whether or not to relay the command data cmd to other satellite devices.

[0116] For example, if the determination unit 15D determines that the command data cmd should not be relayed between other satellite devices, the inter-satellite communication unit 11D stops relaying the command data cmd between other satellite devices. Then, satellite device 1D terminates its processing.

[0117] (Telemetry data flow) The flow of telemetry data tlm in the constellation system 100A will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the flow of telemetry data tlm in the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment. Below, we will explain the case where the satellite device 1A and the ground station es communicate, as shown in Figure 7. Also, since the flow of telemetry data tlm in satellite device 1C is the same as that of satellite device 1D, satellite device 1C is omitted in Figure 10.

[0118] (Processing performed by satellite device 1B) When the information generation unit 13B of the satellite device 1B receives an instruction to generate telemetry data tlm, it generates the telemetry data tlm by acquiring it from the storage unit 33B.

[0119] Next, when the information generation unit 13B receives an instruction to generate telemetry data tlm, the determination unit 15B determines whether or not to relay the telemetry data tlm between multiple satellite devices.

[0120] For example, if the determination unit 15B determines that the telemetry data tlm should be relayed to the satellite device 1C, the information generation unit 13B supplies the generated telemetry data tlm to the inter-satellite communication unit 11B. The inter-satellite communication unit 11B then performs modulation and signal amplification processing on the telemetry data tlm supplied by the information generation unit 13B based on the determination result and transmits it to the satellite device 1C.

[0121] (Processing performed by satellite device 1C) When telemetry data tlm is transmitted from satellite device 1B, satellite device 1C performs the same processing as satellite device 1D, as described above. As will be described later, satellite device 1C combines the telemetry data tlm generated by the information generation unit 13C with the telemetry data tlm transmitted from satellite device 1B. Then, based on the determination result by the determination unit 15C, satellite device 1C performs modulation processing and signal amplification processing on the combined telemetry data tlm and transmits it to satellite device 1D.

[0122] (Processing performed by satellite device 1D) When telemetry data tlm is transmitted from satellite device 1C, the inter-satellite communication unit 11D of satellite device 1D receives the telemetry data tlm.

[0123] When the inter-satellite communication unit 11D receives telemetry data tlm, the information generation unit 13D generates telemetry data tlm by acquiring the telemetry data tlm from the storage unit 33D.

[0124] Next, when the inter-satellite communication unit 11D receives telemetry data tlm, the determination unit 15D determines whether or not to relay the telemetry data tlm among multiple satellite devices.

[0125] For example, if the determination unit 15D determines that the telemetry data tlm should be relayed to the satellite device 1A, the information generation unit 13D supplies the generated telemetry data tlm to the inter-satellite communication unit 11D. The inter-satellite communication unit 11D then combines the telemetry data tlm supplied by the information generation unit 13D with the telemetry data tlm transmitted from the satellite device 1C based on the determination result and relays it to the satellite device 1A.

[0126] (Processing performed by satellite device 1A) When telemetry data tlm is transmitted from satellite device 1D, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A of satellite device 1A receives the telemetry data.

[0127] When the inter-satellite communication unit 11A receives telemetry data tlm, the information generation unit 13A generates telemetry data tlm by acquiring the telemetry data tlm from the storage unit 33A.

[0128] Next, when the inter-satellite communication unit 11A receives the telemetry data tlm, the determination unit 15A determines whether or not to relay the telemetry data tlm between multiple satellite devices.

[0129] For example, if the determination unit 15A determines that the telemetry data tlm will not be relayed between multiple satellite devices, the information generation unit 13A supplies the generated telemetry data tlm to the ground station communication unit 12A. In addition, the inter-satellite communication unit 11A supplies the telemetry data tlm received from the satellite device 1D to the ground station communication unit 12A.

[0130] The ground station communication unit 12A combines the telemetry data tlm supplied from the information generation unit 13A and the telemetry data tlm supplied from the inter-satellite communication unit 11A, and transmits it to the ground station es.

[0131] (Mission data (md) flow) The flow of mission data md in Constellation System 100A is the same as the flow of telemetry data tlm described above. In other words, it is the same as replacing telemetry data tlm with mission data md in the explanation of the telemetry data tlm flow described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0132] As described above, in the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment, each of the satellite devices 1A to 1D does not relay the relayed satellite information to other satellite devices when it is able to communicate with the ground station es. Furthermore, in the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment, each of the satellite devices 1A to 1D does not relay the relayed command data cmd to a satellite device that is able to communicate with the ground station es when it is not able to communicate with the ground station es.

[0133] Therefore, according to the constellation system 100A of this exemplary embodiment, it is possible to prevent command data (cmd) and satellite information from being looped between multiple satellite devices.

[0134] Furthermore, in the constellation system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment, satellite device 1A communicates with ground station es, and data is relayed among satellite devices 1A to 1D. Therefore, even if satellite devices 1A to 1D are not geostationary satellites that orbit in accordance with the Earth's rotation speed, they can still receive command data cmd transmitted from ground station es and transmit generated telemetry data tlm and mission data md to ground station es, just like geostationary satellites.

[0135] [Exemplary Embodiment 3] A third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function as those described in the above-described exemplary embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0136] (Overview of Ground Station 4A) An overview of the ground station 4A and constellation system 100B according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ground station 4A and constellation system 100B according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0137] Ground station 4A is a device that transmits and receives data with a constellation system 100B that has multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D and relays command data and satellite information between these satellite devices. The number of satellite devices that the constellation system 100B has is not particularly limited.

[0138] Ground station 4A selects the satellite device to be controlled from among multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D. For example, the administrator of ground station 4A selects the satellite device to be controlled by operation. Then, ground station 4A transmits command data cmd, which is multiplexed with commands in a format appropriate to the satellite device to be controlled, to a communicable satellite device that is part of the constellation system 100B. The multiplexing format is as described above.

[0139] In the constellation system 100B, the command data cmd received from ground station 4A is relayed among multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D. When each of the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D receives the command data cmd, it extracts and executes the command to control its own device.

[0140] Furthermore, in the constellation system 100B, satellite information is generated by one or more satellite devices from satellite devices 1A to 1D. The satellite information is multiplexed by the generating satellite device, and the multiplexed data is relayed among the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D. The ground station 4A then receives the relayed data from the satellite devices that are able to communicate.

[0141] Furthermore, the ground station 4A is equipped with multiple transmitting and receiving equipment 46. While one or more of the multiple transmitting and receiving equipment 46 are switching the satellite device to which they are transmitting or receiving data, communication with satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station 4A is performed via the other transmitting and receiving equipment. An example of this configuration will be described later.

[0142] (Configuration of ground station 4A) As shown in Figure 11, the ground station 4A comprises a control unit 40 and a plurality of transmitting and receiving equipment 46 (transmitting and receiving equipment 46A and transmitting and receiving equipment 46B). The number of transmitting and receiving equipment 46 provided by the ground station 4A is not particularly limited.

[0143] The transmitting and receiving equipment 46 is equipped with an antenna for transmitting and receiving data. For example, the transmitting and receiving equipment 46 performs transmission processing (signal modulation and amplification) on the multiplexed command data cmd and transmits it. The command data cmd may be multiplexed in the transmitting and receiving equipment 46, or it may be multiplexed in the control unit 40, which will be described later.

[0144] As another example, the transmitting / receiving equipment 46 receives multiplexed satellite information data. The transmitting / receiving equipment 46 then processes the received data (signal amplification, demodulation). The transmitting / receiving equipment 46 outputs the processed satellite information to the control unit 40, which will be described later.

[0145] (Control Unit 40) The control unit 40 controls each component of the ground station 4A. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the control unit 40 also functions as a transmission processing unit 41, a reception processing unit 42, and a management unit 43. In this exemplary embodiment, the transmission processing unit 41 and the reception processing unit 42 are configured to implement a transmission processing means and a reception processing means, respectively.

[0146] The transmission processing unit 41 transmits command data cmd, which is a multiplexed command for one or more satellite devices from among satellite devices 1A to 1D, to a satellite device among satellite devices 1A to 1D that is capable of communicating with the ground station 4A, via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46.

[0147] As described above, the command data cmd may be generated by the transmitting / receiving equipment 46 or by the transmission processing unit 41. One example of a case where the transmission processing unit 41 generates the command data cmd is a configuration that uses source information for creating the command data cmd, called a command database. In this case, if the equipment of multiple satellite devices is common, the transmission processing unit 41 may standardize everything except the satellite identification ID in the command data cmd header (except for items that have different characteristics for each device).

[0148] The receiving processing unit 42 receives, via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46, data obtained by multiplexing satellite information generated by one or more satellite devices among satellite devices 1A to 1D from a satellite device among satellite devices 1A to 1D that is able to communicate with the ground station 4A.

[0149] The management unit 43 manages the data received by the receiving processing unit 42. One example of a method by which the management unit 43 manages satellite information is a method that uses a database containing data processing methods and capacity. In this case, the management unit 43 may standardize everything except the satellite identification ID in the data header if the equipment of multiple satellite devices is common (except for equipment with different characteristics).

[0150] (Command data flow in cmd) An example of the flow of command data (cmd) between the ground station 4A and the constellation system 100B will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the data flow between the ground station 4A and the constellation system 100B according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0151] First, the transmission processing unit 41 of the ground station 4A transmits command data cmd, which is a multiplexed command for one or more satellite devices from satellite devices 1A to satellite devices 1D, to satellite device 1A via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46A.

[0152] Next, the transmission processing unit 41 transmits command data cmd to the satellite device 1C via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46A. Here, while the transmitting and receiving equipment 46A is switching the satellite device to be transmitted and received from satellite device 1A to satellite device 1C, the transmission processing unit 41 transmits command data cmd to satellite device 1B via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46B. In other words, while the transmitting and receiving equipment 46A is switching the satellite device to be transmitted from satellite device 1A to satellite device 1B, the transmission processing unit 41 communicates with satellite device 1B, which is capable of communicating with the ground station 4A, via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46B.

[0153] (Telemetry data flow) An example of the flow of telemetry data (tlm) between ground station 4A and constellation system 100B will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0154] First, the receiving processing unit 42 of the ground station 4A receives telemetry data tlm from the satellite device 1A via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46A.

[0155] Next, the receiving processing unit 42 receives telemetry data tlm from satellite device 1C via the transmitting / receiving equipment 46A. Here, while the transmitting / receiving equipment 46A is switching the satellite device to be received from satellite device 1A to satellite device 1C, the receiving processing unit 42 receives telemetry data tlm from satellite device 1B via the transmitting / receiving equipment 46B. In other words, while the transmitting / receiving equipment 46A is switching the satellite device to be received from satellite device 1A to satellite device 1B, the receiving processing unit 42 communicates with satellite device 1B, which is capable of communicating with the ground station 4A, via the transmitting / receiving equipment 46B. The management unit 43 then manages the received telemetry data tlm.

[0156] Furthermore, if the telemetry data tlm received by the transmitting / receiving equipment 46A and the telemetry data tlm received by the transmitting / receiving equipment 46B overlap, the management unit 43 performs a process to delete the overlapping portion.

[0157] (Mission data (md) flow) The flow of mission data (md) in this exemplary implementation is the same as the flow of telemetry data (tlm) described above. In other words, it is the same as replacing telemetry data (tlm) with mission data (md) in the explanation of the telemetry data (tlm) flow described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0158] As described above, according to the ground station 4A of this exemplary embodiment, multiplexed command data cmd is transmitted via multiple transmitting and receiving equipment 46A and 46B to satellite devices among the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D of the constellation system 100B that are capable of communicating with the ground station 4A. Furthermore, according to the ground station 4A of this exemplary embodiment, multiplexed data is received via multiple transmitting and receiving equipment 46A and 46B from satellite devices among the multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D of the constellation system 100B that are capable of communicating with the ground station 4A.

[0159] Therefore, according to the ground station 4A of this exemplary embodiment, communication with the constellation system 100B is performed via multiple transmitting and receiving equipment 46A and 46B, thus reducing the number of ground stations. Furthermore, according to the ground station 4A of this exemplary embodiment, the control, monitoring, and management of multiple satellite devices 1A to 1D, as well as the reception of mission data md, can be performed in an integrated manner. In addition, according to the ground station 4A of this exemplary embodiment, the responsiveness of communication with satellite devices 1A to 1D can be improved.

[0160] Furthermore, according to the ground station 4A of this exemplary embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which data is transmitted and received via the transmitting and receiving equipment 46B during the period when the transmitting and receiving equipment 46A is switching the satellite it is pointing to. Therefore, according to the ground station 4A of this exemplary embodiment, the effect is obtained in which the responsiveness of communication with satellite devices 1A to 1D can be further improved.

[0161] [Examples of implementation using software] Some or all of the functions of satellite devices 1, 1A to 1D and ground stations 4 and 4A may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits (IC chips) or by software.

[0162] In the latter case, satellite devices 1, 1A-1D and ground stations 4 and 4A are implemented by a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that implements each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 13. Computer C comprises at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. Memory C2 stores a program P that causes computer C to operate as satellite devices 1, 1A-1D and ground stations 4 and 4A. In computer C, the processor C1 reads program P from memory C2 and executes it, thereby implementing each function of satellite devices 1, 1A-1D and ground stations 4 and 4A.

[0163] Processor C1 can include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPU (Floating Point Number Processing Unit), PPU (Physics Processing Unit), microcontroller, or a combination thereof. Memory C2 can include, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof.

[0164] Computer C may also be equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for loading program P at runtime and for temporarily storing various data. Furthermore, computer C may be equipped with communication interfaces for sending and receiving data with other devices. Additionally, computer C may be equipped with input / output interfaces for connecting input / output devices such as keyboards, mice, displays, and printers.

[0165] Furthermore, program P can be recorded on a non-temporary, tangible recording medium M that is readable by computer C. Such a recording medium M could be, for example, tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuitry. Computer C can acquire program P via such a recording medium M. Program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium could be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. Computer C can also acquire program P via such a transmission medium.

[0166] [Additional Note 1] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0167] [Additional Note 2] Some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0168] (Note 1) A constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices, each satellite device comprising inter-satellite communication means for communicating between satellite devices, ground station communication means for communicating with a ground station, and information generation means for generating satellite information, wherein the inter-satellite communication means relays command data received from the ground station in any of the satellite devices among the multiple satellite devices, and relays the satellite information generated by each satellite device among the multiple satellite devices, and the ground station communication means receives the command data from the ground station in a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station, and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0169] (Note 2) The constellation system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the inter-satellite communication means provided by a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station does not relay the satellite information relayed to the said satellite device to other satellite devices, and the inter-satellite communication means provided by satellite devices other than the satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station does not relay the command data relayed to the said satellite device to the satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station.

[0170] (Note 3) The constellation system according to Appendix 2 further comprises determination means for determining whether to relay command data received by a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station to a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station, and whether to relay the relayed satellite information to other satellite devices, by referring to orbital information indicating the respective orbits of the plurality of satellite devices.

[0171] (Note 4) The satellite information includes at least one of telemetry data and mission data, as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3 of the constellation system.

[0172] (Note 5) A constellation system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the satellite device that receives the command data from the ground station and transmits the data based on satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station is capable of communicating with the ground station and is the satellite device among the plurality of satellite devices that is closest to the ground station.

[0173] (Note 6) A satellite device comprising a constellation system having multiple satellite devices, the satellite device comprising: inter-satellite communication means for communicating between satellite devices; ground station communication means for communicating with a ground station; and information generation means for generating satellite information, wherein the inter-satellite communication means transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to the ground station communication means receiving command data from the ground station; the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices; the information generation means transmits the satellite information generated by other satellite devices to other satellite devices; the other satellite devices relay the satellite information generated by other satellite devices among the satellite devices; and the ground station communication means, when able to communicate with the ground station, receives the command data from the ground station and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0174] (Note 7) The satellite device as described in Appendix 6, wherein the inter-satellite communication means does not relay the satellite information relayed to the satellite device to other satellite devices when it is able to communicate with the ground station, and does not relay the command data relayed to the satellite device to a satellite device that is able to communicate with the ground station when it is not able to communicate with the ground station.

[0175] (Note 8) A communication method comprising: each satellite device of a constellation system communicating with other satellite devices; communicating with a ground station; and generating satellite information, wherein, in communicating with the ground station, the satellite device receives command data from the ground station; in communicating with other satellite devices, the command data received from the ground station is relayed among the multiple satellite devices; in generating satellite information, the satellite information generated by each satellite device is relayed among the multiple satellite devices; and in communicating with the ground station, data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device is transmitted to the ground station.

[0176] (Note 9) A communication method comprising a satellite device in a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices, including the following: communication between satellite devices, communication with a ground station, and generation of satellite information, wherein, when communication with the ground station is possible, the satellite device receives command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station, and when communication between satellite devices is possible, the satellite device transmits the command data to other satellite devices in response to receiving the command data from the ground station when communicating with the ground station, and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station, and when communication with the ground station is not possible, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices, transmit the generated satellite information to other satellite devices when generating the satellite information, and relay the generated satellite information by other satellite devices among the satellite devices.

[0177] (Note 10) A program that causes a computer to function as a satellite device in a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices, wherein the program causes the computer to function as an inter-satellite communication means for communicating between satellite devices, a ground station communication means for communicating with a ground station, and an information generation means for generating satellite information, wherein the inter-satellite communication means transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to the ground station communication means receiving command data from the ground station, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices, the information generation means transmits the satellite information generated by the information generation means to other satellite devices, the other satellite devices relay the satellite information generated by the satellite devices among the satellite devices, and the ground station communication means, when able to communicate with the ground station, receives the command data from the ground station and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0178] (Note 11) A ground station that communicates with a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices, the constellation system relaying command data and satellite information between the satellite devices, the ground station comprising: a transmission processing unit that transmits command data, which is multiplexed with commands for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station; and a reception processing unit that receives data, which is multiplexed with satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices, from a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station.

[0179] (Note 12) A ground station as described in Appendix 11, comprising multiple transmitting and receiving equipment, wherein while one or more of the multiple transmitting and receiving equipment are switching the satellite device to which the transmitting and receiving equipment is to be transmitted or received, communication with a satellite device capable of communicating with the ground station is performed via the transmitting and receiving equipment other than the one or more of the aforementioned transmitting and receiving equipment.

[0180] (Note 13) A communication method comprising: a ground station communicating with a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices that relay command data and satellite information among the satellite devices transmitting command data, which is multiplexed with commands for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station; and receiving data, which is multiplexed with satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices, from a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station.

[0181] (Note 14) A program that causes a computer to function as a ground station communicating with a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices that relay command data and satellite information between the satellite devices, the program comprising: a transmission processing unit that transmits command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is capable of communicating with the ground station; and a reception processing unit that receives data, which is a multiplexed satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices, from a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is capable of communicating with the ground station.

[0182] (Note 15) Each satellite device in the constellation system comprises at least one processor, the processor performs inter-satellite communication processing for communication between satellite devices, ground station communication processing for communication with ground stations, and information generation processing for generating satellite information, the inter-satellite communication processing transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to receiving command data from the ground station in the ground station communication processing, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices, the satellite information generated in the information generation processing transmits the satellite information generated by the other satellite devices among the satellite devices, and the satellite information generated by the other satellite devices relays the satellite information generated by the other satellite devices among the satellite devices, the ground station communication processing receives the command data from the ground station when communication with the ground station is possible, and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0183] Furthermore, this constellation system may also be equipped with memory, which may store a program that causes the processor to execute the inter-satellite communication processing, the ground station communication processing, and the information generation processing. This program may also be recorded on a computer-readable, non-temporary, tangible recording medium.

[0184] (Note 12) A satellite device in a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices comprises at least one processor, the processor performing inter-satellite communication processing for communication between satellite devices, ground station communication processing for communication with a ground station, and information generation processing for generating satellite information, wherein the inter-satellite communication processing transmits command data to other satellite devices in response to receiving command data from the ground station in the ground station communication processing, the other satellite devices relay the command data received from the ground station among the satellite devices, the satellite information generated in the information generation processing transmits to other satellite devices, and the satellite information generated by the other satellite devices relays among the satellite devices, and the ground station communication processing, if communication with the ground station is possible, receives the command data from the ground station and transmits data based on the satellite information generated by each satellite device to the ground station.

[0185] Furthermore, this satellite device may also be equipped with memory, which may store a program that causes the processor to execute the inter-satellite communication processing, the ground station communication processing, and the information generation processing. This program may also be recorded on a computer-readable, non-temporary, tangible recording medium.

[0186] A ground station that communicates with a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices and relaying command data and satellite information between the satellite devices comprises at least one processor, the processor performing a transmission process which transmits the command data, which is multiplexed with commands for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station, and a reception process which receives data, which is multiplexed with satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices, from a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is able to communicate with the ground station.

[0187] Furthermore, this ground station may also be equipped with memory, which may store a program that causes the processor to execute the transmission process and the reception process. This program may also be recorded on a computer-readable, non-temporary, tangible recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 1,1A,1B,1C,1D,1N Satellite equipment 4,4A ground station 11,11A,11B,11C,11D,101 Intersatellite communication section 12,12A,102 Ground Station Communications Department 13,13A,13B,13C,13D,103 Information generation section 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D Judgment section 41 Transmission Processing Unit 42 Receiving Processing Unit 100, 100A, 100B Constellation System

Claims

1. A ground station that communicates with a constellation system equipped with multiple satellite devices, which relays command data and satellite information between the satellite devices, A transmission processing unit that transmits the command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is capable of communicating with the ground station, The system includes a receiving processing unit that receives multiplexed data of satellite information generated by one or more of the multiple satellite devices from a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station. Ground station.

2. The system is equipped with multiple transmitting and receiving equipment, and while one or more of the multiple transmitting and receiving equipment are switching the satellite device to which they are transmitting or receiving, communication between the ground station and the satellite device capable of communicating is performed via the transmitting and receiving equipment other than the one or more of the aforementioned equipment. The ground station according to claim 1.

3. A ground station that communicates with a constellation system equipped with multiple satellite devices and which relays command data and satellite information between those satellite devices, The command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, is transmitted to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is capable of communicating with the ground station. This includes receiving multiplexed data of satellite information generated by one or more of the aforementioned multiple satellite devices from a satellite device among the aforementioned multiple satellite devices that is capable of communicating with the aforementioned ground station, Communication method.

4. A program that causes a computer to function as a ground station communicating with a constellation system comprising multiple satellite devices that relay command data and satellite information between said satellite devices, A transmission processing unit that transmits the command data, which is a multiplexed command for one or more of the multiple satellite devices, to a satellite device among the multiple satellite devices that is capable of communicating with the ground station, A receiving processing unit that receives multiplexed data of satellite information generated by one or more of the aforementioned multiple satellite devices from a satellite device among the aforementioned multiple satellite devices that can communicate with the ground station, is configured to function as such. program.

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