Communications satellite system, edge computing system, and main satellite

Abstract

A communication satellite system (10) includes multiple orbital planes the azimuth components of the normal vectors of which are dispersed in the longitude direction. When each of the multiple orbital planes is set as a target orbital plane, the target orbital plane is an orbital plane corresponding to an inclined orbit, and multiple satellites (30) are flying in the target orbital plane. When each satellite (30) flying in the target orbital plane is set as a target satellite, the target satellite includes: a first communication device for communicating with satellites (30) that are flying in the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying and are located in front of and behind the target satellite in the travel direction of the target satellite; a second communication device for communicating with ground equipment (90) installed on the ground; and a third communication device for communicating with satellites (30) that are flying in another orbital plane near an intersection formed in plan view by the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying and the other orbital plane. In the target orbital plane, multiple satellites (30) flying in the target orbital plane form a ring communication network.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communications satellite system, an edge computing system, and a primary satellite. [Background technology]

[0002] Latency associated with long-distance communications using GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) satellites has been an issue. In recent years, therefore, the development of communications satellite systems using mega-constellations consisting of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites has been progressing. However, in the current communications satellite systems, although individual satellites communicate using the bent pipe method, inter-satellite communications are not implemented. Therefore, it is desired that inter-satellite communications functions be added to the communications satellite systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 9,647,749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a communications satellite system using a LEO constellation consisting of a group of LEO satellites that perform optical inter-satellite communications with satellites located on the front, rear, left and right. However, this communications satellite system has a problem in that orbits are switched left and right at the southern and northern ends of the orbital plane, causing communication interruptions twice per orbit in communications with satellites located on the left and right that fly in adjacent orbits. In addition, in conjunction with this problem, there is a problem in that it is necessary to establish a highly accurate optical axis alignment technology in order to establish a line twice per orbit by optical wireless communication, and there is also a problem in that loss time is large.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a communications satellite system using a LEO constellation in which each satellite does not always communicate with satellites located to the left or right that fly in adjacent orbits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communications satellite system according to the present disclosure includes: A communications satellite system comprising a plurality of orbital planes, Azimuth components of normal vectors to each of the plurality of orbital planes are dispersed in a longitude direction; Each of the plurality of orbital planes is a target orbital plane, the target orbital plane is an orbital plane corresponding to an inclined orbit, and a plurality of satellites fly on the target orbital plane; Each satellite flying in the target orbital plane is regarded as a target satellite, and the target satellite is a satellite flying in the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying, and the target satellite comprises a first communication device that communicates with satellites located in front and behind the target satellite in the direction of travel, a second communication device that communicates with ground equipment installed on the ground, and a third communication device that communicates with a satellite flying in the other orbital plane in the vicinity of an intersection formed in a plan view between the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying and another orbital plane that is different from the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying, In the target orbital plane, a plurality of satellites flying in the target orbital plane form a circular communication network. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The communication satellite system according to the present disclosure may be based on a LEO constellation. In addition, in the present disclosure, a satellite flying in a target orbital plane and a satellite flying in another orbital plane communicate with each other in the vicinity of an intersection formed by the target orbital plane and the another orbital plane in a planar view. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, in a communication satellite system based on a LEO constellation, each satellite does not always communicate with satellites flying in adjacent orbits and located to the left and right. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a communications satellite system 10 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a ring communication network according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a satellite 30 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a ground facility 90 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the communications satellite system 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a ring communication network is formed. [Figure 7] A diagram showing communication with satellites located in front, behind, on both sides. [Figure 8] A diagram explaining the left-right swap of satellites. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining inter-orbit communication according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining inter-orbit communication according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] These diagrams show how the rotation of the Earth and the orbital plane of an inclined orbit satellite are not synchronized. (a) is an example of what happens at 06:00, and (b) is an example of what happens at 12:00. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a ground facility 90 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an edge computing system 11 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the edge computing system 11 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] In the description of the embodiments and the drawings, the same elements and corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals. Descriptions of elements given the same reference numerals are omitted or simplified as appropriate. Arrows in the drawings primarily indicate data flow or processing flow. Furthermore, "part" may be read as "circuit," "step," "procedure," "processing," or "circuitry" as appropriate. In this specification, an artificial satellite may be referred to simply as a satellite. In addition, in the description of the embodiments, directions or positions such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "front", and "back" may be indicated. These notations are merely given for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement and orientation of components such as devices, equipment, or parts.

[0010] Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] ***Configuration Description*** FIG. 1 shows an overview of a communications satellite system 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the communications satellite system 10 comprises a satellite constellation 20 and ground equipment 90.

[0012] The satellite constellation 20 is composed of a plurality of orbital planes, and is typically an inclined orbit satellite constellation in which the orbit of each satellite 30 is an inclined orbit. That is, the communication satellite system 10 is composed of a plurality of orbital planes. The satellite constellation 20 may be a LEO (Low Earth Orbit) constellation. The azimuth components of the normal vectors to each of the plurality of orbital planes are distributed in the longitude direction. When each of the plurality of orbital planes is regarded as a target orbital plane, the target orbital plane is an orbital plane corresponding to an inclined orbit, and a plurality of satellites 30 fly on the target orbital plane. When each of the satellites 30 flying on the target orbital plane is regarded as a target satellite, the target satellite includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device. The first communication device communicates with the satellite 30 flying on the orbital plane on which the target satellite flies, and is located in front of and behind the target satellite with respect to the direction of travel. The second communication device communicates with a ground facility 90 installed on the ground. The third communication device communicates with a satellite 30 flying on another orbital plane in the vicinity of an intersection formed in a plan view by the orbital plane on which the target satellite flies and another orbital plane that is different from the orbital plane on which the target satellite flies. At least two of the first communication device, the second communication device, and the third communication device may be appropriately integrated. Note that the vicinity of the intersection is a region surrounding the intersection including the intersection. The range of the vicinity of the intersection may be appropriately determined. In addition, in the target orbital plane, a plurality of satellites 30 flying in the target orbital plane form a circular communication network. Fig. 2 is a diagram explaining the circular communication network formed by the plurality of satellites 30. As shown in Fig. 2, a circular communication network is formed in each of the plurality of orbital planes by communication between adjacent satellites 30 on the same orbit. Examples of the satellite constellation 20 are disclosed in [Reference 1] and [Reference 2]. The communications satellite system 10 may include the functions disclosed in these references. The satellite constellation 20 may also be a mega-constellation.

[0013] [Reference 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-054167 [Reference 2] JP 2021-070342 A

[0014] The ground equipment 90 includes a ground-side communication device 810 and a satellite control device 91 , and controls the satellite constellation 20 by communicating with each satellite 30 . The satellite control device 91 is a computer that generates various commands for controlling each satellite 30, and includes hardware such as a processing circuit and an input / output interface. The processing circuit generates the various commands. An input device and an output device are connected to the input / output interface. The satellite control device 91 is connected to the ground communication device 810 via the input / output interface. The ground communication device 810 communicates with each satellite 30. Specifically, the ground communication device 810 transmits various commands to each satellite 30.

[0015] Fig. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the satellite 30. The hardware configuration of the satellite 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The satellite 30 includes a satellite control device 31, a communication device 32, a propulsion device 33, an attitude control device 34, and a power supply device 35. The satellite 30 may include components that realize various other functions, but FIG. 3 will explain the satellite control device 31, the communication device 32, the propulsion device 33, the attitude control device 34, and the power supply device 35.

[0016] The satellite control device 31 is a computer that controls the propulsion device 33 and the attitude control device 34, and includes a processing circuit. Specifically, the satellite control device 31 controls the propulsion device 33 and the attitude control device 34 in accordance with various commands transmitted from the ground equipment 90 and the like. The communication device 32 is a device that executes communication with the outside of the satellite 30. The communication device 32 is also a general term for the first communication device, the second communication device, and the third communication device. The propulsion device 33 is a device that provides thrust to the satellite 30 and changes the speed of the satellite 30. The attitude control device 34 is a device for controlling attitude elements such as the attitude of the satellite 30, the angular velocity of the satellite 30, and the line of sight (Line Of Sight). The attitude control device 34 changes each attitude element to a desired direction. Alternatively, the attitude control device 34 maintains each attitude element in a desired direction. The attitude control device 34 includes an attitude sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The attitude sensor is a device such as a gyroscope, an earth sensor, a sun sensor, a star tracker, a thruster, and a magnetic sensor. The actuator is a device such as an attitude control thruster, a momentum wheel, a reaction wheel, and a control moment gyro. The controller controls the actuator according to measurement data of the attitude sensor or various commands from the ground equipment 90 or the like. The power supply unit 35 includes devices such as solar cells, batteries, and a power control device, and supplies power to each device installed on the satellite 30.

[0017] The processing circuit provided in the satellite control device 31 will be described. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In the processing circuit, some functions may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the remaining functions may be realized by software or firmware. In other words, the processing circuit can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. Specifically, the dedicated hardware is a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0018] 4 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the ground facility 90. The ground facility 90 communicates with the satellite 30. The ground facility 90 is connected to a ground-side communication device 810, and communicates with the satellite 30 via the ground-side communication device 810. The ground facility 90 may be a mobile terminal.

[0019] The ground equipment 90 includes a processor 710, as well as other hardware such as a main memory device 720, an auxiliary memory device 730, an input interface 740, an output interface 750, and a communication interface 760. In Fig. 4, the interfaces are denoted as IF. The processor 710 is connected to other hardware via a signal line 770 and controls the other hardware.

[0020] The ground facility 90 includes a control unit 711 as a functional element. The functions of the control unit 711 are realized by hardware or software. The control unit 711 executes processes according to instructions from a communications satellite program.

[0021] ***Explanation of Operation*** The operating procedure of the communications satellite system 10 corresponds to a communications satellite method. Moreover, a program that realizes the operation of the communications satellite system 10 corresponds to a communications satellite program. The communications satellite program is also a general term for programs that run in each device included in the communications satellite system 10. The communications satellite program may be recorded on a non-volatile recording medium that is readable by a computer. Specific examples of the non-volatile recording medium include an optical disk or a flash memory. The communications satellite program may be provided as a program product.

[0022] <Operation Example 1 According to Embodiment 1> 5 is a diagram for explaining this operation example, which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0023] (1) Communications with ground equipment A first receiving satellite, which is a satellite 30 flying in a first orbital plane, receives communication data, which is data transmitted by the first ground facility 90, in the sky above the first ground facility 90. The first orbital plane is an orbital plane that passes above the first ground facility 90 and is any one of a plurality of orbital planes. The sky above the ground facility 90 is an area in which the satellite 30 can communicate with the ground facility 90.

[0024] (2) Same-orbit communication The first receiving satellite shares communication data with another satellite 30 flying in the first orbital plane through a circular communication network formed in the first orbital plane.

[0025] (3) Inter-orbit communication Any one of the multiple satellites 30 flying in the first orbital plane transmits communication data to a second receiving satellite, which is a satellite 30 flying in the second orbital plane, in the vicinity of an intersection formed in a plan view by the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane. The second orbital plane is an orbital plane passing above the second ground facility 90, and is any orbital plane other than the first orbital plane among the multiple orbital planes.

[0026] (4) Same-orbit communication The second receiving satellite shares communication data with another satellite 30 flying in the second orbital plane through a circular communication network formed in the second orbital plane.

[0027] (5) Communications with ground equipment Any one of the multiple satellites 30 flying in the second orbital plane transmits communication data to the second ground facility 90 while above the second ground facility 90 .

[0028] In recent years, there have been an increasing number of plans to build communication satellite networks using large-scale satellite groups called mega-constellations. In mega-constellations, as an example, in each orbital plane, each satellite communicates with the satellites in front and behind it to form a circular communication network, and each satellite in each orbital plane communicates with satellites in adjacent orbital planes that are located to the left and right of each satellite in each orbital plane. As a result, a mesh communication network is built in which each satellite communicates with a total of four satellites located in front, behind, left and right. Figure 6 shows how a circular communication network is formed. Figure 7 shows how a satellite communicates with a total of four satellites located in front, behind, left and right. However, in order to maintain communication with adjacent orbits, it is necessary to control the direction of the communication device. In addition, since the orbits are switched left and right at the northernmost and southernmost points of the orbital plane, it is difficult to continue one communication. Figure 8 shows the situation where the left and right switching occurs at the northernmost point of the orbital plane. In Figure 8, a satellite flying in orbit 2 is located to the right of the direction of travel of a satellite flying in orbit 1 until it reaches the northernmost point. On the other hand, after it reaches the northernmost point, a satellite flying in orbit 2 is located to the left of the direction of travel of a satellite flying in orbit 1.

[0029] In an inclined orbit satellite constellation, there are two intersections between two orbital planes with different normal vectors. Therefore, if a satellite 30 flying in a certain orbital plane and a satellite 30 flying in another orbital plane with a normal vector different from that of the certain orbital plane communicate satellite information by inter-orbital communication at a time when both the satellite 30 flying in the certain orbital plane and the satellite 30 flying in the other orbital plane pass near any intersection formed by the certain orbital plane and the other orbital plane in a planar view, the satellite information in both the certain orbital plane and the other orbital plane can be shared between the two satellites 30. In the same manner, each satellite 30 can share satellite information in all orbital planes. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining inter-orbital communication, showing a specific example in which a satellite 30 flying in one orbital plane communicates with satellites 30 flying in all other orbital planes. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining inter-orbital communication, showing a specific example in which a satellite 30 flying in each orbital plane communicates with satellites 30 flying in the other two orbital planes.

[0030] The inter-satellite communication performed when the satellite 30 passes near the intersection of the orbital planes is not a long-distance communication such as the communication between adjacent orbits, but a short-distance communication. Therefore, the inter-satellite communication can be realized by a simple communication device using an omnidirectional antenna or a fixed antenna, for example. In addition, since there are many combinations of nodes that should perform communication required to share satellite information of all orbital planes, each satellite 30 does not need to perform proximity communication at all nodes of the inclined orbit, but only needs to perform proximity communication in the vicinity of each node belonging to a reasonably selected combination of nodes. As a specific example, consider a case where a first ground facility 90 communicates with a second ground facility 90 via a communication satellite system 10. In this case, the rotation of the Earth and the rotation of the orbital plane of the inclined orbit satellite are not synchronized. Therefore, the orbital plane to which the satellite 30 flying above the first ground facility 90 belongs at time T0 is limited. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the rotation of the Earth and the rotation of the orbital plane of the inclined orbit satellite are not synchronized. In FIG. 11, (a) shows a specific example of the state at 06:00, and (b) shows a specific example of the state at 12:00. In FIG. 11, the orbital plane in which the satellite 30 that can communicate with the ground facility 90 flies, that is, the communicable orbital plane, is not necessarily the same at 06:00 and 12:00. Here, the orbital plane flying above the first ground facility 90 at time T0 is called the first orbital plane. Also, the orbital plane flying above the second ground facility 90 at time T0 is called the second orbital plane. When the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane are the same, communication can be performed between the first ground facility 90 and the second ground facility 90 via a ring-shaped communication network. On the other hand, when the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane are different, it is necessary to connect the first ring-shaped communication network formed by the first orbital plane and the second ring-shaped communication network formed by the second orbital plane. Therefore, the first ring-shaped communication network and the second ring-shaped communication network can be connected by communication between the satellites 30 passing near any of the intersections formed by the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane in a planar view. In addition, when the orbital altitude of the first orbital plane and the orbital altitude of the second orbital plane are the same, there is an intersection between the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane. Therefore, communication may be performed between the satellite 30 belonging to the first orbital plane and the satellite 30 belonging to the second orbital plane in the vicinity of any of the intersections formed by the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane. On the other hand, in a case where the orbit of the first orbital plane and the orbit of the second orbital plane are elliptical orbits having eccentricities, as a specific example, communication is performed between the satellite 30 belonging to the first orbital plane and the satellite 30 belonging to the second orbital plane in the vicinity of the closest point of approach between the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane, rather than the intersection between the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane. In other words, the intersection formed by the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane in a plan view may not be the point where the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane actually intersect, such as the closest point of approach between the first orbital plane and the second orbital plane.

[0031] Here, the LEO satellite passes over any ground facility in a short time. In addition, the orbit of the LEO satellite is a sun-asynchronous orbit, that is, the rotation of the orbital plane of the LEO satellite is not synchronized with the rotation of the Earth, so the orbital plane on which the LEO satellite passes over the ground facility changes from moment to moment. Therefore, in order to communicate from one ground facility to another ground facility using the conventional technology, it is necessary to make an operation plan by searching for the orbital plane passing over each of the one ground facility and the other ground facility, searching for a communication route, selecting a satellite to be passed through, and setting the time when each satellite on the communication route transmits and receives information. Therefore, according to the conventional technology, there is a problem that the operation of the communication satellite system becomes complicated. In addition, according to the conventional technology, there is a problem that the ground facility needs to generate a communication command for the satellite based on the operation plan and transmit the generated communication command to the satellite in orbit. According to this operation example, since the longitudinal separation angle of the normal vectors of the first and second orbital planes is known, the position of the intersection between the first and second orbital planes is also known. Therefore, according to this operation example, when the first ground facility 90 communicates with the second ground facility 90 via the communication satellite system 10, it is not necessary to go through many orbital planes by utilizing the known position of the intersection between the first and second orbital planes. Therefore, according to this operation example, it is possible to realize communication between adjacent orbits without complex communication route search. In addition, according to this operation example, it is possible to reduce the load on the ground facilities.

[0032] <Operation Example 2 According to Embodiment 1> This operation example corresponds to an operation example obtained by expanding operation example 1 according to embodiment 1. In this operation example, the total number of orbital planes constituting the multiple orbital planes is 12 or more, and the total number of satellites 30 flying on each of the multiple orbital planes is 15 or more.

[0033] With the advent of supersonic glide missiles, it is no longer possible to deal with flying objects by simply detecting their launch using satellites in geostationary orbit. Therefore, a flying object tracking system using a low-orbit satellite constellation is desired. Surveillance directed toward the edge of the Earth is also called limb surveillance, and limb surveillance allows the spacecraft to be monitored against the background of space. This has the effect of allowing the infrared monitoring device to monitor the body of the spacecraft, whose temperature has risen after the end of the thrust, without being affected by errors. The information on flying objects acquired by low-earth orbit satellites must be transmitted quickly to response assets. As a specific example, a communications satellite system that can transmit satellite information quickly to ground equipment 90 located at 35 degrees north latitude and 140 degrees east longitude has been eagerly awaited.

[0034] According to this operation example, there is an advantage that satellite information can be quickly transmitted to the ground facility 90. In addition, there is an advantage that a communication device between orbital planes having different normal vectors can be realized at a relatively low cost.

[0035] ***Other configurations*** <Variation 1> In this embodiment, the functions of the control unit 711 are realized by software. As a modified example, the functions of the control unit 711 may be realized by hardware. Figure 12 shows this modified example.

[0036] The ground equipment 90 includes an electronic circuit 780 in place of the processor 710 . The electronic circuit 780 is a dedicated electronic circuit that realizes the functions of the control unit 711 . Specifically, the electronic circuit 780 is a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, a logic IC (Integrated Circuit), a GA (Gate Array), an ASIC, or an FPGA. The functions of the control unit 711 may be realized by one electronic circuit, or may be distributed across multiple electronic circuits. As another modification, some of the functions of the control unit 711 may be realized by the electronic circuit 780, and the remaining functions may be realized by software.

[0037] The processor 710, the electronic circuit 780, the main memory device 720, and the auxiliary memory device 730 are collectively referred to as a processing circuitry. That is, in the ground equipment 90, the function of the control unit 711 is realized by the processing circuitry. The ground facilities 90 according to other embodiments may also have the same configuration as this modified example.

[0038] Embodiment 2 The following mainly describes the differences from the above-described embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[0039] ***Configuration Description*** 13 shows a configuration example of an edge computing system 11 according to this embodiment. The edge computing system 11 is composed of a plurality of satellites 30 flying in a target orbital plane, and also includes a main satellite 40. The edge computing system 11 may include any number of main satellites 40. A circular communication network is formed by the satellites 30 and the main satellite 40 in the target orbital plane.

[0040] The satellite 30 according to this embodiment does not necessarily have to include the third communication device.

[0041] The configuration of the main satellite 40 is similar to that of the satellite 30, except that the main satellite 40 includes a computer 41 and an edge server 42. The main satellite 40 may realize the functions of the satellite 30. Each of the calculator 41 and the edge server 42 is a computer. The computer may be the same as the computer provided in the ground facility 90. The calculator 41 and the edge server 42 may be appropriately configured integrally. The computer 41 executes the analysis process based on instructions from the ground equipment 90. At this time, the computer 41 appropriately receives data from the ground equipment 90. The computer 41 also generates a transmission command, which is a command for communicating result information to the ground equipment 90 and is a command for the satellite m. The edge server 42 stores orbital information for the satellites 30 and the main satellite 40 .

[0042] The ground facility 90 is a ground facility constituting a data center or a ground facility owned by a user. A specific example of the user is a customer who has a contract with the operator of the data center.

[0043] ***Explanation of Operation*** <Operation Example 1 According to Embodiment 2> An example of the operation of the edge computing system 11 will be described below. First, the computer 41 generates result information by executing an analysis process. Next, the computer 41 selects a satellite that passes above the ground facility 90 from among the multiple satellites as a satellite m based on the orbit information stored in the edge server 42, and derives the time Tm0 at which the satellite m passes above the ground facility 90. Here, the satellite 30 and the main satellite 40 may be collectively referred to as the "satellite." Next, the main satellite 40 transmits the result information to the satellite m through a circular communication network. Next, the satellite m transmits the result information to the ground equipment 90 at time Tm0.

[0044] In this operation example, the main satellite 40, which is equipped with the edge server 42 and executes edge computing, generates a communication command for the ground facility 90 for the satellite flying on the target orbital plane when transmitting the generated result information to the ground facility 90. After that, the main satellite 40 transmits the generated communication command to the satellite flying on the target orbital plane via the ring communication network. Even if the ground facility 90 is located directly below the target orbital plane, the time when the satellite flying on the target orbital plane passes over the individual ground facility 90 depends on the flying position in the orbital plane. Therefore, the main satellite 40 derives the time Tm0 when the satellite m passes over the individual ground facility 90 based on the satellite orbit information stored in the edge server 42, and also generates a communication command.

[0045] According to this operation example, the main satellite 40 generates communication commands on orbit, which has the effect of reducing the load on the ground, which has traditionally been generated by the main satellite 40, for command generation, command transmission, creation of communication operation plans, and control, at the ground equipment 90. Moreover, according to this operation example, the main satellite 40 is regarded as an IoT (Internet of Things), and the main satellite 40 includes a computer 41 and an edge server 42. Furthermore, each satellite 30 can communicate satellite information with a ground facility 90 constituting a data center via a ring communication network. Therefore, according to this operation example, there is an effect that each satellite 30 and the ground facility 90 can quickly communicate with the edge server 42 included in the main satellite 40. Moreover, according to this operation example, the results of arithmetic processing performed on orbit can be directly transmitted to the user's ground equipment 90. This has the effect of reducing the burden on the ground equipment 90 having a data center.

[0046] Embodiment 3 The following mainly describes the differences from the above-described embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[0047] ***Configuration Description*** The configuration of the edge computing system 11 according to this embodiment corresponds to a combination of the communications satellite system 10 according to embodiment 1 and the edge computing system 11 according to embodiment 2. That is, the edge computing system 11 is made up of a plurality of orbital planes. Among the satellites constituting the edge computing system 11 is a main satellite 40. The main satellite 40 may fly in each of two or more orbital planes. The edge server 42 stores orbital information of each satellite 30 that constitutes the edge computing system 11 and the main satellite 40.

[0048] The computer 41 included in the main satellite 40 generates a command for at least one of transmission and reception. The computer 41 may search for a communication route in communication between the main satellite 40 and each satellite including an information collecting device, using an inference model that has learned the relationship between the arrangement of the satellites in the edge computing system 11 and the communication route in communication between the satellites that constitute the edge computing system 11, and information indicating the arrangement of the multiple satellites that constitute the edge computing system 11. The computer 41 may predict the movement route of the target moving object, using an inference model that has learned the relationship between the information of the moving object collected by the information collecting device and the movement route of the moving object corresponding to the information collected by the information collecting device, and the target moving object information. Here, the information collecting device is a device that collects information outside the satellite. The target moving object information is information collected by the information collecting device and is information about the target moving object. The target moving object is a moving object. The main satellite 40 is a satellite that flies in the orbital plane in which the main satellite 40 flies, and transmits command signals to satellites that pass near the intersection of that orbital plane with other orbital planes via a circular communication network formed in the orbital plane in which the main satellite 40 flies.

[0049] ***Explanation of Operation*** <Operation Example 1 According to Embodiment 3> 14 is a diagram for explaining this operation example. This operation example will be explained with reference to FIG. First, the computer 41 generates result information by executing an analysis process. Next, the computer 41 selects an orbital plane that passes over the ground facility 90 from among the multiple orbital planes other than the main satellite orbital plane based on the orbit information stored in the edge server 42 as an overflight orbital plane. Here, the main satellite orbital plane is the orbital plane on which the main satellite 40 including the computer 41 is flying. After that, the computer 41 derives an overflight time that is the time when the overflight orbital plane passes over the ground facility 90. Note that the overflight time may be a certain time period. Next, the computer 41 derives the position of a target intersection, which is an intersection formed in a planar view by the main satellite orbital plane and the overhead passing orbital plane, based on the orbital information stored in the edge server 42. Next, the main satellite 40 shares the result information with other satellites flying in the main satellite orbital plane through a circular communication network formed in the main satellite orbital plane. Next, the first communication satellite transmits the result information to the second communication satellite in the vicinity of the target node, where the first communication satellite is one of the multiple satellites flying in the primary satellite orbital plane, and the second communication satellite is one of the multiple satellites flying in the overhead passing orbital plane. Next, the second communication satellite transmits the result information to the third communication satellite through a circular communication network formed in the overhead passing orbital plane. Here, the third communication satellite is a satellite flying in the orbital plane and passing over the ground facility at the overhead passing time. Note that the second communication satellite and the third communication satellite may be the same satellite, in which case the second communication satellite does not transmit the result information to the third communication satellite. Next, the third communications satellite transmits the result information to the ground facility 90 at the time of passing overhead.

[0050] In this operation example, the rotation of the orbital planes around the Earth is not synchronized with the rotation of the Earth, so the time during which a satellite in a particular orbital plane passes over a particular ground facility 90 is limited. Therefore, by providing a plurality of orbital planes in which the longitudinal components of the normal vectors are dispersed, the orbital planes passing over any ground facility 90 are increased, thereby increasing the time during which any ground facility 90 can communicate with any satellite. If the edge computing system 11 has a sufficient number of orbital planes and a sufficient number of satellites so that any ground facility 90 can communicate with any satellite in any orbital plane at any time, a constant communication environment is created. In this case, in order to transmit the result information generated by the main satellite 40 in a specific orbital plane to any ground facility 90, the result information is transmitted to a satellite in an orbital plane passing above the ground facility 90 at a specific time, and the satellite passing above the ground facility 90 transmits the result information to the ground facility 90.

[0051] <Operation Example 2 According to Embodiment 3> This operation example corresponds to an extension of operation example 1 according to the third embodiment. In this operation example, the first communication satellite transmits the result information to the second communication satellite in the vicinity of the target node when the traveling direction of the first communication satellite at the target node is closer to the target direction than the traveling direction of the second communication satellite at the target node. The target direction is, for example, north.

[0052] In an edge computing system 11 having a main satellite 40 for each orbital plane, it is necessary to determine the timing for sending and receiving result information and the satellites from which to send and receive it by prioritizing the orbital planes or by prioritizing the orbital planes depending on the relative orbital positions. In the vicinity of the two intersection points formed at the orbital altitude on the intersection line of two orbital planes having an orbital inclination angle, a satellite moving north from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere and a satellite moving south from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere pass by. Therefore, as an example, if the satellite moving north from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere becomes the transmitting side and the satellite moving south from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere becomes the receiving side, a system can be constructed in which the satellite 30 moving north has priority. In this case, the direction of travel of the satellite moving north is closer to the north than the direction of travel of the satellite moving south. Note that the transmitting side and the receiving side may be reversed. In addition, if the satellite flying on both of the two orbital planes in the vicinity of the intersection is a satellite moving north or south, it is necessary to note that the orbital inclination angles of the two orbital planes are different from each other.

[0053] <Operation Example 3 According to Embodiment 3> This operation example corresponds to an extension of any of the operation examples described above according to the third embodiment. In this operation example, a priority order regarding the transmission order is set for each of the multiple orbital planes.

[0054] The premise of this operation example will be described. A main satellite 40 flies on each of orbital planes α and β, which are orbital planes constituting a plurality of orbital planes. A computer 41 included in the main satellite 40 flying on the orbital plane α generates result information αR as result information. A computer 41 included in the main satellite 40 flying on the orbital plane β generates result information βR as result information. Any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α transmits the result information αR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β. Any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β transmits the result information βR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α. First, an operation will be described in the case where the priority set for the orbital plane α is higher than the priority set for the orbital plane β. In this case, before any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β transmits the result information βR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α, any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α transmits the result information αR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β. Next, an operation will be described in the case where the priority set for the orbital plane α is lower than the priority set for the orbital plane β. In this case, after any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β transmits the result information βR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α, any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α transmits the result information αR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β.

[0055] By determining the priority of the orbital planes in advance, the default priority of communication when a satellite passes near the intersection of the orbital planes is determined. However, the result information generated by the main satellite 40 flying on an orbital plane with a relatively low priority may be transmitted via an orbital plane with a relatively high priority. Therefore, when transmitting data from a satellite flying on an orbital plane with a relatively high priority to a satellite flying on an orbital plane with a relatively low priority, it is reasonable for both satellites to share the communication procedure between the orbital planes.

[0056] <Operation Example 4 According to Embodiment 3> This operation example corresponds to an extension of any of the operation examples described above according to the third embodiment. In this operation example, when multiple main satellites 40 fly in the orbital plane that constitutes the edge computing system 11, a priority order regarding the transmission order is set for each of the multiple main satellites 40.

[0057] In an edge computing system 11 in which multiple main satellites 40 equipped with at least one of an edge server 42 and a computer 41 equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligence) are present in the same orbital plane, there is a risk of disruption of the communication network if each main satellite 40 communicates with a satellite flying in another orbital plane without cooperation. Therefore, a priority order between the main satellites 40 is determined in advance for each orbital plane, and when inter-orbital communication between the multiple main satellites 40 and a specific orbital plane overlaps, the main satellite 40 that is set with a relatively high priority among the multiple main satellites 40 may manage the transmission of result information of the other main satellites 40 in the same orbital plane as well. By having the main satellite 40, which is set to a relatively high priority, execute the above-mentioned process, there is an advantage in that it is possible to avoid disruptions to the communication network.

[0058] <Operation Example 5 According to Embodiment 3> This operation example corresponds to an extension of any of the operation examples described above according to the third embodiment. In this operation example, any of the satellites constituting the edge computing system 11 is equipped with an information collection device. Here, the information collection device equipped on the satellite is an image information collection device, a radio wave information collection device, or a space environment monitor information collection device. The image information collection device is an optical monitoring device that acquires visible images, a synthetic aperture radar that acquires radio wave images, or an infrared monitoring device that visualizes temperature information.

[0059] <Operation Example 6 According to Embodiment 3> This operation example corresponds to an extended operation example of operation example 5 according to the third embodiment. In this operation example, each of the two or more satellites that make up the edge computing system 11 is equipped with an information collection device. The edge server 42 stores a flight path model. The flight path model is used to estimate the flight path of a flying object, which is a moving object. The flight path of a flying object corresponds to the movement path of the moving object. The information gathering device is an infrared monitoring device and generates flying object detection information. The flying object detection information indicates the result of detecting a flying object. Each satellite equipped with an information gathering device shares flying object detection information with each satellite equipped with an information gathering device and the main satellite 40 by communication through a circular communication network formed on each of the multiple orbital planes and by communication in the vicinity of an intersection formed by two different orbital planes of the multiple orbital planes in a planar view. The computer 41 predicts the flight path of the flying object using the flying object detection information and a flight path model stored in the edge server 42, and generates an information acquisition command. The information acquisition command is a command to a satellite equipped with an information collection device, and is a command to instruct the satellite to acquire information about the flying object. The main satellite 40 transmits information acquisition commands to each satellite equipped with an information collection device by communication through a circular communication network formed on each of the multiple orbital planes and by communication in the vicinity of an intersection formed by two different orbital planes of the multiple orbital planes in a planar view.

[0060] The edge computing system 11 may execute the process of the above-described operation example using machine learning. Machine learning will be described below. Machine learning can be divided into supervised learning, in which the learning is optimized by inputting a teacher signal (correct answer), and unsupervised learning, which does not require a teacher signal. As a specific example, by generating an inference model by learning in advance the type of flying object, the type of propellant, and a number of typical flight models as teacher models, inference using actual measurement data of a flying object whose launch has been detected by an information collection device and whose trajectory information has been acquired becomes relatively easy and quick. Here, the computer 41 uses the inference model to predict the flight path of the flying object and estimate the landing position of the flying object. However, in order to predict the flight path of a flying object whose flight direction is unknown at the stage of detecting the launch, it is necessary to track and monitor the flying object by a following monitoring satellite. Here, the monitoring satellite is a satellite equipped with an information gathering device. Therefore, in order to transmit the launch detection information to the following monitoring satellite, the launch detection information needs to pass through a communication network formed by a group of communication satellites. Here, in a communication network based on a communication satellite constellation, the flight position of the communication satellite changes from moment to moment. Therefore, the monitoring satellite needs to search for the optimal communication route and determine the ID (Identification) of the communication satellite that will exchange the flying object information and the time to exchange the launch detection information. This is also true for the exchange of flying object information between a monitoring satellite and a communication satellite. Note that the monitoring satellite may also have the function of a communication satellite. When the search for the optimal communication route is performed by the ground facility 90, it is necessary to transmit information indicating the time for sending and receiving the flying object information and the satellite ID to each of the monitoring satellite and the communication satellite as a command. However, in this case, the communication network for transmitting the command becomes an issue. Therefore, it is reasonable for the main satellite 40 to have an analysis device using machine learning, search for an optimal communication route in orbit, generate a communication command, and transmit the generated communication command to each satellite that composes the searched optimal communication route. The analysis device is typically a computer 41. As a method for searching for an optimal communication route, a method using an algorithm known as the Dijkstra algorithm is effective. In the static Dijkstra algorithm, the weight of each route does not change. However, in a communication network formed by a communication satellite constellation, the weight of each communication route changes due to a change in the flight position of the communication satellite, that is, the weight of each communication route changes according to a change in time. Therefore, for each communication satellite that searches for an optimal communication route while updating the orbit information, the communication satellite that receives the flight object information may search for an optimal communication route and transmit the flight object information to the next communication satellite. That is, each satellite 30 may be equipped with a computer 41. In addition, the computer 41 may generate an inference model that infers an optimal communication route by inputting information indicating the satellite at the start point and the satellite at the end point of communication and information indicating the satellite arrangement in the edge computing system 11 based on the optimal communication route previously searched and the arrangement of the satellite at the time of searching for the optimal communication route.

[0061] In addition, there are known methods for route search, namely breadth-first search and depth-first search. For launch detection information, a breadth-first search is used to prioritize the rapid transmission of flying object information to the communication network, and tracking is repeated by subsequent satellites. However, at the stage where the flying direction of the flying object can be roughly estimated, it is reasonable to perform a depth-first search.

[0062] In the flying object tracking system, the flying object is tracked and monitored by repeating the flight path prediction using the above-mentioned machine learning and the search for communication routes using the Dijkstra algorithm, and the final landing position of the flying object is inferred.

[0063] Furthermore, as a specific example, the computer 41 generates an inference model by performing machine learning using the results of tracking and monitoring the flying object in the past after repeatedly tracking and monitoring the flying object, and by performing deep learning using the operation examples of the flying object that do not match the multiple flying object models used as the teacher model. Here, the results of tracking and monitoring the flying object are composed of information collected by the information collecting device and information indicating the flight path of the flying object. This realizes improved prediction accuracy and faster prediction in predicting the flight path of the flying object.

[0064] In addition, the flight direction and flight distance of a projectile launched not from a fixed launch pad but from a mobile launch pad (TEL) or the like differ from the flight direction and flight distance of a projectile indicated by a typical flight model. Therefore, it is effective to correct the trajectory model of the projectile by performing deep learning using actual measurement data of the projectile.

[0065] According to this operation example, there is an effect that satellite information can be quickly shared between satellites. Note that the edge computing system 11 according to this operation example may be configured to transmit information obtained by infrared monitoring on orbit by edge computing in order to track a flying object called a supersonic gliding missile to another satellite equipped with an infrared monitoring device.

[0066] <Operation Example 7 According to Embodiment 3> This operation example corresponds to an extended version of operation example 5 or operation example 6 according to the third embodiment. In this operation example, the information gathering device is a synthetic aperture radar or an optical monitoring device, and has a function of tracking and monitoring a moving object, which is specifically a ship.

[0067] According to this operation example, when tracking a ship sailing on the ocean using a synthetic aperture radar or an optical monitoring device, by sharing monitoring information between different orbits, it is possible to track the ship quickly and with a low risk of losing sight of it.

[0068] ***Other embodiments*** The above-described embodiments may be freely combined, or any of the components in each embodiment may be modified, or any of the components in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, the embodiments are not limited to those shown in the first to third embodiments, and various modifications are possible as necessary. The procedures described using the drawings and the like may be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10 communications satellite system, 11 edge computing system, 20 satellite constellation, 30 satellite, 31 satellite control device, 32 communications device, 33 propulsion device, 34 attitude control device, 35 power supply device, 40 main satellite, 41 computer, 42 edge server, 90 ground equipment, 91 satellite control device, 710 processor, 711 control unit, 720 main memory device, 730 auxiliary memory device, 740 input interface, 750 output interface, 760 communications interface, 770 signal line, 780 electronic circuit, 810 ground communication device.

Claims

1. A communications satellite system comprising a plurality of orbital planes, Azimuth components of normal vectors to each of the plurality of orbital planes are dispersed in a longitude direction; Each of the plurality of orbital planes is a target orbital plane, the target orbital plane is an orbital plane corresponding to an inclined orbit, and a plurality of satellites fly on the target orbital plane; Each satellite flying in the target orbital plane is regarded as a target satellite, and the target satellite is a satellite flying in the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying, and the target satellite comprises a first communication device that communicates with satellites located in front and behind the target satellite in the direction of travel, a second communication device that communicates with ground equipment installed on the ground, and a third communication device that communicates with a satellite flying in the other orbital plane in the vicinity of an intersection formed in a plan view between the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying and another orbital plane that is different from the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying, A communications satellite system in which a plurality of satellites flying in the target orbital plane form a circular communications network in the target orbital plane.

2. A first receiving satellite, which is a satellite flying in a first orbital plane that passes above a first ground facility and is one of the orbital planes constituting the plurality of orbital planes, receives communication data, which is data transmitted by the first ground facility, in the orbit of the first ground facility; the first receiving satellite shares the communication data with other satellites flying in the first orbital plane through a circular communication network formed in the first orbital plane; Any one of the plurality of satellites flying in the first orbital plane transmits the communication data to a second receiving satellite, which is a satellite flying in the second orbital plane, in the vicinity of an intersection formed in a plan view by the first orbital plane and a second orbital plane, which is an orbital plane passing above a second ground facility and is any orbital plane other than the first orbital plane among the orbital planes constituting the plurality of orbital planes, the second receiving satellite shares the communication data with other satellites flying in the second orbital plane through a circular communication network formed in the second orbital plane; 2. The communications satellite system of claim 1, wherein any one of a plurality of satellites flying in the second orbital plane transmits the communications data to the second ground facility above the second ground facility.

3. 3. The communications satellite system according to claim 1, wherein a total number of orbital planes constituting said plurality of orbital planes is 12 or more, and a total number of satellites flying in said target orbital planes is 15 or more.

4. An edge computing system consisting of a plurality of satellites flying in a target orbital plane, Each of the plurality of satellites is a target satellite, and the target satellite is a satellite flying in the target orbital plane, and includes a first communication device that communicates with satellites located in front and behind the target satellite in the direction of travel, a second communication device that communicates with ground equipment installed on the ground, and a third communication device that communicates with a satellite flying in the other orbital plane near an intersection formed in a plan view by the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying and another orbital plane that is different from the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying, the plurality of satellites form a circular communication network, any one of the plurality of satellites is a primary satellite having a computer and an edge server storing orbital information of each of the plurality of satellites; The computer includes: Generate result information by executing an analysis process; Based on the orbit information stored in the edge server, a satellite passing above the ground facility is selected as a satellite m from among the plurality of satellites, and a time Tm0 at which the satellite m passes above the ground facility is derived; The main satellite transmits the result information to the satellite m through the ring communication network; The satellite m transmits the result information to the ground equipment at the time Tm0.

5. An edge computing system comprising a plurality of track surfaces, Azimuth components of normal vectors to each of the plurality of orbital planes are dispersed in a longitude direction; Each of the plurality of orbital planes is a target orbital plane, the target orbital plane is an orbital plane corresponding to an inclined orbit, and a plurality of satellites fly on the target orbital plane; Each satellite flying in the target orbital plane is regarded as a target satellite, and the target satellite is a satellite flying in the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying, and the target satellite comprises a first communication device that communicates with satellites located in front and behind the target satellite in the direction of travel, a second communication device that communicates with ground equipment installed on the ground, and a third communication device that communicates with a satellite flying in the other orbital plane in the vicinity of an intersection formed in a plan view between the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying and another orbital plane that is different from the orbital plane in which the target satellite is flying, In the target orbital plane, a plurality of satellites flying in the target orbital plane form a circular communication network, Among the satellites constituting the edge computing system, there is a main satellite having a computer and an edge server storing orbital information of each satellite constituting the edge computing system, The computer includes: Generate result information by executing an analysis process; Based on the orbit information stored in the edge server, select an orbital plane that passes over the ground facility from among the plurality of orbital planes other than a main satellite orbital plane, which is an orbital plane in which a main satellite having the computer is flying, as an overflight orbital plane, and derive an overflight time, which is the time when the overflight orbital plane passes over the ground facility; Deriving a position of a target intersection, which is an intersection formed by the main satellite orbital plane and the overhead passing orbital plane in a planar view, based on the orbit information stored in the edge server; the main satellite shares the result information with other satellites flying in the main satellite orbital plane through a circular communication network formed on the main satellite orbital plane; a first communication satellite, which is one of a plurality of satellites flying in the primary satellite orbital plane, transmits the result information to a second communication satellite, which is one of a plurality of satellites flying in the overhead passing orbital plane, in the vicinity of the target node; the second communication satellite transmits the result information to a third communication satellite that is a satellite flying in the orbital plane and passes over the ground facility at the above-mentioned overflight time, through a circular communication network formed in the above-flight orbital plane; The third communication satellite is an edge computing system that transmits the result information to the ground equipment at the time of passing overhead.

6. The edge computing system of claim 5, wherein the first communication satellite transmits the result information to the second communication satellite in the vicinity of the target node when the direction of travel of the first communication satellite at the target node is closer to the target direction than the direction of travel of the second communication satellite at the target node.

7. A priority order regarding a transmission order is set for each of the plurality of orbital planes; When the main satellite flies on each of orbital planes α and β, which are orbital planes that constitute the multiple orbital planes, a computer possessed by the main satellite flying on the orbital plane α generates result information αR as result information, a computer possessed by the main satellite flying on the orbital plane β generates result information βR as result information, any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α transmits the result information αR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β, and any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β transmits the result information βR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α, When the priority level set for the orbital plane α is higher than the priority level set for the orbital plane β, before any one of the plurality of satellites flying on the orbital plane β transmits the result information βR to any one of the plurality of satellites flying on the orbital plane α, any one of the plurality of satellites flying on the orbital plane α transmits the result information αR to any one of the plurality of satellites flying on the orbital plane β, The edge computing system of claim 5, wherein, when the priority set for the orbital plane α is lower than the priority set for the orbital plane β, any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β transmits the result information βR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α, and then any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane α transmits the result information αR to any one of the multiple satellites flying on the orbital plane β.

8. 8. The edge computing system according to claim 5, wherein when a plurality of main satellites are flying in an orbital plane constituting the edge computing system, a priority order regarding a transmission order is set for each of the plurality of main satellites.

9. A computer included in the main satellite generates command information for transmission or reception, The edge computing system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the main satellite is a satellite flying in an orbital plane in which the main satellite is flying, and transmits the command to a satellite passing near the target node via a circular communication network formed in the orbital plane in which the main satellite is flying.

10. The edge computing system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein any one of the satellites constituting the edge computing system is equipped with an information collection device that collects information outside the satellite.

11. Each of the two or more satellites constituting the edge computing system is equipped with the information collection device, The edge server stores a trajectory model; The information collection device is an infrared monitoring device, and generates flying object detection information indicating the result of detecting a flying object, which is a moving object; each satellite equipped with the information collection device shares the flying object detection information with other satellites equipped with the information collection device and the main satellite by communication through a circular communication network formed on each of the plurality of orbital planes and communication in the vicinity of an intersection formed by two different orbital planes of the plurality of orbital planes in a planar view; The computer includes: predicting a flight path of the flying object using the flying object detection information and a flight path model stored in the edge server, and generating an information acquisition command which is a command for a satellite equipped with the information collection device and which instructs the satellite to acquire information about the flying object; 11. The edge computing system of claim 10, wherein the main satellite transmits the information acquisition command to each satellite equipped with the information collection device by communication through a circular communication network formed on each of the plurality of orbital planes and communication in the vicinity of an intersection formed by two different orbital planes of the plurality of orbital planes in a planar view.

12. The edge computing system according to claim 10 , wherein the information collection device is a synthetic aperture radar or an optical monitoring device and has a function of tracking and monitoring a moving object.

13. The edge computing system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the computer searches for communication routes between the main satellite and each satellite equipped with the information collection device, using an inference model that has learned the relationship between the arrangement of satellites in the edge computing system and communication routes between the satellites that constitute the edge computing system, and information indicating the arrangement of the multiple satellites.

14. The edge computing system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the computer predicts the movement path of a target moving object using an inference model that learns the relationship between the information of the moving object collected by the information collection device and the movement path of the moving object corresponding to the information collected by the information collection device, and target moving object information that is information collected by the information collection device about a target moving object that is a moving moving object.

15. A main satellite according to any one of claims 4 to 14.

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