Adjusting satellite capacity

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for satellite operation are described. A system for satellite communications may include a payload, a power system, and a thermal management component. The payload may be configured to provide various levels of capacity service based on a demand profile. The payload may consume electrical energy at a peak rate when a level of demand indicated by the demand profile is above a threshold and at a lower off-peak rate when the level of demand indicated by the demand profile is below the threshold. The peak rate may exceed the rate at which electrical energy is generated by the power system. The thermal management component may process excess thermal energy generated by the payload when the payload operates at the peak rate. Processing the excess thermal energy may include storing the thermal energy while the payload operates at the peak rate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The following relates generally to satellite communications, and more specifically to regulating capacity of a satellite.

[0002] Satellites currently orbiting the Earth collectively provide a wide range of services to user devices (e.g., communication services, imaging services, positioning services, navigation services, timing services, etc.). A satellite may be capable of simultaneously providing services to multiple users and may communicate a quantity of information between a terrestrial network and multiple users. The quantity of information supported by a satellite may also be referred to as the capacity of the satellite, and may also be referred to as the satellite data rate. The satellite data rate may depend on the bandwidth used for communication, the power used by the satellite components, or the spectral efficiency of the communication link between the satellite, the terrestrial network, and the user. Demand for satellite communication services may be uneven, e.g., having periods of high demand and periods of low demand. Providing satellite communication services to users with high demand fluctuations may pose challenges to the design and operation of the satellite. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatus that support regulating the capacity of a satellite. A satellite may include a payload (e.g., a communications payload) and a structure that supports the payload (e.g., a chassis). The satellite capacity may depend on the bandwidth used for communication, the power used by the satellite components, the throughput of the satellite components, or the spectral efficiency of the communication link between the satellite and the ground network and the user. The bandwidth and spectral efficiency may be relatively constant over a period of time, such as an hour, a day, or a week. In addition, power for the satellite may be provided via a generating component, such as a solar array (e.g., one or more panels of solar cells) or a nuclear generator (e.g., a radioisotope thermoelectric generator). In addition, the components of the satellite that extract power may generate heat at a rate faster than it can be dispersed into space above a threshold power level, which may increase the temperature of the payload. Thus, the capacity of the payload may be determined (e.g., limited) by the availability of power, the rate of heat dispersion, and the thermal limitations of the components.

[0004] The payload may be configured to provide communication services with a certain capacity (e.g., a certain maximum data rate). That is, the satellite may be continuously capable of providing a volume of information based on available power from the power generation components and may have the ability to disperse thermal energy generated by the payload. Configuring the payload to operate at a certain capacity may result in the payload having excess unused capacity during periods of low demand. In contrast, demand may exceed capacity during periods of high demand, which may result in congestion and a reduced user experience due to data management techniques used to manage the congestion (e.g., traffic shaping, buffering, increased latency).

[0005] According to aspects described herein, a payload may be configured to adjust its capacity based on a demand profile representing a demand for services provided by the payload. That is, the payload may provide a first level of capacity when the demand profile indicates that the demand may be above a threshold, and a second, lesser level of capacity when the demand profile indicates that the demand may be below the threshold. The payload may be capable of providing additional levels of capacity. Additionally, rather than configuring a payload with a power system that supports providing electrical energy at a rate sufficient to continuously operate a payload having a fixed capacity, the payload may be configured with a smaller power system that provides electrical energy at a rate based on the average power consumption of the payload. In such a case, the energy stored in the energy storage system may be used to meet the electrical energy needs of the payload during periods of high demand. Additionally or alternatively, rather than configuring a payload with a thermal processing capability to process thermal energy at a rate continuously generated by the payload with a fixed capacity, the payload may be configured with a smaller thermal processing capability, and the satellite may be configured with thermal management components that store excess thermal energy generated by the payload during periods of high demand. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a communication system that supports coordinating satellite capacity in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a satellite that supports adjusting satellite capacity according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a satellite that supports adjusting satellite capacity according to embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A illustrates an illustration of a demand profile that supports adjusting the capacity of a satellite, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B illustrates a diagram of a power profile that supports adjusting the capacity of a satellite, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C illustrates a diagram of a thermal power profile that supports adjusting the capacity of a satellite, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a process for supporting adjusting capacity of a satellite, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of a process that supports adjusting capacity of a satellite, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of a process that supports adjusting capacity of a satellite, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of a process that supports adjusting capacity of a satellite, according to an embodiment disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] A payload of a satellite providing a service (e.g., a communication service) to one or more user terminals may be configured to continuously support communication of data for the service at a fixed data rate. The fixed supported data rate of the payload may also be referred to as the capacity of the payload and may be configured by a predicted or estimated "peak" demand for the communication service or other payload limitations such as available size and power. A payload that continuously supports communicating information at a fixed data rate may operate continuously at a capacity capable of supporting the peak demand and may be referred to as having a constant capacity. A payload having a constant capacity may also consume electrical energy at a constant rate. Thus, a power system of a satellite supporting a payload may also be configured to provide electrical energy at a rate (or an average rate) that matches the constant rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload. In addition, a payload having a constant capacity may generate thermal energy at a constant rate based on consuming electrical energy at the constant rate. Thus, the payload may be configured to have sufficient thermal processing capacity to process thermal energy at the constant rate at which thermal energy is generated by the payload.

[0008] However, configuring a payload to operate at a constant capacity may result in the payload having excess capacity during periods of low demand. That is, during periods of low demand, the payload may communicate data at a data rate less than a maximum data rate, even though it is currently configured to communicate up to that maximum data rate. Thus, the rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload (and the amount of electrical energy consumed) may be excessive during periods of low demand. Also, the rate at which thermal energy is generated by the payload (and the amount of thermal energy generated) may be excessive during periods of low demand. Additionally, configuring a payload to operate at a constant capacity may result in the payload having insufficient capacity during periods of high demand, for example, if demand is higher than expected or exceeds the capacity of the payload.

[0009] According to aspects described herein, the payload may be configured to adjust its capacity based on a demand profile representing the demand for services provided by the payload. For example, the payload may provide a first level of capacity when the demand profile indicates that the demand may be above a threshold, and a second, lesser level of capacity when the demand profile indicates that the demand may be below the threshold. The payload may be capable of providing additional levels of capacity. Additionally, rather than configuring the payload with a power system that supports providing electrical energy at a rate sufficient to operate the payload continuously at a capacity that supports the expected peak demand, the payload may be configured with a smaller power system that provides electrical energy at a rate based on the average power consumption of the payload. In such a case, the energy stored in the energy storage system may be used to meet the electrical energy needs of the payload during periods of high demand. Additionally or alternatively, rather than configuring the payload with a thermal processing capability to process thermal energy at a rate that is continuously generated by the payload at a capacity that supports the peak demand, the payload may be configured with a smaller thermal processing capability, and the satellite may be configured with thermal management components that store excess thermal energy generated by the payload during periods of high demand.

[0010] For example, a payload may be configured to utilize electrical energy at a first rate (or peak rate) during periods of a demand profile associated with a high level of demand, and at a second rate (or "off-peak" rate) during periods of a demand profile associated with a low level of demand. While utilizing electrical energy at the peak rate, an energy generation system coupled to the payload may generate electrical energy at a rate less than the peak rate, and an energy storage component (or a combination of an energy generation system and an energy storage component) may supply energy to the payload at the peak rate. While utilizing electrical energy at an off-peak rate, the energy generation system may generate electrical energy at a rate greater than the off-peak rate to charge the energy storage component. Thus, by adjusting the capacity of the payload based on the demand profile, the payload may be configured with a smaller power system than it would have if it had the capacity to constantly support the peak demand.

[0011] Also, by adjusting the capacity of the payload based on the demand profile, the thermal handling capability of the payload may be reduced compared to when the payload has a fixed capacity to support peak demand. That is, the payload may generate thermal energy at a rate that exceeds the thermal handling capability of the payload while utilizing electrical energy at a peak rate, but the payload may dissipate the excess thermal energy while utilizing electrical energy at an off-peak rate. To mitigate the effects of the excess thermal energy and / or to prevent the payload from overheating when it utilizes electrical energy at a peak rate, thermal management components may be coupled with the payload and used to handle (e.g., absorb and dissipate) the excess thermal energy. The thermal management components may include a medium that transitions from one phase (e.g., solid) to another phase (e.g., liquid) based on the absorption of thermal energy. The temperature of the payload may remain constant (or nearly constant) while the medium transitions between phases.

[0012] This description provides various examples of techniques for adjusting the capacity of a satellite, and such examples are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of examples consistent with the principles described herein. Rather, the following description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the principles described herein. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements.

[0013] Thus, various embodiments according to the examples disclosed herein may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components, as appropriate. For example, it should be understood that the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and that various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, aspects and elements described with respect to particular examples may be combined in various other examples. Also, it should be understood that the following systems, methods, devices, and software, individually or collectively, may be components of larger systems, and that other procedures may take precedence over or otherwise modify their application.

[0014] 1 shows a diagram of a communication system that supports coordinating satellite capacity according to embodiments disclosed herein. The communication system 100 may use several network architectures including a space segment 101 and a ground segment 102. The space segment 101 may include one or more satellites 120. The ground segment 102 may include one or more access node terminals 130 (e.g., gateway terminals, ground stations), and network devices 141, such as a network operations center (NOC) or other central processing center or device, and a satellite and gateway terminal command center. In some embodiments, the ground segment 102 may also include user terminals 150 that receive communication services via the satellites 120.

[0015] User terminals 150 may include a variety of devices configured to communicate signals with satellites 120, which may include fixed terminals (e.g., ground-based fixed terminals) or mobile terminals, such as terminals of boats, aircraft, ground-based vehicles, etc. User terminals 150 may communicate data and information with access node terminals 130 via satellites 120. The data and information may be communicated to a destination device, such as network device 141, or some other device or distributed server associated with network 140.

[0016] The access node terminal 130 may transmit forward uplink signals 132 to the satellite 120 and receive return downlink signals 133 from the satellite 120. The access node terminal 130 may also be known as a ground station, a gateway, a gateway terminal, or a hub. The access node terminal 130 may include an access node terminal antenna system 131 and an access node transceiver 135. The access node terminal antenna system 131 may be capable of two-way communication and may be designed with appropriate transmit power and receive sensitivity to reliably communicate with the satellite 120. In some embodiments, the access node terminal antenna system 131 may include a parabolic reflector having high directivity in the direction of the satellite 120 and low directivity in other directions. The access node terminal antenna system 131 may include a variety of alternative configurations and may include operating characteristics such as high isolation between orthogonal polarizations, high efficiency in the operating frequency band, low noise, etc.

[0017] In supporting a communication service, the access node terminal 130 may schedule traffic to the user terminal 150. Alternatively, such scheduling may be performed in other parts of the communication system 100 (e.g., in one or more network devices 141, which may include a network operations center (NOC) and / or a gateway command center). Although one access node terminal 130 is shown in FIG. 1, embodiments according to the present disclosure may be implemented in a communication system having multiple access node terminals 130, each of which may be coupled to each other and / or to one or more networks 140.

[0018] The access node terminals 130 may provide an interface between the network 140 and the satellites 120 and, in some embodiments, may be configured to receive data and information destined between the network 140 and one or more user terminals 150. The access node terminals 130 may format the data and information for delivery to the respective user terminals 150. Similarly, the access node terminals 130 may be configured to receive signals from the satellites 120 (e.g., from one or more user terminals 150) destined for destinations accessible via the network 140. The access node terminals 130 may also format received signals for transmission over the network 140.

[0019] Network 140 may be any type of network, including, for example, the Internet, an Internet Protocol (IP) network, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a virtual LAN (VLAN), a fiber optic network, a hybrid fiber optic coaxial network, a cable network, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public switched data network (PSDN), a public land mobile network, and / or any other type of network supporting communication between devices as described herein. Network 140 may include both wired and wireless connections as well as optical links. Network 140 may connect access node terminal 130 with other access node terminals that may communicate with the same satellite 120 or different satellites 120 or other vehicles.

[0020] One or more network devices 141 may be coupled to the access node terminals 130 and may control aspects of the communications system 100. In various embodiments, the network devices 141 may be co-located with or otherwise located near the access node terminals 130, or may be remote locations communicating with the access node terminals 130 and / or the network 140 via wired and / or wireless communication links.

[0021] Satellite 120 may be configured to support wireless communications between one or more access node terminals 130 and / or various user terminals 150 located in its service coverage area. In some embodiments, satellite 120 may be deployed in a geostationary orbit such that its orbital position relative to terrestrial devices is relatively fixed or fixed within an operating tolerance or other orbital window (e.g., within an orbital slot). In other embodiments, satellite 120 may operate in any suitable orbit (e.g., low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), etc.).

[0022] When supporting communication services, the satellite 120 may receive forward uplink signals 132 from one or more access node terminals 130 and provide corresponding forward downlink signals 172 to one or more user terminals 150. The satellite 120 may also receive return uplink signals 173 from one or more user terminals 150 and provide corresponding return downlink signals 133 to one or more access node terminals 130. Various physical layer transmission modulation and coding techniques may be used by the access node terminals 130, the satellite 120, and the user terminals 150 for communication of signals (e.g., adaptive coding and modulation (ACM)). The satellite 120 may include one or more transponders, each of which may be coupled with one or more receiving elements and one or more transmitting elements of an antenna to form K receive / transmit paths having different radiation patterns (e.g., by using different frequency ranges and polarization combinations). Each of the K receive / transmit paths may be assigned as a forward path or a return path at any instant in time. The transponder may be used to perform signal processing such as amplification, frequency conversion, beamforming, and the like.

[0023] The satellite 120 may include an antenna assembly 121 having one or more antenna feed elements. Each of the antenna feed elements may include, for example, a feed horn, a polarization transducer (e.g., a bulkhead polarized horn that can function as two combined elements with different polarizations), a multi-port multi-band horn (e.g., dual band 20GHz / 30GHz with dual polarization LHCP / RHCP), a cavity-backed slot, an inverted-F, a slot waveguide, a Vivaldi, a helical, a loop, a patch, or any other configuration of antenna elements or combinations of interconnected sub-elements. Each of the antenna feed elements may also include or be otherwise coupled to a radio frequency (RF) signal converter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), or a power amplifier (PA), and may be coupled to one or more transponders in the satellite 120.

[0024] The satellite 120 may communicate with the access node terminal 130 by transmitting return downlink signals 133 and / or receiving forward uplink signals 132 via one or more access node beams (e.g., access node beams 125-b, which may be associated with respective access node beam coverage areas 126-b). The access node beams 125-b may support, for example, communication services for one or more user terminals 150 (e.g., relayed by the satellite 120) or any other communication between the satellite 120 and the access node terminal 130.

[0025] The satellite 120 may communicate with the user terminal 150 by transmitting forward downlink signals 172 and / or receiving return uplink signals 173 via one or more user beams (e.g., user beam 125-a, which may be associated with a respective user beam coverage area 126-a). The user beam 125-a may support communication services for one or more user terminals 150 or any other communication between the satellite 120 and the user terminal 150. In some embodiments, the satellite may also relay communications from the access node terminal 130 to the user terminal 150 using the access node beam 125-a and the access node beam 125-b (e.g., the access node terminal 130 and the user terminal 150 may share a beam).

[0026] In other embodiments, the satellite 120 may communicate data using multiple beams covering the satellite 120's service area, for example, to increase the capacity of the communication system. That is, the satellite 120 may communicate data using multiple beams that are arranged or tiled to cover the satellite 120's service area. Some communication satellites 120 may include several transponders, each capable of receiving and transmitting signals independently. Each transponder is coupled to antenna elements (e.g., receiving and transmitting elements) to form a receive / transmit signal path having a different radiation pattern (antenna pattern) from the other receive / transmit signal paths, creating a unique beam that may be assigned to the same or different beam coverage areas (e.g., using different frequency ranges or polarizations). In some cases, a single receive / transmit signal path may be shared across multiple beams using a multiplexer and / or output multiplexer. In such cases, the number of simultaneous beams that may be formed may generally be limited by the number of receive / transmit signal paths deployed on the satellite. In some embodiments, a multiple frequency time division multiple access (MF-TDMA) scheme may be used for the forward uplink signal 132 and the return uplink signal 173, allowing efficient streaming of traffic while maintaining flexibility in allocating capacity among the user terminals 150. In these embodiments, the several frequency channels may be assigned in a fixed manner or, alternatively, in a dynamic manner. A time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme may also be employed on each frequency channel. In this scheme, each frequency channel may be divided into several time slots that can be allocated to a connection (e.g., a particular user terminal 150). In other embodiments, one or more of the forward uplink signal 132 and the return uplink signal 173 may be configured using other schemes, such as frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), or any number of hybrid or other schemes known in the art.In various embodiments, the physical layer technique may be the same for each of signals 132, 133, 172, or 173, or some of the signals may use different physical layer techniques than other signals.

[0027] The user beam 125-a or the access node beam 125-b may also be obtained via beamforming. Beamforming for a communication link may be performed by adjusting the signal phase (or time delay), and sometimes the signal amplitude, transmitted and / or received by multiple elements of one or more antenna arrays. This phase / amplitude adjustment is generally referred to as applying a "beam weight" or "beam coefficient" to the transmitted signal. For reception (by the receiving elements of one or more antenna arrays), the relative phase, and sometimes the amplitude, of the received signal is adjusted (e.g., the same or different beam weights are applied) so that the energy received from the desired location by the multiple receiving antenna elements constructively overlaps. To support beamforming operations, the satellite 120 may use a phased array antenna assembly (e.g., a direct radiating array (DRA)), a phased array fed reflector (PAFR) antenna, or any other mechanism known in the art for receiving or transmitting signals (e.g., for communication or broadcast services, or data collection services). A relatively large reflector can be illuminated by a phased array of antenna feed elements, supporting the ability to create a variety of patterns of spot beams within the constraints set by the size of the reflector and the number and placement of the antenna feed elements.

[0028] Each of the antenna feed elements may also include or be otherwise coupled with an RF signal converter, LNA, or PA, and may be coupled with one or more transponders in the satellite 120 that may perform other signal processing such as frequency conversion, beamforming processing, and the like. A transponder coupled with multiple antenna feed elements may be capable of performing beamforming communications. A phased array-fed reflector may be employed for both receiving uplink signals (e.g., forward uplink signal 132, return uplink signal 173, or both) and transmitting downlink signals (e.g., return downlink signal 133, forward downlink signal 172, or both). In some embodiments, some or all of the antenna feed elements may be arranged as an array of constituent receive and / or transmit antenna feed elements that cooperate to enable various beamforming embodiments such as ground-based beamforming (GBBF), on-board beamforming (OBBF), end-to-end beamforming, or other types of beamforming.

[0029] The satellite 120 may be configured with a payload and a power system that supports the operation of the payload. The payload may be a device that provides satellite-based services to one or more users (or subscribers), such as communication services, geolocation services, image services, or any combination thereof. The payload may be capable of communicating information about the service at a maximum data rate, e.g., the maximum data rate may support communication with a certain amount of users at a baseline data rate. The maximum data rate supported by the payload may be referred to as the capacity of the payload and may depend on the available communication resources (e.g., time, frequency, and space resources) and power (e.g., equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP)). In some cases, the capacity of the payload may remain constant throughout the operational life of the payload, e.g., the payload may activate enough components to continuously support communicating at the maximum data rate. For example, in the case of a communication payload, the amount of communication supported by the set of available communication resources may remain constant. A communication payload may be configured with and activate a sufficient amount of communication elements (e.g., amplifiers, antennas, transponders, and other signal processing components) to ensure that data can be provided at a given data rate.

[0030] By configuring a payload to have a constant capacity, an operator may ensure that the communications payload can continuously and simultaneously provide services at a maximum data rate. Such a payload may therefore maintain a constant capacity as the demand for the service changes. In some cases, the demand for the service is periodic and may be represented by a demand profile that indicates changes in demand over a prohibited period (e.g., more than 24 hours, or the duration of one or more orbits of a satellite, such as a LEO or MEO satellite). For example, a communications payload may support the same amount of communications over the same amount of communications resources as the demand for the communications service transitions between low and high demand periods. Thus, during periods of low demand, the payload may have excess capacity that is not used, i.e., the payload may be able to communicate a larger amount of data and / or provide services to additional users that do not exist. During periods of high demand, the entire capacity of the payload may be used, i.e., the payload may not be able to communicate a larger amount of data and / or provide services to additional users requesting services. Thus, during periods of high demand, additional users requesting access to the communications service and / or current users requesting higher data rates may not be able to access the communications services provided by the payload. Also, the communications payload may consume electrical energy continuously (e.g., at all times) at a rate that supports meeting the highest level of expected demand, i.e., the communications payload may consume a constant amount of power (e.g., approximately 20 KW).

[0031] The power system may generate and provide electrical energy to the payload. The power system may include energy generating devices (e.g., solar arrays or nuclear generators) and energy storage devices (e.g., batteries). The energy storage devices, or a combination of energy storage devices and energy generating devices, may provide electrical energy to the payload. In some cases, the energy generating capability of the power system (which may also be referred to as the size or capacity of the power system) may be configured based on the rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload (e.g., over a period of time). That is, the power system may be configured to generate electrical energy at a rate that matches the rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload during operation. Thus, a satellite 120 that includes a payload with a certain capacity (e.g., a communications payload) may also include a power system configured to provide electrical energy at a rate that matches the rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload to meet the most anticipated level of demand.

[0032] In addition to consuming electrical energy at a rate that supports meeting the most anticipated level of demand, a payload having a fixed capacity may also continuously generate thermal energy at a rate associated with meeting the most anticipated level of demand. That is, a payload having a fixed capacity (e.g., a communications payload) may generate thermal energy at a first rate (e.g., about 10 KW). Thus, the payload may also be configured to have sufficient thermal processing capacity to handle (e.g., absorb and dissipate) thermal energy generated by the payload during operation without overheating the payload. That is, the payload may be configured such that the rate at which thermal energy is generated by the payload is equal to or less than the rate at which the thermal energy is dissipated by the payload. At steady state, the rate at which thermal energy is generated by the payload may be equal to the rate at which the thermal energy is dissipated by the payload, and the temperature of the payload may remain constant (or nearly constant). In some cases, the data rate provided by a satellite having a fixed capacity may be limited by available power (e.g., power limited) or limited by the ability to dissipate thermal energy (e.g., thermal limited).

[0033] However, configuring a payload to operate at a constant capacity may result in the payload having excess capacity during periods of low demand. That is, during periods of low demand, the payload may communicate data at a data rate less than a maximum data rate, even though it is currently configured to communicate up to that maximum data rate. Thus, the rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload (and the amount of electrical energy consumed) may be excessive during periods of low demand. Also, the rate at which thermal energy is generated by the payload (and the amount of thermal energy generated) may be excessive during periods of low demand. Additionally, configuring a payload to operate at a constant capacity may result in the payload having insufficient capacity during periods of high demand, for example, if demand is higher than expected or exceeds the capacity of the payload.

[0034] According to aspects described herein, a payload may be configured to adjust its capacity based on a demand profile representing a demand for services provided by the payload. For example, the payload may provide a first level of capacity when the demand profile indicates that the demand may be above a threshold, and a second, lesser level of capacity when the demand profile indicates that the demand may be below the threshold. The payload may be capable of providing additional levels of capacity. Additionally, rather than configuring a payload with a power system that supports providing electrical energy at a rate sufficient to operate the payload continuously at a capacity that supports expected peak demand, the payload may be configured with a smaller power system that provides electrical energy at a rate based on the average power consumption of the payload. In such a case, the energy stored in the energy storage system may be used to meet the electrical energy needs of the payload during periods of high demand. Additionally or alternatively, rather than configuring a payload with a thermal processing capability to process thermal energy at a rate that is continuously generated by the payload at a capacity that supports peak demand, the payload may be configured with a smaller thermal processing capability, and the satellite 120 may be configured with thermal management components that store excess thermal energy generated by the payload during periods of high demand.

[0035] For example, a payload may be configured to utilize electrical energy at a first rate (or peak rate) during periods of a demand profile associated with a high level of demand, and at a second rate (or "off-peak" rate) during periods of a demand profile associated with a low level of demand. While utilizing electrical energy at the peak rate, an energy generation system coupled to the payload may generate electrical energy at a rate less than the peak rate, and an energy storage component (or a combination of an energy generation system and an energy storage component) may supply energy to the payload at the peak rate. While utilizing electrical energy at an off-peak rate, the energy generation system may generate electrical energy at a rate greater than the off-peak rate to charge the energy storage component. Thus, by adjusting the capacity of the payload based on the demand profile, the payload may be configured with a smaller power system than it would have if it had the capacity to constantly support the peak demand.

[0036] Also, by adjusting the capacity of the payload based on the demand profile, the thermal handling capability of the payload may be reduced compared to when the payload has a fixed capacity to support peak demand. That is, the payload may generate thermal energy at a rate that exceeds the thermal handling capability of the payload while utilizing electrical energy at a peak rate, but the payload may dissipate the excess thermal energy while utilizing electrical energy at an off-peak rate. To mitigate the effects of the excess thermal energy and / or to prevent the payload from overheating when it utilizes electrical energy at a peak rate, thermal management components may be coupled with the payload and used to handle (e.g., absorb and dissipate) the excess thermal energy. The thermal management components may include a medium that transitions from one phase to another based on the absorption of thermal energy.

[0037] 2 illustrates a diagram of a satellite that supports adjusting satellite capacity according to embodiments disclosed herein. Satellite 200 may include a power system 205, an antenna 225, a payload 230, a power management system 285, and a thermal management system 290. Satellite 200 may be an embodiment of satellite 120 as described with reference to FIG.

[0038] The power system 205 may be configured to generate and provide electrical energy to the payload 230. The power system 205 may include an energy generation component 215 and an energy storage component 220. The energy generation component 215 may be configured to generate electrical energy. The energy generation component 215 may include an array of solar cells or nuclear generators. The energy storage component 220 may store the electrical energy. The energy storage component 220 may be a battery. The energy generation component 215, the energy storage component 220, or any combination thereof may be used to provide electrical energy to the payload 230. In some examples, the energy generation component 215 may be configured to provide electrical energy to the energy storage component 220 (i.e., the energy generation component 215 may be configured to charge the energy storage component 220), and the energy storage component 220 may be used to provide electrical energy to the payload 230. In some embodiments, the energy storage component 220 can be configured to supply electrical energy to the payload 230 during periods when the energy generation component 215 is unable to generate electrical energy (e.g., at night or during an eclipse event).

[0039] Antenna 225 may be configured to transmit data to one or more user terminals. Antenna 225 may include one or more antenna elements. Each antenna element may be associated with a feed and may be referred to as an antenna feed element. Antenna 225 may support transmission of a single beam using each feed, with each beam using a range of frequency resources (or frequency channels). In other cases, antenna 225 may support transmission of one or more beams, where each beam may be formed from signals transmitted from multiple antenna feed elements. In such cases, antenna 225 may include a phased array of antenna feed elements. As described with reference to FIG. 1, antenna 225 may be an embodiment of antenna assembly 121 or may be included in antenna assembly 121.

[0040] The payload 230 may be configured to provide satellite-based services, such as communication services, imaging services, or geolocation services. The payload 230 may include one or more transmitters, including a first transmitter 260, a second transmitter 265, a third transmitter 270, and an nth transmitter 275. Each transmitter may be coupled to an antenna feed element of the antenna 225, one or more amplifiers configured to amplify communication signals, and one or more transponders. The first transmitter 260 through the nth transmitter 275 may include or be otherwise coupled to the first amplifier 235 through the nth amplifier 250, respectively.

[0041] In some embodiments, each of the amplifiers may be configurable ("on the fly") to operate using electrical energy at a first rate or a second, lesser rate. The first rate may be referred to as a peak rate, and the second rate may be referred to as an off-peak rate. In some embodiments, the amplifiers may be divided into a first amplifier set (which may include the first amplifier 235 and the third amplifier 245) and a second amplifier set (which may include the second amplifier 240 and the nth amplifier 250). The payload 230 may be configurable to use both the first set of amplifiers and the second set of amplifiers. Or, the payload 230 may be configured to use one of the first set of amplifiers and the second set of amplifiers. In some cases, the first set of amplifiers may operate using electrical energy at a peak rate and the second set of amplifiers may operate using electrical energy at a second, lesser rate, and the transmitter may be configured to use one of the first or second sets of amplifiers for signal transmission. In other embodiments, the first set of amplifiers and the second set of amplifiers may consume electrical energy at the same rate, and the transmitter may be configured to use one or both of the first set or the second set of amplifiers for signal transmission.

[0042] In some cases, each transmitter may be coupled to or part of one or more transponders 231 located within the payload 230. The transponders may be configured to receive communications from access node terminals and transmit communications to user terminals within the coverage area of ​​the satellite 200, i.e., the transponders may be configured to relay communications between the access node terminals and the user terminals. For example, the first transponder 231 may include an nth transmitter 275 and a receiver 280, which may be coupled to the nth transmitter 275. Before relaying the received signal to the user terminal or access node terminal, the transponder may modify the received signal. In some embodiments, the transponder modifies the received signal by shifting the frequency of the signal, amplifying the signal, polarizing the signal, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the transponder 231 transmits the received signal using a beam selected from a plurality of beams formed by the payload 230, e.g., by transmitting the signal across one or more transmitters and antenna feed elements according to a weight vector.

[0043] In some cases, payload 230 may include a first set of transponders (e.g., including first transponder 231) used to form a first set of transmission beams covering a geographic area. In some cases, payload 230 may also include a second set of transponders (e.g., including first transponder 231 and additional transponders not included in the first set of transponders) used to form a second set of transmission beams covering a geographic area. Payload 230 may be configurable to use both the first set of transponders and the second set of transponders, such that payload 230 transmits an increased amount of the transmission beam. Payload 230 may be configurable to use both the first set of transponders and the second set of transponders, such that payload 230 transmits the same amount of the transmitted transmission beam with better signal characteristics (e.g., higher power). Or, the payload 230 may be configured to use one of a first set of transponders and a second set of transponders, where the second set of transponders may be used to form an increased amount of transmission beams for the first set of transponders. Although generally discussed in the context of transmitting, the transponders may also be coupled to a receiver, which may be coupled to the antenna 225 or a different antenna. The characteristics of the transmitter in the transponder are described because the transmitter often consumes substantially more power than the receiver, and therefore contributes substantially more to the power consumed and thermal energy generated by the payload 230. It should be understood that similar considerations may be made based on the receiver (e.g., for the forward uplink signal and the return uplink signal).

[0044] The power management system 285 may be configured to adjust the rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload 230 based on a demand profile indicating a demand level for communication services provided by the payload 230 over a period of time. The demand profile may have a first interval (e.g., 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) during which the demand for communication services exceeds (or is expected to exceed) a threshold, and a second interval (e.g., 10:00 AM to 3:59 PM) during which the demand for communication services is below (or is expected to fall below) the threshold. In some cases, the demand interval also has a third interval (e.g., 8:00 AM to 9:59 AM) during which the demand for communication services exceeds (or is expected to exceed) a threshold, and a fourth interval (e.g., 8:00 PM to 7:59 AM) during which the demand for communication services is below (or is expected to fall below) the threshold.

[0045] The power management system 285 may configure the payload 230 in a first mode in which electrical energy is consumed at a peak rate when the demand level indicated by the demand profile is above a threshold (e.g., during a first interval) and in a second mode in which electrical energy is consumed at a second, lesser rate when the demand level indicated by the demand profile is below the threshold (e.g., during a second interval). The first mode may be referred to as a "high power mode" and the second mode may be referred to as a "low power mode." That is, the payload 230 may consume a first amount of power when the demand level indicated by the demand profile is above a threshold and a second, lesser amount of power when the demand level indicated by the demand profile is below the threshold. In some cases, the peak rate may be a first average rate and the second rate may be a second average rate. In some cases, the peak rate may include a first range of rates and the second rate may include a second range of rates.

[0046] While operating in the high power mode, the payload 230 may modify the operation of one or more components and / or activate one or more components that are otherwise deactivated when the low power mode is configured. For example, when operating in the high power mode, the payload 230 may configure each of the first amplifier 235 through the nth amplifier 250 to consume electrical energy at a peak rate that is higher than the off-peak rate at which the first amplifier 235 through the nth amplifier 250 consume electrical energy when the low power mode is configured. In another embodiment, the first amplifier 235 through the nth amplifier 250 may include a first set of amplifiers and a second set of amplifiers that consume electrical energy at a lower rate (e.g., consume less power) than the first set of amplifiers. The payload 230 may activate the first set of amplifiers when the high power mode is configured and the second set of amplifiers when the low power mode is configured. In another embodiment, the first amplifier 235 through the nth amplifier 250 may include a first set of amplifiers and a second set of amplifiers that consume electrical energy at the same rate. The payload 230 may activate both the first set of amplifiers and the second set of amplifiers when a high power mode is configured, and may deactivate either the first set of amplifiers or the second set of amplifiers when a low power mode is configured.

[0047] In another embodiment, the payload 230 may activate a set of amplifiers including the first amplifier 235 through the nth amplifier 250 when operating in a high power mode, and a subset of the set of amplifiers may be deactivated (e.g., the second amplifier 240 and the nth amplifier 250) when a low power mode is configured. Additionally or alternatively, the payload 230 may activate a set of transponders associated with the activated set of amplifiers when operating in a high power mode, and a subset of the set of transponders may be deactivated when a low power mode is configured. In some embodiments, a first set of transponders including the first set of amplifiers may use a different set of frequency resources than a second set of transponders including the second set of amplifiers. In some embodiments, the first set of transponders may be associated with a different polarization relative to corresponding transponders in the second set of transponders. In some embodiments, the first set of transponders may enable the payload 230 to beamform transmissions or may be used with the second set of transponders to increase the amount of beam transmitted from the payload 230. By increasing the amplification capabilities of the payload 230, the capacity of the payload 230 may be increased, for example, by allowing higher modulation and coding schemes to be used. Also, by increasing the mass of the transponder, for example, by allowing additional frequency or spatial resources, polarization, beamforming, and / or enhanced beamforming to be used, the capacity of the payload 230 may be increased. Additional examples of high power mode configurations are discussed herein with reference to FIG. 5.

[0048] The thermal management system 290 may be configured to regulate the temperature of the payload 230 and / or prevent the payload 230 from overheating when the payload 230 operates in a high power mode. That is, the thermal management system 290 may be used to store thermal energy generated by the payload 230 while operating in a high power mode and dissipate the stored thermal energy when the payload 230 operates in a low power mode. The thermal management system 290 may include a pumped fluid system that absorbs and redistributes thermal energy throughout the payload 230 and the thermal management system 290. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal management system 290 may include a medium that transitions from a first phase (e.g., a solid phase) to a second phase (e.g., a liquid phase) when the payload 230 operates in a high power mode based on absorbing more thermal energy than is dissipated. The medium may include a phase change material (e.g., wax or a wax-like substance with a high enthalpy). The medium may transition from the second phase back to the first phase when the payload 230 operates in a low power mode based on dissipating more thermal energy than is absorbed (e.g., the thermal management system 290 may dissipate more energy than is generated by the payload 230). During the transition from the first phase to the second phase and vice versa, the temperature of the phase change material (and thus the payload 230) may remain relatively constant. This temperature may be referred to as a transition temperature. In some embodiments, the transition temperature of the phase change material may be based on the operating temperature range of the payload 230, e.g., the transition temperature may be selected to be near the middle, or at a desired point, of the operating temperature range.

[0049] 3 shows a diagram of a satellite supporting adjusting the capacity of the satellite according to embodiments disclosed herein. Satellite 300 may include payload 305, a heat transfer path 310, a thermal storage element 315, and a heat exchanger 320. Satellite 300 may be an embodiment of a satellite as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Payload 305 may be an embodiment of payload 230 as described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0050] The heat transfer path 310 may represent a path between the payload 305 and the thermal storage element 315 through which heat is transferred. The heat transfer path 310 may be or include a physical path between the payload 305 and the thermal storage element 315. For example, the heat transfer path 310 may follow a fluid loop or a thermally conductive trace that thermally couples the payload 305 to the thermal storage element 315. Additionally or alternatively, the heat transfer path 310 may be or include an indirect path between the payload 305 and the thermal storage element 315. For example, the heat transfer path 310 may follow any path that thermally couples the payload 305 to the thermal storage element 315 (e.g., via one or more other components).

[0051] The thermal storage element 315 may be configured to store excess thermal energy generated by the payload 305 while the payload 305 operates in the high power mode, as described herein. The thermal storage element 315 may include aspects of a pumping fluid system. The pumping fluid system may include fluid reservoirs and conduits that are distributed (e.g., in a snake fashion) across the payload 305. Additionally or alternatively, the thermal storage element 315 may include a medium that transitions between phases while the payload 305 operates in the high power mode. Exemplary media include wax or substances with high enthalpy. The phase change medium may be thermally coupled to the payload 305 via the heat transfer path 310. In some cases, the thermal storage element 315 may be in direct contact (e.g., in contact with) the payload 305. The thermal storage element 315 may be included in the thermal management system 290.

[0052] The heat exchanger 320 may be configured to disperse or aid in dispersing the thermal energy stored in the thermal storage element 315. The heat exchanger 320 may include a thermally conductive material exposed to the external environment. In some examples, the heat exchanger 320 may be a block of thermally conductive material exposed to the space. In some cases, the heat exchanger 320 may include thermally conductive fins that increase the surface area of ​​the heat exchanger 320 exposed to the space. In some examples, if the thermal storage element 315 uses a pumping fluid system, the liquid may be pumped through a thermally conductive conduit exposed to the space. The heat exchanger 320 may be included in the thermal management system 290.

[0053] 4A illustrates a diagram of a demand profile that supports adjusting the capacity of a satellite, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Demand profile 400-a depicts a level of demand for services (e.g., communication services) provided by a payload over a period of time. Demand profile 400-a also depicts a demand threshold 405-a, a low demand interval 410-a, and a high demand interval 415-a.

[0054] The demand threshold 405-a may be selected to distinguish between periods of low demand and periods of high demand for the services provided by the payload. The value of the demand threshold 405-a may be selected based on the energy storage capacity of the payload (e.g., the demand threshold 405-a) and may have a higher value if the energy storage capacity of the payload is smaller than another payload. Additionally or alternatively, the value of the demand threshold 405-a may be selected based on the amount of electrical energy stored by the energy storage component of the payload, for example, the demand threshold 405-a may have a higher value if the energy storage capacity is significantly discharged prior to a high demand interval.

[0055] A low demand interval 410-a may be associated with a period during which the demand level (or the expected level of demand) for the services provided by the payload is below the demand threshold 405-a. A high demand interval 415-a may be associated with a period during which the demand level (or the expected level of demand) for the services provided by the payload is above the demand threshold 405-a.

[0056] During the low demand interval 410-a, the payload may operate in a low power mode, and during the high demand interval 415-a, the payload may operate in a high power mode as described herein with reference to FIG. 2. Thus, the capacity of the payload may be reduced during the low demand interval 410-a relative to the capacity of the payload during the high demand interval 415-a. That is, the payload may be capable of communicating a larger amount of data during the high demand interval 415-a relative to the low demand interval 410-a. The payload may also consume electrical energy and generate thermal energy at a higher rate during the high demand interval 415-a relative to the low demand interval 410-a. The thermal management system of the payload may store excess thermal energy generated by the payload during the high demand interval 415-a and disperse the thermal energy stored in the thermal management system during the low demand interval 410-a.

[0057] Thus, a payload may be able to serve users at lower power (provide lower data rates) while demand for the services provided by the payload is low, and may be able to serve users at higher power (provide higher data rates) when demand is high. In contrast, a payload with a fixed capacity (e.g., supporting a maximum data rate continuously) may be able to support higher data rates when demand is low, but may not be able to support a peak data rate when demand is high, e.g., if the payload's fixed capacity is overtaken by demand.

[0058] In some embodiments, the value of the demand threshold 405-a, and thus the length of the low demand interval 410-a and the high demand interval 415-a, may be selected based on the electrical energy generation and storage capabilities of the payload. For example, the demand threshold 405-a may be selected such that the average amount of electrical energy consumed by the payload over the low demand interval 410-a and the high demand interval 415-a matches the average generation rate of electrical energy for the satellite. Also, the demand threshold 405-a may be selected such that the amount of electrical energy consumed during the high demand interval 415-a is less than the total amount of electrical energy generated by the payload during the high demand interval 415-a and the amount of electrical energy stored by the energy storage element prior to the high demand interval 415-a.

[0059] 4B illustrates a diagram of a power profile that supports adjusting the capacity of a satellite, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Power profile 401-b depicts an amount of power consumed by a payload over a period of time. Power profile 401-b also depicts low demand intervals 410-b and high demand intervals 415-b, which may correspond in time to low demand intervals 410-a and high demand intervals 415-a of FIG. 4A. Power profile 401-b may also include an average power 420-b.

[0060] During the low demand interval 410-b, the payload may consume power at a first rate (e.g., 5 KW). During the high demand interval 415-b, the payload may consume power at a second rate (e.g., 20 KW). The average amount of power consumed by the payload (e.g., represented by average power 420-b) (e.g., 8 KW) may be based on the power level of power consumption during the low demand interval 410-b, the power level of power consumption during the high demand interval 415-b, the length of the low demand interval 410-b, and the length of the high demand interval 415-b. In some cases, the level of power generation (power generating capability of the power system supplying the payload) may be equal to or greater than the average power consumed by the payload 420-b.

[0061] FIG. 4C illustrates a diagram of a thermal power profile that supports adjusting the capacity of a satellite, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Thermal power profile 402-c depicts an amount of thermal power generated by a payload over a period of time. Thermal power profile 402-c also depicts low demand interval 410-c and high demand interval 415-c, which may correspond in time to low demand interval 410-a, low demand interval 410-b, high demand interval 415-a, and high demand interval 415-b of FIGS. 4A-4C. Thermal power profile 402-c may also include an average thermal power 425-c.

[0062] During low demand interval 410-c, the payload may generate thermal power at a first rate (e.g., 3 KW). During high demand interval 415-c, the payload may generate thermal power at a second rate (e.g., 15 KW). The average amount of thermal power (e.g., 5 KW) (as represented by average thermal power 425-c) generated by the payload may be based on the level of thermal power generation during low demand interval 410-c, the level of thermal power generation during high demand interval 415-c, the length of low demand interval 410-c, and the length of high demand interval 415-c. In some cases, the thermal power distribution level (as distributed by a thermal management system coupled to the payload) may be equal to or greater than the average thermal power generated by the payload 425-c.

[0063] 5 shows a diagram of a process for supporting adjusting capacity of a satellite, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Process flow 500 may be performed by a satellite as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. One or more of the operations described in process flow 500 may be performed before or after the process, may be omitted, replaced, supplemented, or any combination thereof. Also, additional operations not included in process flow 500 described herein may be included.

[0064] At block 505, the satellite's power system may generate electrical energy at a first rate (or at a first power level). In some cases, the first rate may be an average rate over a time interval, such as a day. For example, the power system may include a solar array that may generate electrical power depending on the amount of sunlight (e.g., higher during the day and lower or no power at night). The power system may provide electrical energy to the satellite's payload at a rate based on the rate at which electrical energy is being consumed (or drawn) by the payload. In some embodiments, the payload may operate in a low power mode and consume electrical energy at a rate less than the rate at which electrical energy is being generated by the power system. Also, the satellite's thermal management system may process (e.g., absorb and / or dissipate) thermal energy based on the rate at which thermal energy is being generated by the payload. In some embodiments, the payload may operate in a low power mode and the thermal management system may dissipate electrical energy at a rate greater than the rate at which thermal energy is being generated by the payload.

[0065] At block 510, the satellite's power management system may identify that demand for communication services provided by the payload exceeds a demand threshold. The power management system may identify that demand exceeds the demand threshold based on comparing the current (and / or future) demand levels indicated by the demand profile to the demand threshold. In some embodiments, the satellite's power management system may identify that demand has exceeded or is expected to exceed the demand threshold based on instructions from a ground station (e.g., from access node 130 or network device 141).

[0066] At block 515, the payload may configure a high power mode based on the demand level exceeding (or expected to exceed) the demand threshold. In some embodiments, the power management system sends an indication to the payload indicating that the demand level has exceeded the demand threshold. In some embodiments, the payload may activate additional components (e.g., amplifiers or transponders) or modify the configuration of active components to operate in a mode that uses an increased amount of power, as described herein and with reference to FIG. 2. Thus, the payload may consume electrical energy at a rate that exceeds the rate at which the power system is generating electrical energy. Also, the energy storage element may be used to provide excess electrical energy, reducing the amount of energy stored by the energy storage element. Also, the payload may generate thermal energy at a rate that exceeds the rate at which the thermal management system is dispersing electrical energy.

[0067] In some embodiments, the payload may support multiple beams, each corresponding to a separate transponder. The payload may include a first set of transponders corresponding to a first set of user beams and a second set of transponders corresponding to a second set of user beams. While operating in a low power mode, the first set of transponders may be used to receive a first set of forward uplink signals from the access node terminal and transmit respective forward downlink signals for the first set of user beams. While operating in a high power mode, the second set of transponders may be activated and the payload may receive a second set of forward uplink signals and transmit respective forward downlink signals for the second set of user beams. In some embodiments, the second set of transponders may be used in a high power mode and the first set of transponders may be deactivated. In this case, the second set of transponders may correspond to a greater amount of more directional (e.g., smaller) user beams that provide coverage to the same aggregate coverage area as the first set of user beams. In other embodiments, the second set of transponders may be used in addition to the first set of transponders in the high power mode. In this case, the coverage area associated with the second set of user beams may be overlaid on the coverage area of ​​the first set of user beams, e.g., to provide more targeted coverage within the aggregate coverage area of ​​the first set of user beams. In some embodiments, the transponders may be configured for dynamic beam switching. The first set of transponders may correspond to a first quantity of active transponders, and the second set of transponders may correspond to a second quantity of active transponders. That is, a satellite may have N transponders that provide coverage for a service region, but N L Only N transponders are active at the same time in low power mode, H transponders are simultaneously active in high power mode, where N L <N H<Nである。

[0068] In some embodiments, the payload may support beamforming. For on-board beamforming, the payload may include a first set of transmitters and a second set of transmitters. The first set of transmitters may be used to transmit signals to form beams in the low power mode. For example, the first set of transmitters may have N1 transmitters, and an N1×K1 beam weight matrix may be used to generate K1 user beams in the low power mode. The second set of transmitters may have N2 transmitters, and an (N1+N2)×K2 beam weight matrix may be used to generate K2 user beams in the high power mode, where K2 may be the same as or different from K1.

[0069] Similarly, for ground-based beamforming, the payload may include a first set of transmitters (e.g., N1 transmitters) and a second set of transmitters (e.g., N2 transmitters). The satellite may receive N1 signals (e.g., frequency division multiplexed) corresponding to respective transmitters in the satellite from one or more access node terminals in a low power mode and N1+N2 signals corresponding to respective transmitters in the satellite from one or more access node terminals in a high power mode. The one or more access node terminals may apply an N1×K1 beam weight matrix to generate K1 user beams in the low power mode and an (N1+N2)×K2 beam weight matrix to generate K2 user beams in the high power mode, where K2 may be the same as or different from K1.

[0070] In some embodiments, the payload may support end-to-end beamforming. The payload may include a first set of transponders (e.g., including N1 transponders) and an additional set of transponders (e.g., including N2 additional transponders). While operating in the low power mode, the baseline set of transponders may be used to receive signals from M access node terminals, and the received signals may be weighted (e.g., weighted to each of the K1 beam signals for a respective set of one or more access node terminals) prior to transmission by the access node terminals to support beamforming for K1 user beams. While operating in the high power mode, the additional set of transponders may be activated. The first and additional sets of transponders may receive signals from M access node terminals, and the received signals may be weighted (e.g., weighted to each of the K2 beam signals for a respective set of one or more access node terminals) to support beamforming for K2 user beams. The weighting applied before transmission of the signal by the M access node terminals may be different for the low power mode and the high power mode (e.g., to take into account a larger number of active transponders). The number of user beams in the high power mode (e.g., K2) may be the same as or different from the number of user beams in the low power mode (e.g., K1). A larger number of transponders may improve the performance of the high power mode of the user terminal through the K2 user beams due to a higher total transmission power of the payload, different user beam characteristics (e.g., sharper roll-off), or a different number of user beams. It should be noted that although this embodiment describes the forward link, a similar configuration (e.g., a third set of amplifiers or transponders and a fourth set of amplifiers or transponders) may be made for the return link.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, each transponder may include one or more amplifiers or adjustable power amplifiers. For example, the transponder may include adjustable power amplifiers, and the amplifiers may be configured to operate at a lower power in a low power mode and at a higher power in a high power mode. In some embodiments, the payload includes a first set of amplifiers and a second set of amplifiers. If the transponder includes multiple amplifiers of the same or different power, the payload may activate the first set of amplifiers and deactivate the second set of amplifiers in the low power mode. While operating in the high power mode, the payload may activate the second set of amplifiers (e.g., and deactivate the first set of amplifiers), or activate both the first set of amplifiers and the second set of amplifiers.

[0072] At block 520, the thermal management system may store at least a portion of the excess thermal energy generated by the payload when the high power mode is configured. The thermal management system may include a medium that transitions from a first phase (e.g., a solid phase) to a second phase (e.g., a liquid phase) as excess thermal energy is generated (e.g., in excess of the amount of dissipated thermal energy) when the high power mode is configured. In some cases, the temperature of the medium may remain constant (or nearly constant) during the transition period, and the temperature may be selected based on the operating temperature range of the payload.

[0073] At block 525, the power management system may identify that the demand for communication services is below or is expected to be below a demand threshold. The power management system may identify that the demand is below the demand threshold based on comparing the current (and / or future) demand levels indicated by the demand profile to the demand threshold. In some embodiments, the satellite's power management system may identify that the demand is below or is expected to be below a demand threshold based on instructions from a ground station (e.g., from the access node 130 or the network device 141).

[0074] At block 530, the payload may configure a low power mode based on the demand level being (or being expected to be) below the demand threshold. In some embodiments, the payload may operate in a mode that uses a reduced amount of power by deactivating components (e.g., amplifiers, transponders, etc.) or modifying the configuration of active components (e.g., the number of simultaneously active transponders) as described herein and with reference to FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the power management system sends an indication to the payload indicating that the demand level is below the demand threshold. Thus, the payload may consume electrical energy at a rate below the rate at which the power system is generating electrical energy. The excess electrical energy may be stored by an energy storage element. Also, the payload may generate thermal energy at a rate below the rate at which the thermal management system is dissipating electrical energy. Thus, the stored amount of electrical energy may increase while the payload is in the low power mode.

[0075] At block 535, the thermal management system may dissipate thermal energy at a rate that exceeds the rate at which the thermal management system absorbs thermal energy from the payload when the payload is in the low power mode. If the thermal management system includes a phase change medium, the phase change medium may transition partially or fully from the second phase back to the first phase when the payload is in the low power mode. Thus, the amount of thermal energy stored (e.g., in the payload or the thermal management system, or as heat in the medium) may be reduced while the payload is in the low power mode.

[0076] The power management system may continue to monitor the demand level based on the demand profile. Thus, the power management system may repeat the operations described in blocks 510-535. Also, the electrical energy generated in block 505 may be generated over the operations of blocks 510-535. Although described as having two power modes (e.g., a low power mode and a high power mode) and two sub-intervals, the payload may have additional power modes. At least one of the modes may consume electrical energy at a rate greater than the average rate of the energy generating components (e.g., and / or may generate thermal energy at a rate greater than the average distributed rate of the thermal management components), and at least one of the modes may consume electrical energy at a rate less than the average rate of the energy generating components (e.g., may generate thermal energy at a rate less than the average distributed rate of the thermal management components). For example, the payload may have three power modes, a first mode having the lowest electrical energy consumption, a second mode having an intermediate electrical energy consumption, and a third mode having the highest electrical energy consumption. In some embodiments where the payload has multiple amplifiers per feed, the payload may activate a first set of amplifiers in a first mode, deactivate the first set of amplifiers in a second mode, activate a second set of amplifiers having a higher power than the first set of amplifiers, and activate both the first set of amplifiers and the second set of amplifiers in a third mode. In a dynamic beam switching or beam forming system, the payload may have several different power modes (e.g., two, three, four, five, or more), each corresponding to a different number of amplifiers or transponders that are activated.

[0077] 6 shows a diagram of a process for supporting adjusting capacity of a satellite, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Process flow 600 may be performed by a satellite's power management system 285, as described with reference to FIG. 2. Alternatively, process flow 600 may be performed by a ground-based device, such as a NOC. One or more of the operations described in process flow 600 may be performed before or after the process, may be omitted, replaced, supplemented, or any combination thereof. Also, additional operations not included in process flow 600 described herein may be included.

[0078] At block 605, the power management system may determine system information for the satellite. The power management system may determine the average or expected amount of power being generated by the power system, the amount of charge stored in the energy storage components, the average or expected amount of power being consumed by the payload, the temperature of the payload, etc.

[0079] At block 610, the power management system may determine one or more demand thresholds. In some embodiments, the demand thresholds are programmed into the power management system. In other embodiments, the demand thresholds are determined by the power management system based on the system information and the demand profile. For example, the power management system may select a demand threshold value associated with a low power interval of a first duration and a high power interval of a second duration that results in payload power consumption at an average rate that matches the average rate at which power is generated by the power system. In some embodiments, the power management system may determine the demand thresholds based on an amount of charge stored by the energy storage component. For example, the power management system may increase the demand threshold if the energy storage component is not fully charged.

[0080] At block 615, the power management system may determine an expected level of demand for services provided by the satellite. The power management system may determine the expected level of demand by referencing a demand profile. The power management system may compare the expected level of demand to a demand threshold.

[0081] At block 620, the power management system may determine whether the expected level of demand is above or below the demand threshold. If the expected level of demand is below the demand threshold, the power management system may perform the actions described in block 625. If the expected level of demand is equal to or greater than the demand threshold, the power management system may perform the actions described in block 630. In some cases, the power management system compares the expected level of demand, obtained using an averaging interval (e.g., 5-10 minutes), to the demand threshold to avoid excessive switching between different power modes.

[0082] At block 625, the power management system may continue operation without modifying the operation of the payload, e.g., if the payload is already operating in a low power mode. In some cases, the power management system may not send a mode configuration signal to the payload based on the continued operation. Or, the power management system may modify the operation of the payload, e.g., if the payload is operating in a high power mode, by configuring a low power mode for the payload. Configuring the low power mode may include sending a signal to deactivate capacity enhancing components (e.g., amplifiers, transponders, etc.) in the payload. The low power mode may be configured as similarly described with reference to block 530 of FIG. 5.

[0083] At block 630, the power management system may continue operation without modifying the operation of the payload, e.g., if the payload is already operating in a high power mode. Or, the power management system may modify the operation of the payload, e.g., if the payload is operating in a low power mode, by configuring a high power mode for the payload. Configuring the high power mode may include sending a signal that activates a capacity enhancing component in the payload. The high power mode may be configured as similarly described with reference to block 515 of FIG. 5.

[0084] Although generally discussed with reference to switching between two power modes, the power management system may be similarly configured to switch between additional (e.g., three or more) power modes. In such cases, multiple demand thresholds may be configured and different combinations of communication components may be activated / deactivated in response. In some embodiments, the number of modes may be large, approximating the ability to contour capacity to demand. For example, if a satellite includes multiple transponders, each of the multiple modes may correspond to a different number of active transponders.

[0085] 7 illustrates a diagram of a satellite that supports adjusting the capacity of the satellite, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The satellite 700 may include a power management system 705, a power system 745, an antenna system 710, a payload 725, and a thermal management system 750. Alternatively, it should be understood that aspects of the power management system 705 may be located in a NOC or other ground-based control system. The power management system 705 may include a processor or other intelligent hardware device (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a microcontroller, memory, storage, ASICs, etc. The memory or storage may include instructions that, when executed, are configured to cause the processor to perform various functions described herein.

[0086] The power management system 705 may be configured to configure (or help configure) a high power mode or a low power mode in the payload 725 based on a demand profile. The power management system 705 may include a demand monitor 715, a mode selector 70, a capacity improvement component 730, and a system monitor 735.

[0087] Demand monitor 715 may be configured to compare the level of demand (or the expected level of demand) for services provided by payload 725 to a demand threshold. Demand monitor 715 may determine when the expected level of demand is below the threshold and when the expected level of demand is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0088] The mode selector 720 may be configured to select a power mode for the payload 725, such as one of a low power (low capacity) mode or a high power (high capacity) mode for the payload 725. The mode selector 720 may select the low power mode based on the demand monitor 715 identifying an expected level of demand below a threshold. Or, the mode selector 720 may select the high power mode based on the demand monitor 715 identifying an expected level of demand above a threshold.

[0089] System monitor 735 may be configured to monitor characteristics of satellite 700. For example, system monitor 735 may be configured to determine an average rate at which energy is being generated by power system 745, an amount of charge stored by power system 745, the temperature of payload 725, etc. In some cases, system monitor 735 may be configured to determine a threshold duration value based on the monitored characteristics of satellite 700. In some cases, system monitor 735 may be configured to determine a duration of an off-peak interval and a duration of an on-peak interval based on the monitored characteristics of satellite 700.

[0090] The payload 725 may be configured to provide services (e.g., communication services) for accessing node terminals and / or user terminals. The payload 725 may be further configured to support various data rates based on a demand profile indicating an expected level of demand for the services provided by the payload 725. To provide the various data rates, the payload 725 may be configured to activate and deactivate additional components (e.g., amplifiers, transponders, etc.) and / or modify the operation of activated components. In some cases, the payload 725 enters a high power mode based on receiving an indication from the power management system 705 indicating that the expected level of demand exceeds a demand threshold. In such cases, the payload 725 may activate the capacity enhancement components 730, which may include activating additional amplifiers and / or transponders, switching between low power and high power amplifiers, and / or reconfiguring amplifiers to operate in a high power mode.

[0091] The thermal management system 750 may be configured to process thermal energy generated by the payload 725. The thermal management system 750 may be a passive or active system. The thermal management system 750 may include thermal storage 740, which may be a pumped fluid system, a phase change medium, or any combination thereof. The thermal storage 740 may be configured to absorb excess thermal energy generated by the payload 725 while operating in a high power mode and may dissipate at least a portion of the excess thermal energy while the payload 725 is operating in a low power mode. When the thermal management system 750 is an active system, the thermal management system 750 may be activated by the power management system 705, for example, the thermal management system may begin pumping fluid based on receiving an indication from the power management system that the payload 725 is operating in a high power mode.

[0092] The antenna system 710 may be configured to receive and transmit signals to access node terminals and / or user terminals. The antenna system 710 may include a phased antenna array and a reflector. The antenna system 710 may include one or more antenna feed elements.

[0093] The power system 745 may be configured to generate electrical energy for the satellite 700. The power system 745 may also be configured to supply electrical energy to components of the satellite 700. The power system 745 may include energy generation components (e.g., solar arrays or radioisotope thermoelectric generators) and energy storage components (e.g., batteries). The power system 745 may generate electrical energy at a constant rate that closely matches the average rate at which electrical energy is consumed by the payload 725.

[0094] The power management system 705 and / or the thermal management system 750 may be implemented or performed using a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration). In some cases, a single processor is used to implement the power management system 705 and the thermal management system 750. In other cases, separate processors are used to implement the power management system 705 and the thermal management system 750.

[0095] 8 illustrates a diagram of a process for supporting adjusting capacity of a satellite, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The operations of method 800 may be implemented by a satellite or components thereof, as described herein. In some embodiments, a processing system in the satellite may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the satellite to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the processing system may perform aspects of the described functions using special purpose hardware.

[0096] At 805, electrical energy is utilized at a first rate for a subinterval of the interval, the subinterval being associated with a level of demand for accessing the payload that exceeds a threshold, and based at least in part on the electrical energy being utilized at the first rate, an amount of thermal energy generated by the payload during the subinterval exceeds a thermal handling capability of the payload. The operations of 805 may be performed in accordance with techniques described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 805 may be performed by a payload (e.g., payload 230 of FIG. 2, payload 725 of FIG. 7, etc.) as described herein.

[0097] At 810, electrical energy may be generated at a second rate over the interval. The operations of 810 may be performed in accordance with techniques described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 810 may be performed by a power system (e.g., using energy generating component 215 of power system 205 of FIG. 2, power system 745 of FIG. 7, etc.) as described herein.

[0098] At 815, electrical energy may be supplied to the payload at a first rate over the sub-interval, the first rate being greater than the second rate. The operations of 815 may be performed in accordance with techniques described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 815 may be performed by a power system (e.g., using energy storage component 220 of power system 205 of FIG. 2, power system 745 of FIG. 7, etc.) as described herein.

[0099] At 820, a first portion of the thermal energy generated at the payload during the sub-interval may be processed, where the first portion of the thermal energy generated at the payload exceeds the thermal processing capability of the payload, and a second portion of the thermal energy generated at the payload during the sub-interval is processed by the payload according to the thermal processing capability of the payload. The operations of 820 may be performed in accordance with techniques described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 820 may be performed by a thermal management component (e.g., thermal management system 290 of FIG. 2, thermal management system 750 of FIG. 7, etc.) as described herein.

[0100] In some examples, an apparatus described herein may perform a method such as method 800. The apparatus may include features, components, means, or instructions (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor) for storing (e.g., by power system 205 of FIG. 2 , power system 745 of FIG. 7 , etc.) a first amount of electrical energy at a start of a sub-interval and a second amount of electrical energy that is less than the first amount of electrical energy at an end of the sub-interval based at least in part on the first rate being greater than the second rate.

[0101] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein, the sub-intervals correspond to periods of time associated with a demand for access to communication services provided by a payload that exceeds a threshold.

[0102] Some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein may further include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for storing (e.g., by thermal management system 290 of FIG. 2 , thermal management system 750 of FIG. 7 , etc.) a first amount of the first portion of the thermal energy generated during the sub-interval based at least in part on processing the first portion of the thermal energy generated in the payload during the sub-interval.

[0103] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and devices described herein, during the sub-interval, the medium of the thermal management component transitions from a first phase to a second phase during the sub-interval based at least in part on absorbing a first portion of a first amount of thermal energy generated during the sub-interval.

[0104] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and devices described herein, the temperature of the thermal management component remains within a range during a duration associated with the thermal management component transitioning from a first phase to a second phase. In some embodiments of the methods 800 and devices described herein, the range includes a lower limit of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and an upper limit of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0105] Some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein may further include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for releasing a first portion of the thermal energy generated during the sub-interval that was stored during the sub-interval (e.g., by thermal management system 290 of FIG. 2 , thermal management system 750 of FIG. 7 , etc.) during a second sub-interval.

[0106] Some embodiments of the method 800 and apparatus described herein include utilizing electrical energy (e.g., by payload 230 of FIG. 2, payload 725 of FIG. 7, etc.) at a third rate over a second subinterval of the interval, where second thermal energy is generated by the payload during the second subinterval based at least in part on the electrical energy being utilized at the third rate, and where the second thermal energy generated during the second subinterval is within the thermal handling capability of the payload; ... 2 , such as by the thermal management components 700 of FIG. 7 , the thermal management system 750 of FIG. 7 ), where the second amount includes at least a portion of the first amount of thermal energy stored during the sub-interval.

[0107] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and devices described herein, the first rate is based at least in part on the second amount of thermal energy released during the second sub-interval.

[0108] Some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein may further include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for storing (e.g., by power system 205 of FIG. 2 , power system 745 of FIG. 7 , etc.) a first amount of electrical energy at the end of a sub-interval, and storing a second amount of electrical energy greater than the first amount of electrical energy at the end of a second sub-interval based at least in part on the third rate being less than the second rate.

[0109] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein, the second sub-interval corresponds to a period of time associated with a demand for access to communication services provided with a payload below a threshold.

[0110] Some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein may further include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for configuring the payload (e.g., by the power management system 285 of FIG. 2, the power management system 705 of FIG. 7, etc.) to support a first communications load during a sub-interval, where electrical energy is utilized at a first rate based at least in part on supporting the first communications load, and configuring the payload to support a second communications load during a second sub-interval of the interval, where electrical energy is utilized by the second communications load at a third rate based at least in part on supporting the second communications load, the first communications load being greater than the second communications load.

[0111] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein, configuring the payload to support a first communications load may include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for activating the first and second plurality of transponders, and configuring the payload to support a second communications load may include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for deactivating the second plurality of transponders.

[0112] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein, a first plurality of transponders is associated with a first polarization for communication and a second plurality of transponders is associated with a second, orthogonal polarization for communication. In some embodiments, the first plurality of transponders is associated with a first plurality of transmission beams that combine to serve a geographic area and the second plurality of transponders is associated with a second plurality of transmission beams that combine to serve the geographic area.

[0113] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein, configuring the payload to support a first communications load may include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for configuring a plurality of amplifiers to operate in a first mode, where the plurality of amplifiers draw a first amount of power in the first mode, and configuring the payload to support a second communications load may include operations, features, configurations, arrangements, means, or instructions for configuring a plurality of amplifiers to operate in a second mode, where the plurality of amplifiers draw a second amount of power in the second mode, where the first amount of power is greater than the second amount of power.

[0114] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein, configuring the payload to support a first communications load may include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for activating the first plurality of amplifiers and the second plurality of amplifiers, and configuring the payload to support a second communications load may include operations, features, components, means, or instructions for deactivating the second plurality of transponders.

[0115] In some embodiments of the methods 800 and apparatus described herein, configuring the payload to support a first communications load may include an operation, feature, component, means, or instructions for activating an amplifier, and configuring the payload to support a second communications load may include an operation, feature, component, means, or instructions for activating a second plurality of amplifiers, the second plurality of amplifiers drawing a smaller amount of power than the first plurality of amplifiers.

[0116] It should be noted that the described techniques refer to possible implementations, and that operations and components may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible. Further portions from two or more methods or devices may be combined.

[0117] The information and signals described herein may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0118] The various example blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed using a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration).

[0119] The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or any combination thereof. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located in various locations, including being distributed such that parts of the functions are implemented in different physical locations.

[0120] Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available medium accessible by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or a general purpose or special purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless techniques such as infrared, radio, and microwave, the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless techniques such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included within the definition of media. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically and discs typically reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

[0121] As used herein, including the claims, "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as "at least one" or "one or more") indicates an inclusive list, such as, for example, a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" is to be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "based at least in part on."

[0122] In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Furthermore, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only a first reference label is used herein, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label, or any other subsequent reference label.

[0123] The description set forth herein in connection with the accompanying drawings describes exemplary configurations and does not represent every embodiment that may be implemented or that is within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and not "preferred" or "advantageous over other embodiments." The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. However, these techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments.

[0124] The description herein is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A system (200, 300) for satellite communications, comprising: a payload (230, 305) configured to utilize electrical energy at a first rate over a sub-interval of an interval, the sub-interval being associated with a level of demand for access to the payload (230, 305) that exceeds a threshold, and based at least in part on the electrical energy being utilized at the first rate, thermal energy generated by the payload (230, 305) during the sub-interval exceeds a thermal processing capability of the payload (230, 305); a power system (205) configured to generate electrical energy at a second rate over the interval and to supply electrical energy to the payload (230, 305) at the first rate over the sub-interval, the first rate being greater than the second rate, the second rate corresponding to an average electrical energy consumed by the payload (230, 305) over the interval, the power system (205) comprising an energy storage component (220) configured to supply at least a portion of the electrical energy supplied to the payload (230, 305) at the first rate over the sub-interval; a thermal management component (290) configured to process a first portion of the thermal energy generated in the payload (230, 305) during the sub-interval, the first portion of the thermal energy generated in the payload (230, 305) exceeding the thermal processing capacity of the payload (230, 305), and a second portion of the thermal energy generated in the payload (230, 305) during the sub-interval, excluding the first portion, is processed by the payload (230, 305) according to the thermal processing capacity of the payload (230, 305); The thermal management component (290): storing the first portion of a first amount of the thermal energy generated during the sub-interval based at least in part on processing the first portion of the thermal energy generated at the payload during the sub-interval; and further configured to release, during a second subinterval of the interval, the first portion of the first amount of the thermal energy generated during the subinterval that was stored during the subinterval; the payload (230, 305) is configured to utilize electrical energy at a third rate over the second sub-interval, the third rate being less than the second rate; The system (200, 300), wherein the first rate is based at least in part on a second thermal energy emitted by the payload (230, 305) during the second sub-interval.

2. The energy storage component (220) storing a first amount of electrical energy at a beginning of said subinterval; 2. The system (200, 300) of claim 1, configured to store a second amount of electrical energy less than the first amount of electrical energy at an end of the subinterval based at least in part on the first rate being greater than the second rate.

3. The system (200, 300) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sub-interval corresponds to a time period associated with the demand for access to communication services provided by the payload (230, 305) exceeding the threshold.

4. The thermal management component (290):

2. The system of claim 1, comprising: a medium (315), at least a portion of the medium (315) configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase during the sub-interval based at least in part on absorbing a first portion of the first amount of the thermal energy generated during the sub-interval.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the temperature of the thermal management component is configured to remain within a range during a duration associated with the thermal management component transitioning from the first phase to the second phase.

6. a second thermal energy is generated by the payload (230, 305) during the second sub-interval based at least in part on the electrical energy being utilized at the third rate, the second thermal energy generated during the second sub-interval being within the thermal processing capability of the payload (230, 305); The system (200, 300) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the power system (205) is configured to supply electrical energy to the payload (230, 305) at the third rate during the second sub-interval.

7. The energy storage component (220) of the power system (205) storing a first amount of electrical energy at the end of said subinterval; 7. The system (200, 300) of claim 6, configured to store a second amount of electrical energy greater than the first amount of electrical energy at an end of the second subinterval based at least in part on the third rate being less than the second rate.

8. The system (200, 300) of claim 7, wherein the second sub-interval corresponds to a period of time associated with the demand for access to communication services provided by the payload (230) below the threshold.

9. The power system (205), The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a solar array (215) configured to generate said electrical energy at said second rate over said interval.

10. a first transponder (231) associated with a first polarization for communication; a second transponder associated with a second orthogonal polarization for communication; the payload (230, 305) is configured to activate both the first transponder (231) and the second transponder during the sub-interval; The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the payload (230, 305) is configured to activate one of the first transponder or the second transponder during the second sub-interval of the interval.

11. a first transponder (231) associated with a first transmission beam that in combination serves a geographic area; a second transponder associated with a second transmission beam that in combination serves the geographic area; the payload (230, 305) is configured to activate both the first transponder (231) and the second transponder during the sub-interval; The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the payload (230, 305) is configured to activate one of the first transponder (231) or the second transponder during the second sub-interval of the interval.

12. Further comprising a plurality of transponders (231); During the subinterval, a first set of signals from a first quantity of the plurality of transponders (231) are combined to form a first transmission beam serving a geographic area; A system (200, 300) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a second set of signals from the plurality of transponders (231) of a second quantity are combined during the second subinterval of the interval to form a second transmission beam serving the geographic area, the first quantity being greater than the second quantity.

13. an amplifier (235, 240, 245, 250) configurable to draw either a first amount of power or a second amount of power less than the first amount of power; the amplifier (235, 240, 245, 250) is configured to draw the first amount of power during the sub-interval; The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the amplifier (235, 240, 245, 250) is configured to draw the second amount of power during the second sub-interval of the interval.

14. A first amplifier (235, 245); a second amplifier (240, 250), the payload (230, 305) is configured to activate both the first amplifier (235, 245) and the second amplifier (240, 250) during the sub-interval; The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the payload (230, 305) is configured to activate one of the first amplifier (235, 245) or the second amplifier (240, 250) during the second sub-interval of the interval.

15. a first amplifier (235, 245) configured to draw a first amount of power; a second amplifier (240, 250) configured to draw a second amount of power less than the first amount of power; the payload (230, 305) is configured to activate the first amplifier (235, 245) and deactivate the second amplifier (240, 250) during the sub-interval; The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the payload (230, 305) is configured to deactivate the first amplifier (235, 245) and activate the second amplifier (240, 250) during the second sub-interval of the interval.

16. 1. A method for satellite communications, comprising: utilizing electrical energy by a payload (230, 305) at a first rate over a subinterval of an interval, the subinterval being associated with a level of demand for access to the payload (230, 305) that exceeds a threshold, and utilizing thermal energy generated by the payload (230, 305) during the subinterval that exceeds a thermal processing capability of the payload (230, 305) based at least in part on the electrical energy being utilized at the first rate; generating, by a power system (205), electrical energy at a second rate over the interval, the second rate corresponding to an average electrical energy consumed by the payload (230, 305) over the interval; supplying electrical energy to the payload (230, 305) at the first rate over the sub-interval by the power system (205), the first rate being greater than the second rate, and at least a portion of the electrical energy supplied to the payload (230, 305) at the first rate being supplied by an energy storage component (220) of the power system (205); processing, with a thermal management component (290), a first portion of the thermal energy generated by the payload (230, 305) during the sub-interval, wherein the first portion of the thermal energy generated by the payload (230, 305) exceeds the thermal processing capacity of the payload (230, 305), and a second portion of the thermal energy generated by the payload (230, 305) during the sub-interval, less the first portion, is processed by the payload (230, 305) according to the thermal processing capacity of the payload (230, 305); and storing, by the thermal management component (290), a first portion of the first amount of the thermal energy generated during the sub-interval based at least in part on processing the first portion of the thermal energy generated by the payload (230, 305) during the sub-interval; utilizing electrical energy by the payload (230, 305) at a third rate over a second subinterval of the interval, the third rate being less than the second rate; releasing, during the second sub-interval, by the thermal management component (290), the amount of the first portion of the thermal energy generated during the sub-interval that was stored during the sub-interval; The method of claim 1, wherein the first rate is based at least in part on a second thermal energy emitted by the payload (230, 305) during the second sub-interval.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising storing, by the power system (205), a first amount of electrical energy at a beginning of the subinterval and storing a second amount of electrical energy less than the first amount of electrical energy at an end of the subinterval based at least in part on the first rate being greater than the second rate.

18. 18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the sub-interval corresponds to a time period associated with the demand for access to communication services provided by the payload (230, 305) exceeding the threshold.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a medium of the thermal management component (290) transitions from a first phase to a second phase during the subinterval based at least in part on absorbing the first portion of the first amount of the thermal energy generated during the subinterval.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the temperature of the thermal management component (290) remains within a range during a duration associated with the thermal management component (290) transitioning from the first phase to the second phase.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the range includes a lower limit of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and an upper limit of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

22. a second thermal energy is generated by the payload (230, 305) during the second sub-interval based at least in part on the electrical energy being utilized at the third rate, the second thermal energy generated during the second sub-interval being within the thermal processing capability of the payload (230, 305); The method of any one of claims 16 to 21, further comprising supplying electrical energy to the payload (230, 305) by the power system (205) at the third rate during the second sub-interval.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: storing, by the power system (205), a first amount of electrical energy at an end of the subinterval; and storing, at an end of the second subinterval, a second amount of electrical energy greater than the first amount of electrical energy based at least in part on the third rate being less than the second rate.

24. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the second sub-interval corresponds to a period of time associated with a demand for access to communication services provided by the payload (230, 305) below the threshold.

25. configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a first communications load during the sub-interval, the electrical energy being utilized at the first rate based at least in part on the payload (230, 305) being configured to support the first communications load; 25. The method of claim 16, further comprising: configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a second communications load during a second sub-interval of the interval, wherein electrical energy is utilized by the payload (230, 305) at a third rate based at least in part on the payload (230, 305) being configured to support the second communications load, the first communications load being greater than the second communications load.

26. Configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a first communications load includes activating a first plurality of transponders (231) and a second plurality of transponders; 26. The method of claim 25, wherein configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a second communications load comprises deactivating the second plurality of transponders.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first plurality of transponders (231) is associated with a first polarization for communication and the second plurality of transponders is associated with a second, orthogonal polarization for communication.

28. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first plurality of transponders (231) are associated with a first plurality of transmission beams that combine to serve a geographic area, and the second plurality of transponders are associated with a second plurality of transmission beams that combine to serve the geographic area.

29. Configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a first communications load includes configuring a plurality of amplifiers (235, 240, 245, 250) to operate in a first mode, the plurality of amplifiers drawing a first amount of power in the first mode; 29. The method of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a second communications load comprises configuring the plurality of amplifiers (235, 240, 245, 250) to operate in a second mode, the plurality of amplifiers (235, 240, 245, 250) drawing a second amount of power in the second mode, the first amount of power being greater than the second amount of power.

30. Configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a first communications load includes activating a first plurality of amplifiers (235, 245) and a second plurality of amplifiers (240, 250); The method of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a second communications load comprises deactivating the second plurality of amplifiers (240, 250).

31. Configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a first communications load includes activating a first plurality of amplifiers (235, 245); 29. The method of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein configuring the payload (230, 305) to support a second communications load comprises activating a second plurality of amplifiers (240, 250), the second plurality of amplifiers (240, 250) drawing a lesser amount of power than the first plurality of amplifiers (235, 245).

32. The payload (230, 305) comprises components configured to support a communication service provided by the payload (230, 305), the payload (230, 305) comprising: configuring the components to support a first communications load during the sub-interval, the payload (230, 305) being configured to utilize the electrical energy at the first rate based at least in part on the components being configured to support the first communications load; and The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 9, further configured to: configure the components to support a second communications load during the second sub-interval of the interval, the payload (230, 305) being configured to utilize the electrical energy at the third rate based at least in part on the components configured to support the second communications load, the first communications load being greater than the second communications load.

33. The system (200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the energy storage component (220) is a battery (220).

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