Hybrid constellation, hybrid constellation formation method, ground system, and mission satellite

Abstract

To achieve information on a mission device for executing mission other than communication via annular communication network in real time at low cost.SOLUTION: A hybrid constellation 20B formed in a Low Earth Orbit includes a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites having a communication device communicating with precedent and following satellites in a travel direction on the same orbital plane form annular communication network 702, and a mission satellite 30b which has a communication device communicating with the precedent and following satellites, and a mission device for executing various missions. The mission satellite 30b flies between the plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation, the hybrid constellation 20b is formed by reconstruction of the annular communication network 702 using a plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation forming the annular communication network 702 and the mission satellite 30b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hybrid constellation for a surveillance system, a method for forming a hybrid constellation, a satellite information transmission system, a ground system, a mission satellite, and a ground facility. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the emergence of flying objects that glide at supersonic speeds, there are high expectations for satellite-based monitoring, such as detecting the launch of flying objects, tracking their flight paths, and predicting their landing positions. One promising method for detecting and tracking a flying object during the gliding phase is to use infrared light to detect the temperature rise caused by atmospheric friction as the object enters the atmosphere. Another promising method for detecting a flying object during the gliding phase using infrared light is monitoring it from a constellation of low-earth orbiting satellites.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring satellite for comprehensively monitoring an area at a specific latitude on the entire Earth's surface using a small number of satellites orbiting in low orbit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4946398 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In monitoring from low orbit, the distance between the satellite and the flying object is shorter than in monitoring from geostationary orbit. This makes it possible to improve infrared detection performance. However, monitoring from low orbit requires a large number of satellites to maintain constant monitoring. In the United States, the realization of a system using a constellation of hundreds to over a thousand satellites is being considered. However, large-scale systems with multiple aircraft have the problem of large costs.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to enable a satellite constellation to be realized at low cost to achieve a desired purpose in a surveillance system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The hybrid constellation formed in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) according to the present disclosure includes: a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites, each equipped with a communication device for communicating with satellites in front and behind the satellite in the same orbital plane, form a circular communication network; A mission satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the preceding and succeeding satellites and a mission device for executing a mission. A hybrid constellation comprising: the mission satellite flies among a plurality of satellites forming the communications constellation; The hybrid constellation is formed by reconstructing the circular communication network using the mission satellite and a plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The hybrid constellation formed in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) according to the present disclosure includes a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites equipped with communication devices for communicating with satellites in front and behind in the direction of travel of the same orbital plane form a circular communication network, and a mission satellite equipped with communication devices for communicating with satellites in front and behind and equipped with mission devices for executing missions, the mission satellite flies between the plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation, and the circular communication network is reconstructed using the mission satellite and the plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation. Therefore, there is an effect that information of the mission device performing a mission other than communication can be transmitted in real time via the circular communication network, and there is an effect that the hybrid constellation can be realized at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] An example of a satellite constellation with multiple intersecting orbital planes outside the polar regions. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a satellite constellation forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 shows an example of the configuration of a satellite in a satellite constellation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 shows another example of the configuration of satellites in the satellite constellation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 shows an example of the configuration of ground equipment included in the satellite constellation forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 shows an example of a functional configuration of a satellite constellation forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows a configuration example of a first example of a satellite constellation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 shows an example in which satellites flying around the same orbital plane according to the first embodiment communicate with each other using a first communication device. [Figure 9] 10 shows an example in which satellites flying in adjacent orbits according to the first embodiment communicate with each other using a second communication device. [Figure 10] 10 shows a configuration example of a second example of a satellite constellation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 shows a configuration example of a third example of a satellite constellation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 shows a configuration example of a fourth example of a satellite constellation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 shows an example of a mesh communication network of a satellite constellation according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 shows an example of a flying object countermeasure system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 shows an example of an information collection system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 shows an example of a satellite information transmission system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a hybrid constellation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is an example of a hybrid constellation according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] 13A to 13C show examples 8 to 14 of hybrid constellations according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 15 shows an example 15 of a hybrid constellation according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example 16 of ground equipment that communicates with a hybrid constellation according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a synchronization control method according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of a synchronization control method according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. In the description of the embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. In addition, the size relationships of the components in the following drawings may differ from the actual size relationships. 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 used merely for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement or orientation of components such as devices, instruments, or parts.

[0011] Embodiment 1 An example of a satellite constellation 20 according to the following embodiment will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an example of a satellite constellation 20 having multiple orbital planes 21 that intersect outside the polar regions. 1, multiple satellites 30 fly at the same altitude in the same orbital plane. The satellites 30 are also called artificial satellites. In the satellite constellation 20 of FIG. 1, the orbital planes 21 of the multiple orbital planes do not have an inclination angle of approximately 90 degrees, and the orbital planes 21 of the multiple orbital planes exist on different planes. In the satellite constellation 20 of FIG. 1, any two orbital planes intersect at a point other than the polar regions. As shown in FIG. 1, the intersection of multiple orbital planes with an inclination angle greater than 90 degrees moves away from the polar regions depending on the orbital inclination angle. Furthermore, depending on the combination of orbital planes, the orbital planes may intersect at various positions, including near the equator. In addition to the satellite constellation 20 of FIG. 1, there are also satellite constellations with multiple orbital planes each having an inclination angle of approximately 90 degrees, and multiple orbital planes intersecting near the polar regions.

[0013] 2 to 6, an example of a satellite 30 and a ground facility 700 in a satellite constellation forming system 600 that forms the satellite constellation 20 will be described. The satellite constellation forming system 600 may be simply referred to as a satellite constellation, a communication constellation, or a hybrid constellation.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a satellite constellation forming system 600. The satellite constellation forming system 600 includes a computer. While Fig. 2 shows the configuration of one computer, in reality, a computer is provided for each of the multiple satellites 30 that make up the satellite constellation 20 and for each of the ground facilities 700 that communicate with the satellites 30. The computers provided for each of the multiple satellites 30 and for each of the ground facilities 700 that communicate with the satellites 30 work together to realize the functions of the satellite constellation forming system 600. An example of the configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of the satellite constellation forming system 600 will be described below.

[0015] The satellite constellation forming system 600 includes a satellite 30 and a ground facility 700. The satellite 30 includes a communication device 32 that communicates with a communication device 950 of the ground facility 700. In Fig. 2, the communication device 32 is illustrated as one of the components included in the satellite 30.

[0016] The satellite constellation forming system 600 includes a processor 910, as well as other hardware such as a memory 921, an auxiliary storage device 922, an input interface 930, an output interface 940, and a communication device 950. The processor 910 is connected to the other hardware via signal lines and controls the other hardware.

[0017] The satellite constellation forming system 600 includes, as a functional element, a satellite constellation forming unit 11. The functions of the satellite constellation forming unit 11 are realized by hardware or software. The satellite constellation forming unit 11 controls the formation of the satellite constellation 20 while communicating with the satellites 30 .

[0018] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a satellite 30 in a satellite constellation forming system 600. The satellite 30 comprises 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 may also comprise other components that realize various other functions, but Fig. 6 will explain only the satellite control device 31, the communication device 32, the propulsion device 33, the attitude control device 34, and the power supply device 35.

[0019] The satellite control device 31 is a computer that controls the propulsion devices 33 and the attitude control device 34, and includes a processing circuit. Specifically, the satellite control device 31 controls the propulsion devices 33 and the attitude control device 34 in accordance with various commands transmitted from the ground facility 700. The communication device 32 is a device that communicates with the ground facility 700. Alternatively, the communication device 32 is a device that communicates with satellites 30 before and after it in the same orbital plane, or with satellites 30 in adjacent orbital planes. Specifically, the communication device 32 transmits various data related to its own satellite to the ground facility 700 or other satellites 30. The communication device 32 also receives various commands transmitted from the ground facility 700. The propulsion device 33 is a device that provides thrust to the satellite 30, changing 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, its angular velocity, and 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 from the attitude sensor or various commands from the ground equipment 700. The power supply unit 35 includes devices such as solar cells, batteries, and a power control device, and supplies power to each device mounted on the satellite 30.

[0020] The processing circuitry provided in the satellite control device 31 will now be described. The processing circuitry may be dedicated hardware or may be 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, i.e., the processing circuit may be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The dedicated hardware may specifically be a single circuit, a complex circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit, and FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows another example of the configuration of the satellites 30 of the satellite constellation forming system 600. The satellite 30 in FIG. 4 includes a monitoring device 36 in addition to the configuration in FIG. The monitoring device 36 is a device for monitoring objects. Specifically, the monitoring device 36 is a device for monitoring or observing objects such as space objects, flying objects, or land, sea, and air mobile objects. The monitoring device 36 is also called an observation device. For example, the monitoring device 36 is an infrared monitoring device that uses infrared rays to detect the temperature rise caused by atmospheric friction when the projectile enters the atmosphere. The monitoring device 36 detects the temperature of the plume or the projectile body when the projectile is launched. Alternatively, the monitoring device 36 may be an information gathering device using optical waves or radio waves. The monitoring device 36 may be a device that detects objects using an optical system. The monitoring device 36 uses an optical system to photograph objects flying at an altitude different from the orbital altitude of the observation satellite. Specifically, the monitoring device 36 may be a visible optical sensor.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the ground equipment 700 provided in the satellite constellation forming system 600. The ground equipment 700 controls the programs of multiple satellites in all orbital planes. The ground equipment 700 is also called a ground device or a ground system. The ground equipment is composed of a ground station such as a ground antenna device, a communication device connected to the ground antenna device, or a computer, and ground equipment as a server or terminal connected to the ground station via a network. The ground equipment may also include a communication device mounted on a moving object such as an aircraft, a self-propelled vehicle, or a mobile terminal.

[0023] The ground system operates and controls the satellite constellation, the flying object countermeasure system, the information collection system, the satellite information transmission system, or the hybrid constellation described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] The ground equipment 700 forms the satellite constellation 20 by communicating with each satellite 30. The ground equipment 700 includes a processor 910 as well as other hardware such as a memory 921, an auxiliary storage device 922, an input interface 930, an output interface 940, and a communication device 950. The processor 910 is connected to the other hardware via signal lines and controls the other hardware.

[0025] The ground facility 700 includes, as functional elements, an orbit control command generation unit 510 and an analysis and prediction unit 520. The functions of the orbit control command generation unit 510 and the analysis and prediction unit 520 are realized by hardware or software.

[0026] The communication device 950 transmits and receives signals for tracking and controlling each satellite 30 in the satellite group that makes up the satellite constellation 20. The communication device 950 also transmits orbital maneuver commands 55 to each satellite 30. The analysis and prediction unit 520 analyzes and predicts the orbit of the satellite 30 . The orbital control command generator 510 generates the orbital control command 55 to be transmitted to the satellite 30 . The orbit control command generation unit 510 and the analysis prediction unit 520 implement the functions of the satellite constellation formation unit 11. That is, the orbit control command generation unit 510 and the analysis prediction unit 520 are an example of the satellite constellation formation unit 11.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a satellite constellation forming system 600. The satellite 30 further includes a satellite constellation forming unit 11b that forms the satellite constellation 20. The satellite constellation forming unit 11b of each satellite 30 of the multiple satellites and the satellite constellation forming unit 11 provided in each of the ground facilities 700 work together to realize the functions of the satellite constellation forming system 600. The satellite constellation forming unit 11b of the satellite 30 may be provided in the satellite control device 31.

[0028] ***Explanation of the satellite constellation configuration and effects*** Next, an example of the satellite constellation 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the communication or monitoring devices provided on each satellite 30, from the first satellite 301 to the fifth satellite 305. However, the use of the same reference numerals is for the purpose of simplifying the explanation of the functions, and in reality, each satellite is provided with separate devices. Also, the first satellite 301, the second satellite 302, the third satellite 303, the fourth satellite 304, and the fifth satellite 305 described below are examples of satellites 30.

[0029] <Example 1 of Satellite Constellation 20: Satellite Constellation 201> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a satellite constellation 201 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 201 is a first example of the satellite constellation 20 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 201 is formed by a satellite constellation forming system 600, for example.

[0030] The satellite constellation 201 is formed by a first satellite 301 , a second satellite 302 , a third satellite 303 , and a fourth satellite 304 .

[0031] The first satellite 301 comprises a first communication device 501 , a second communication device 502 and a third communication device 503 .

[0032] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which satellites flying around the same orbital plane according to this embodiment communicate with each other using a first communication device 501. 7 and 8, the first communication device 501 communicates with satellites flying before and after the satellite 30 in the same orbital plane. Specifically, the first communication device 501 of the satellite 30 forms a bidirectional communication link 71 with the first communication device 501 provided in the satellite flying before and after the satellite 30 in the same orbital plane. By forming the communication link 71, the satellites flying before and after the satellite 30 in the same orbital plane can communicate with each other in the same orbital plane.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which satellites flying in adjacent orbits according to this embodiment communicate with each other via second communication device 502. In FIG. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the second communication device 502 communicates with a satellite flying in an adjacent orbit. Specifically, the second communication device 502 of the satellite 30 forms a bidirectional communication link 72 with the second communication device 502 included in the satellite flying in the adjacent orbit. In Figure 9, the second communication device 502 of the satellite 30 forms a bidirectional communication link 72 with the second communication device 502 included in the satellite flying in each of the adjacent orbits on the eastern and western sides. By forming the communication link 72, bidirectional communication with the satellite flying in the adjacent orbit becomes possible.

[0034] The third communication device 503 communicates with ground facilities 800 or land, sea, and air mobile bodies 801. The ground facilities 800 include the ground facilities 700 of the satellite constellation forming system 600. The ground facilities 800 also include ground facilities, ground devices, or ground equipment equipped with communication devices that communicate various types of information with the satellites 30. The land, sea, and air mobile bodies 801 also include various types of mobile bodies used on Earth. Specifically, these include mobile bodies such as vehicles, ships, submarines, and air vehicles equipped with communication devices that communicate various types of information with the satellites 30.

[0035] The second satellite 302 includes a first communication device 501, a second communication device 502, a third communication device 503, and a monitoring device 36. The functions of the first communication device 501, the second communication device 502 and the third communication device 503 are the same as those provided in the first satellite 301, as described above. As described above, the monitoring device 36 is a device for monitoring objects such as space objects, flying objects, or land, sea, and air mobile objects.

[0036] The third satellite 303 includes a first communication device 501, a third communication device 503 and a monitoring device 36. The functions of the first communication device 501, the third communication device 503 and the monitoring device 36 are the same as those provided on the first satellite 301 or the second satellite 302, as described above.

[0037] The fourth satellite 304 comprises a first communication device 501 and a third communication device 503 . The functions of the first communication device 501 and the third communication device 503 are the same as those provided in the first satellite 301, as described above.

[0038] In the satellite constellation 201, a plurality of first satellites 301, a plurality of second satellites 302, a plurality of third satellites 303, and a plurality of fourth satellites 304 fly at the same altitude in the same orbital plane. The satellites 30 flying in a circular pattern form a bidirectional communication link using the first communication device 501, thereby forming a circular communication network 702. The bidirectional communication link is also called a communication crosslink.

[0039] In the satellite constellation 201, six or more satellites in the same orbital plane can form a circular communications network by establishing communication crosslinks with the satellites before and after them. The first satellite 301 to the fourth satellite 304 differ in function and cost. This has the advantage of allowing the configuration and combination of satellites to be selected according to the purpose and budget for configuring the satellite constellation. Therefore, the satellite constellation 201 has the advantage of enabling a satellite constellation that can achieve a desired purpose in a surveillance system to be realized at low cost.

[0040] In the satellite constellation 201, the satellites 30 fly in formation at the same altitude in the same orbital plane. In the satellite constellation 201, if a circular communication network is formed by communication cross-linking the preceding and succeeding satellites with the first communication device 501, it is possible to communicate with an adjacent orbit via the first satellite 301 or the second satellite 302 equipped with the second communication device 502 in the same orbit.

[0041] Furthermore, the satellite constellation 201 has the advantage that any satellite equipped with the third communication device 503 can communicate with a mobile object on the ground or in the air, sea or land.

[0042] <Example 2 of Satellite Constellation 20: Satellite Constellation 202> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a satellite constellation 202 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 202 is Example 2 of the satellite constellation 20 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 202 is formed by a satellite constellation forming system 600, for example.

[0043] The satellite constellation 202 is formed by a first satellite 301 , a third satellite 303 , and a fourth satellite 304 .

[0044] The first satellite 301 comprises a first communication device 501 , a second communication device 502 and a third communication device 503 . The third satellite 303 comprises a first communication device 501 , a monitoring device 36 and a third communication device 503 . The fourth satellite 304 comprises a first communication device 501 and a third communication device 503 .

[0045] In the satellite constellation 202, a plurality of first satellites 301, a plurality of third satellites 303, and a plurality of fourth satellites 304 fly at the same altitude in the same orbital plane. The satellites 30 flying in a circular pattern form a bidirectional communication link using the first communication device 501, thereby forming a circular communication network 702. That is, the satellites 30 flying in a circular pattern form a communication cross-link via the first communication device 501 to form the circular communication network 702.

[0046] The second satellite 302 described in Example 1 of the satellite constellation 20 has the problem that the layout, implementation, and operation of the communication device and monitoring device become complicated, resulting in high costs. In the satellite constellation 202, the information of the monitoring device 36 is transmitted via the preceding and succeeding satellites, which has the advantage of achieving the desired purpose at low cost without including the expensive second satellite 302. In particular, in the satellite constellation 202, when transmitting information of the monitoring device 36 to a satellite in an adjacent orbit, the information can be transmitted via the preceding and succeeding satellites.

[0047] <Example 3 of Satellite Constellation 20: Satellite Constellation 203> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a satellite constellation 203 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 203 is Example 3 of the satellite constellation 20 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 203 is formed by a satellite constellation forming system 600, for example.

[0048] The satellite constellation 203 is formed by a first satellite 301 and a third satellite 303 .

[0049] The first satellite 301 comprises a first communication device 501 , a second communication device 502 and a third communication device 503 . The third satellite 303 comprises a first communication device 501 , a monitoring device 36 and a third communication device 503 .

[0050] In the satellite constellation 203, a plurality of first satellites 301 and a plurality of third satellites 303 fly at the same altitude in the same orbital plane. The satellites 30 flying in a circular pattern form a bidirectional communication link using the first communication device 501, thereby forming a circular communication network 702. That is, the satellites 30 flying in a circular pattern form a communication cross-link via the first communication device 501 to form the circular communication network 702.

[0051] A mesh communications network can be formed by deploying multiple first satellites in the same orbital plane, dispersing the multiple orbital planes in the longitude direction, and using communication crosslinks within the same orbital plane by the first communication devices and communication crosslinks between adjacent orbits by the second communication devices. By using the satellite constellation 203, a third satellite can be inserted into this mesh communications network, and can be used as a component of a circular communications network 702 within the same orbital plane. Therefore, using the satellite constellation 203 has the effect of enabling monitoring and transmission of monitoring information by the third satellite while maintaining the original communication services of the mesh communications network.

[0052] <Example 4 of Satellite Constellation 20: Satellite Constellation 204> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a satellite constellation 204 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 204 is Example 4 of the satellite constellation 20 according to this embodiment. The satellite constellation 204 is formed by a satellite constellation forming system 600, for example.

[0053] The satellite constellation 204 is formed by a first satellite 301 , a fifth satellite 305 , a third satellite 303 and a fourth satellite 304 .

[0054] The first satellite 301 comprises a first communication device 501 , a second communication device 502 and a third communication device 503 . The third satellite 303 includes a first communication device 501, a third communication device 503 and a monitoring device 36. The fourth satellite 304 comprises a first communication device 501 and a third communication device 503 .

[0055] The fifth satellite 305 comprises a first communication device 501 , a third communication device 503 and a fourth communication device 504 . The fourth communication device 504 communicates with a user satellite 306, such as an observation satellite, a positioning satellite, or a communication satellite.

[0056] The satellite constellation 204 includes one or more fifth satellites 305 and at least the first satellite 301 in the same orbital plane. The satellite constellation 204 may further include a third satellite 303 and a fourth satellite 304. The satellites of the satellite constellation 204 fly at the same altitude. The satellites 30 flying in a circular pattern form a bidirectional communication link using the first communication device 501 to form a circular communication network 702. In other words, the satellites flying in a circular pattern form a communication cross-link via the first communication device 501 to form the circular communication network 702.

[0057] There is a need for user satellites 306, such as observation satellites, positioning satellites, and communication satellites, to exchange information via a communication network formed at low orbital altitude. For this reason, the satellite constellation 204 includes a fifth satellite 305 equipped with a fourth communication device 504 that communicates with the user satellite 306, in a circular communication network 702 in the same orbital plane. This has the effect of forming a mesh communication network equipped with a data relay function through inter-satellite communication. It should be noted that even if the satellite constellation 204 does not include the third satellite 303 or the fourth satellite 304, the same effect can be obtained.

[0058] Here, the hardware included in the computers of each device, such as the satellite constellation forming system 600 that forms the satellite constellation 20, the ground facilities 700 and 800, or each satellite 30, will be described.

[0059] The processor 910 is a device that executes a program that realizes the functions of each device. The processor 910 is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs arithmetic processing. Specific examples of the processor 910 include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0060] The memory 921 is a storage device that temporarily stores data. Specific examples of the memory 921 include a static random access memory (SRAM) and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The auxiliary storage device 922 is a storage device that stores data. A specific example of the auxiliary storage device 922 is a HDD. The auxiliary storage device 922 may also be a portable storage medium such as an SD (registered trademark) memory card, CF, NAND flash, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, or a DVD. Note that HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SD (registered trademark) is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. CF is an abbreviation for CompactFlash (registered trademark). DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0061] The input interface 930 is a port connected to an input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel. Specifically, the input interface 930 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. Note that the input interface 930 may also be a port connected to a LAN (Local Area Network). The output interface 940 is a port to which a cable of a display device 941 such as a display is connected. Specifically, the output interface 940 is a USB terminal or an HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal. Specifically, the display is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

[0062] The communication device 950 includes a receiver and a transmitter, and is specifically a communication chip or a network interface card (NIC).

[0063] The programs that realize the functions of each device are loaded into the processor 910 and executed by the processor 910. The memory 921 stores not only the programs but also an OS (Operating System). The processor 910 executes the programs while running the OS. The programs and OS may be stored in an auxiliary storage device 922. The programs and OS stored in the auxiliary storage device 922 are loaded into the memory 921 and executed by the processor 910. Note that some or all of the programs that realize the functions of each device may be incorporated into the OS.

[0064] Each device may have multiple processors that replace the processor 910. These multiple processors share the task of executing a program. Each processor is a device that executes a program, just like the processor 910.

[0065] Data, information, signal values ​​and variable values ​​used, processed or output by the program are stored in memory 921, secondary storage device 922, or registers or cache memory within processor 910.

[0066] The "parts" of each device may be read as "processing," "procedure," "means," "steps," "circuitry," or "steps." Also, the "parts" of each device may be read as "program," "program product," or "computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded." "Processing," "procedure," "means," "steps," "circuitry," or "steps" may be read as interchangeable with each other.

[0067] Embodiment 2 In this embodiment, differences from and additions to the first embodiment will be mainly described. In this embodiment, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a satellite constellation 20a according to this embodiment. In the satellite constellation 20a according to this embodiment, six or more orbital planes of the satellite constellations 201, 202, 203, and 204 described in the first embodiment are arbitrarily selected and arranged in a dispersed manner in the longitude direction. Then, the satellites in adjacent orbits are cross-linked by the second communication device 502 to form a mesh communication network 703, which is a mesh-shaped communication network.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 13, satellites that form an adjacent orbital communication network are those that have second communication devices 502. For example, this is the first satellite group. On the other hand, satellites that do not form an adjacent orbital communication network and only communicate with satellites in the same orbital plane are those that do not have second communication devices 502. For example, this is the third satellite group.

[0070] The satellite constellation 201, 202, 203, and 204, each having a circular communication network 702, is dispersed in the longitude direction, and adjacent orbits are cross-linked by the second communication device 502 to form a circular communication network that circles the Earth in the longitude direction. This allows the formation of a mesh communication network 703, which has the effect of enabling monitoring information to be instantly transmitted to any destination on the globe. If all orbital planes are formed at the same orbital altitude, the relative relationship between the orbital planes is maintained, which has the effect of enabling stable continuation of monitoring and communication services. However, if all orbital planes are formed at the same orbital altitude, there is a risk of collision in orbit, so by changing the orbital altitude for each orbital plane, the probability of collision is greatly reduced. However, there is an issue that the relative relationship between the orbital planes changes over time. As a countermeasure to this, by varying the altitude of each orbital plane so that the average orbital altitude is the same, the relative relationship between the orbital planes is maintained on average, which has the effect of greatly reducing the risk of collision.

[0071] Embodiment 3 In this embodiment, the points added to the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. In this embodiment, components having the same functions as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flying object handling system 401 according to this embodiment. A monitoring satellite 307, which is an example of the satellite 30, includes a monitoring device 36. The monitoring device 36 is an infrared monitoring device. The monitoring device 36 detects the temperature of the plume or the main body of the flying object 601 when the flying object 601 is launched, and acquires flying object information. The airborne object response system 401 transmits airborne object information to ground facilities 800 or airborne object response assets 802 on land, sea, and air via a mesh communication network 703 formed by the satellite constellation 20a described in the second embodiment.

[0073] The anti-missile system 401 has the effect of being able to detect and track the launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), which repeats intermittent jet firing after launch.

[0074] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an information collection system 402 according to this embodiment. A monitoring satellite 307, which is an example of the satellite 30, includes a monitoring device 36. The monitoring device 36 is an information gathering device for light waves or radio waves. The monitoring device 36 acquires monitoring information such as image information of an observation target 602. The information collection system 402 transmits monitoring information to ground facilities 800 or land, sea, and air information collection assets 803 via a mesh communication network 703 formed by the satellite constellation 20a described in the second embodiment.

[0075] The information collection system 402 has the advantage of being able to detect image reconnaissance information when the submarine, which is the observation target 602, surfaces on the sea surface, or radio wave information sent and received when it surfaces, and immediately transmit monitoring information.

[0076] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a satellite information transmission system 403 according to this embodiment. The satellite information transmission system 403 includes a fifth satellite 305 in communication with a user satellite 306 . In the satellite information transmission system 403, satellite information from the user satellite 306 is transmitted and received to and from ground facilities 800 or land, sea, and air mobile bodies 801 via a mesh communication network 703 formed by the satellite constellation 20a described in embodiment 2.

[0077] The satellite information transmission system 403 has the advantage of being able to instantly transmit satellite information about a user satellite 306 that flies in an orbital plane or at an orbital altitude different from that of the satellite constellation 20a described in the second embodiment.

[0078] Embodiment 4 In this embodiment, the points added to the first to third embodiments will be mainly described. In this embodiment, components having the same functions as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hybrid constellation 20b according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a hybrid constellation 20b and a hybrid constellation formation method for forming the hybrid constellation 20b will be described. The hybrid constellation 20b according to this embodiment includes a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites equipped with communication devices for communicating with satellites ahead and behind in the direction of travel on the same orbital plane form a circular communication network 702, and a mission satellite. The communication constellation according to this embodiment is similar to the satellite constellation 20 described in the first and second embodiments.

[0080] The hybrid constellation 20b includes a mission satellite 30b equipped with communication equipment for communicating with satellites before and after it and equipped with mission equipment for carrying out various missions. The mission satellite 30b flies between the satellites that form the communication constellation that forms the ring communication network 702. The hybrid constellation 20b is formed by reconstructing the ring communication network 702 using the mission satellite 30b and the multiple satellites that form the communication constellation that forms the ring communication network 702.

[0081] The hybrid constellation 20b is a hybrid constellation that not only performs communications but also performs various missions such as monitoring, observation, positioning, and various types of information gathering while forming a communication network. The hybrid constellation 20b may also be referred to as a multi-mission platform.

[0082] Specifically, the mission satellite 30b includes the first communication device 501 that communicates with the preceding and succeeding satellites, as described in the first embodiment.

[0083] The hybrid constellation 20b has the advantage that information from a mission device that performs a mission other than communication can be transmitted in real time via the ring communication network 702. The various mission equipment may be a monitoring device, an observation device, a positioning device, an information gathering device, or any other type of mission equipment other than a communication device. The various mission equipment may also be a communication device such as a data relay device or a device for communicating with various ground assets including mobile objects.

[0084] For example, the mission satellite 30b may be an information acquisition satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the satellites before and after it, and equipped with various satellite information acquisition devices. In this case, the hybrid constellation 20b is also called a satellite information transmission system.

[0085] The mission satellite 30b may also be an information gathering satellite equipped with an information gathering device as a mission device for gathering information on the Earth's surface or a flying object launched from the Earth's surface. In this case, the hybrid constellation 20b transmits the satellite information acquired by the information gathering device across oceans or continents. Furthermore, the mission satellite 30b may be a positioning signal transmitting satellite equipped with a positioning signal transmitting device that transmits a positioning signal as a mission device. In this case, the hybrid constellation 20b transmits and receives time management signals between satellites via the reconstructed communication network, the ring communication network 702.

[0086] Embodiment 5. In this embodiment, the points added to the first to fourth embodiments will be mainly described. In this embodiment, components having the same functions as those in the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hybrid constellation 20c according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a hybrid constellation 20c and a hybrid constellation formation method for forming the hybrid constellation 20c will be described. The hybrid constellation 20c according to this embodiment comprises a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites equipped with communication devices for communicating with satellites ahead and behind in the direction of travel in the same orbital plane form a circular communication network 702, and a plurality of satellites equipped with communication devices for communicating with satellites on the left and right in adjacent orbits form a mesh communication network 703, and a mission satellite. The communication constellation according to this embodiment is similar to the satellite constellation 20a described in the third embodiment.

[0088] The hybrid constellation 20c includes a mission satellite 30c equipped with communication equipment for communicating with satellites before and after it and equipped with mission equipment for carrying out various missions. The mission satellite 30c forms a ring communication network 702 and flies between satellites that form a communication constellation that forms a mesh communication network 703. The hybrid constellation 20c is formed by using a communication constellation that forms a circular communication network 702 and a mesh communication network 703, and a mission satellite 30c, which are in the same orbital plane, to reconstruct the circular communication network 702 and the mesh communication network 703.

[0089] The hybrid constellation 20c is a hybrid constellation that not only performs communications but also performs various missions such as surveillance, observation, positioning, and various information gathering while forming a communication network. The hybrid constellation 20c may also be referred to as a multi-mission platform.

[0090] For example, the mission satellite 30c may be an information acquisition satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the satellites before and after it, and equipped with various satellite information acquisition devices. In this case, the hybrid constellation 20c is also called a satellite information transmission system.

[0091] The mission satellite 30c may also be an information gathering satellite equipped with an information gathering device as a mission device for gathering information on the Earth's surface or a flying object launched from the Earth's surface. In this case, the hybrid constellation 20c transmits the satellite information acquired by the information gathering device across oceans or continents. Furthermore, the mission satellite 30c may be a positioning signal transmitting satellite equipped with a positioning signal transmitting device as a mission device for transmitting a positioning signal. In this case, the hybrid constellation 20c transmits and receives time management signals between satellites via the reconstructed communication networks, the ring communication network 702 and the mesh communication network 703.

[0092] Specifically, the mission satellite 30c includes the first communication device 501 that communicates with the preceding and succeeding satellites, as described in the first embodiment.

[0093] In addition to the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment, the hybrid constellation 20c has the effect of enabling the transmission of information on various missions on a global scale.

[0094] Embodiment 6 In this embodiment, the points added to the first to fifth embodiments will be mainly described. In this embodiment, components having the same functions as those in the first to fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] There is a plan to use LEO (Low Earth Orbit) mega-constellations as positioning satellites. To achieve the high-precision time control required for positioning satellites at low cost, there is a strong demand for satellite constellation time control technology that does not use atomic clocks. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example of a hybrid constellation that contributes to achieving synchronization control and a positioning mission will be described. The hybrid constellation is the same as that described in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

[0096] <Hybrid constellation example 1 (synchronization control signal)> The hybrid constellation includes a mission satellite equipped with a high-precision master clock as a mission device, and transmits and receives synchronization control signals between multiple satellites.

[0097] Even if each individual satellite in the satellite constellation does not have a high-precision clock, the synchronization control signal transmitted by the mission satellite (master clock satellite) equipped with a high-precision master clock enables high-precision time management. For example, when the mission equipment is a positioning mission, the use of a synchronization control signal transmitted by a master clock satellite has the effect of enabling a highly accurate positioning signal to be distributed from a positioning satellite that does not have an atomic clock.

[0098] The positioning mission will be described below. If a satellite equipped with a high-precision clock such as an atomic clock or an optical lattice clock and a positioning signal transmitter as its mission equipment transmits a positioning signal including its own precise orbit information, it will function as a positioning satellite, similar to GNSS such as GPS or Quasi-Zenith Positioning Satellites. GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. GNSS is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System.

[0099] However, since a highly accurate clock that serves as a master clock is expensive, there is a problem that a system in which all satellites are equipped with a master clock would be expensive. Quartz clocks, which are typically equipped on satellites, have poor long-term stability compared to atomic clocks, and so there is a problem that time errors will occur if they are left unused for long periods of time. Therefore, by calibrating a standard clock by referring to a synchronization signal from a master clock while maintaining the desired time accuracy, it becomes possible to maintain accurate time and function as a positioning satellite even without a high-precision master clock.

[0100] <Hybrid constellation example 2 (synchronization control signal)> A hybrid constellation includes mission satellites equipped with a positioning signal receiver and a positioning signal transmitter as mission equipment. In a hybrid constellation, the positioning signal receiver calculates the accurate time using the signals received, calibrates the satellite's own clock, and exchanges synchronization control signals between multiple satellites. The positioning signal transmitter transmits a positioning signal, which is a signal for satellite positioning. The positioning signal receiver receives the positioning signal, calculates the accurate time based on the received signal, and calibrates the clock of its own satellite.

[0101] GNSS positioning signal receivers, such as GPS or quasi-zenith positioning satellites, can calculate not only the location but also the accurate time by receiving positioning signals. Therefore, even satellites that do not have a master clock can calibrate and synchronize their own clocks using the GNSS as the master clock if they are equipped with a positioning signal receiver. Hereafter, the standard clock calibrated by the master clock will be called the slave clock. One well-known method for synchronizing slave clocks is called GPS time synchronization.

[0102] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a synchronization control method according to this embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of the synchronization control method according to the present embodiment.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 22, there is a method of simultaneously transmitting a synchronization signal A for coarse adjustment and a synchronization signal B for fine adjustment as synchronization control signals. Also, as shown in FIG. 23, a method of adding time information to the timing signal is also effective.

[0104] For example, as shown in FIG. 23, a case will be described in which positioning satellites A and B are equipped with two-way optical communication devices. The clocks equipped on positioning satellite A and positioning satellite B provide timestamp information of the time the synchronization control signal was transmitted and received. If the relative distance L is constant and it is assumed that the time difference between the time A transmitted and the time B received, and the time difference between the time B transmitted and the time A received, are essentially the same, it is possible to derive the relative error between the clocks equipped on both satellites. It goes without saying that even if the communication terminal is a radio wave communication device, similar time management can be performed by taking into consideration delay errors, Doppler effects, etc.

[0105] <Hybrid constellation example 3 (inter-satellite ranging)> Hybrid constellations include satellites equipped with ranging devices to measure distances between satellites.

[0106] Improving the accuracy of orbital information, including position information, of satellites that make up a hybrid constellation helps improve the accuracy of positioning service signals for positioning missions. In a hybrid constellation, where the orbital period is managed and the satellites fly synchronously in the same orbital plane, the distance to the satellites before and after it is accurately measured, and the orbital information is processed for high-precision orbit determination on the ground, which has the effect of eliminating systematic errors and improving the accuracy of the orbital information. As a means for measuring distance between satellites, for example, a satellite equipped with a laser distance measuring device may perform double-path distance measurement by receiving a reflected laser from a laser reflector equipped on a satellite flying ahead, or a single-path distance measurement may be performed by transmitting and receiving signals from optical communication terminals between time-synchronized satellites. It is also possible to use the optical communication terminal as a distance measuring device. Furthermore, by measuring the distance between satellites in adjacent orbits, it is possible to accurately measure the flying positions of satellites in different orbital planes.

[0107] <Example 4 of Hybrid Constellation (Forward / Reverse Time Management)> In a hybrid constellation, satellites that form a circular communication network and fly in the same orbital plane perform forward time management, transmitting time management signals in the direction of satellite movement, and reverse time management, transmitting time management signals in the opposite direction to the direction of movement.

[0108] Because satellites move in orbit at speeds exceeding 4 km per second, the special theory of relativity causes them to slow relative to clocks on the ground. Also, because the effect of gravity is weaker in orbit at an altitude of 20,000 km than on the Earth's surface, clocks run faster than those on Earth according to the general theory of relativity. The combined effect of these two factors means that the atomic clocks onboard GPS satellites run 28.6 microseconds faster per day than clocks on the ground. Light travels approximately 11 km in 28.6 microseconds, so leaving this discrepancy for just one day would result in an error of 11 km in GPS. In GNSS, atomic clocks are calibrated to counteract these relativistic effects.

[0109] When implementing a positioning mission using a hybrid constellation, clock correction is also required to counteract the effects of relativity. When correcting the slave clock of a satellite that does not have a master clock, it is necessary to eliminate systematic errors that occur during synchronization control. By comparing and evaluating the time and on-orbit information of the forward and backward time management systems on the ground in a group of satellites that form a circular communication network, systematic errors can be eliminated.

[0110] <Hybrid Constellation Example 5 (In-orbit Generation Command Information)> In a hybrid constellation, command information for different mission devices generated in orbit is exchanged between multiple satellites.

[0111] By automatically generating the data in orbit and transmitting it between satellites, it becomes possible to quickly coordinate the operation of multiple satellites without the time delay of going via the ground. For example, in a missile tracking system, a satellite that detects a launch automatically generates the position coordinates of the launch point detected on orbit and transmits monitoring instruction command information as monitoring target position coordinates to another monitoring satellite, thereby enabling rapid tracking of the missile.

[0112] <Example 6 of a hybrid constellation (information sharing for flying objects)> In a hybrid constellation, multiple satellites exchange information about flying objects acquired in orbit.

[0113] In aerial object tracking systems, the aerial object information acquired by a given monitoring satellite is transmitted to another monitoring satellite via ground equipment, which causes a time delay. Example 6: With a hybrid constellation, aerial object information can be sent directly to another monitoring satellite without going through ground equipment, which has the effect of allowing aerial object information to be shared without delay when tracking an aerial object that requires prompt response action.

[0114] <Hybrid Constellation Example 7 (Mission Satellite and Ground Equipment)> By providing the forward / rearward communication device and the mission device, a hybrid constellation is formed as described in embodiment 4 or 5, or in any of examples 1 to 6 of this embodiment. In this hybrid constellation, the mission satellite includes, as its mission device, any of an optical information gathering device, a radio wave information gathering device, a laser generator, a radio wave generator, an infrared monitoring device, a positioning signal generator, a radio wave data repeater, or an optical data repeater. The ground facilities are ground systems that operate and control the hybrid constellations of Examples 1 to 6 of this embodiment.

[0115] Embodiment 7 In this embodiment, the points added to the first to sixth embodiments will be mainly described. In this embodiment, components having the same functions as those in the first to sixth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] In this embodiment, an example of a hybrid constellation that realizes more real-time and low-load data processing will be described. The hybrid constellation is the same as that described in the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments. In this embodiment, the ground facilities are also referred to as ground devices, ground systems, or ground data centers. The ground facilities may also be simply referred to as ground.

[0117] FIG. 19 shows examples 8 to 14 of hybrid constellations according to this embodiment. FIG. 19 shows an example of a hybrid constellation with a mission satellite equipped with an edge server 81.

[0118] <Hybrid Constellation Example 8 (Edge Server)> In a hybrid constellation, mission satellites are equipped with computers equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) and edge servers, and perform edge computing in orbit.

[0119] Edge computing, which has edge servers on the IOT (Internet of Things) side, is gaining attention as a method for realizing a distributed architecture. IoT generally uses a centralized system in which data collected by sensors is sent to the cloud via the Internet for analysis. In contrast, edge computing uses a system in which data processing is distributed to edge servers installed on the device itself or between the device and the cloud. This enables real-time, low-load data processing.

[0120] Furthermore, with the increasing volume of information that accompanies the advancement of the information society, the increase in power consumption and heat dissipation measures have become issues. In particular, in centralized systems, the increasing power consumption and heat dissipation measures of supercomputers and large-scale data centers have become serious issues.

[0121] On the other hand, in outer space, heat can be released into deep space through radiative cooling, so it would be reasonable to think of satellites as devices in the IoT, equip satellite constellations with edge servers, and transmit only the necessary data to the ground after performing distributed computing processing in orbit. Hybrid constellations have the advantage of enabling low latency and centralized data management by transmitting and receiving information to and from a cloud equipped with a data center at ground facilities via a circular or mesh communication network.

[0122] The purposes of processing using distributed computing are as follows: The purpose is to reduce the burden on ground processing by performing distributed computing in orbit instead of cloud computing processing on the ground. The purpose is to reduce the amount of data transmitted to the ground by performing distributed computing on orbit on the satellite information acquired by the mission satellite. - The purpose is to manage systems autonomously in orbit, such as for intra-system collision prevention in satellite constellations. - In an emergency, like a flying object tracking system, the purpose is to quickly process information acquired on orbit, make autonomous decisions, and use distributed computing to reflect the information that should be reflected in the next step on orbit, thereby eliminating the need to exchange information with ground systems and speeding up decision-making.

[0123] In addition, the effects of distributed computing by satellites treated as IoT devices in orbit are as follows: -Solving the problem of heat exhaust caused by increased power consumption and concentration of ground equipment. -Reducing the load on ground processing by reducing the amount of satellite information data transmitted to ground. · Reduced ground processing load through autonomous system management of satellite constellations. -Faster response in emergency situations. Furthermore, by reducing the burden on ground processing, it will be possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) on land.

[0124] <Hybrid Constellation Example 9 (Edge Server, Collision Avoidance)> In the hybrid constellation of Example 8, an edge server stores orbital information for the satellites that make up the constellation, and a computer equipped with AI performs collision risk analysis between the satellites that make up the constellation.

[0125] In a satellite constellation in which satellites fly at the same altitude in multiple orbital planes with different normal vectors, there is a risk of collision at the intersection of the orbital planes. Therefore, an edge server is installed among the satellites that make up the hybrid constellation, which stores the orbital information of the satellites that make up the constellation and performs risk analysis, and if a collision is predicted for any satellite, it issues a command to operate the propulsion device in orbit. This makes it possible to avoid collisions and ensure flight safety in the hybrid constellation.

[0126] <Example 10 of Hybrid Constellation (Transmitting Information from an Aircraft)> In the hybrid constellation of Example 8, the edge server stores the orbital information of the satellites that make up the constellation and the flying object information acquired by the satellites that make up the constellation. Then, a computer equipped with AI transmits the flying object information to the satellites that make up the constellation.

[0127] A monitoring satellite equipped with a monitoring device as a mission satellite acquires launch detection information of a flying object and transmits it to a satellite equipped with an edge server.Then, a computer in the satellite equipped with the edge server selects a monitoring satellite that can track and monitor the flying object and transmits the flying object information, thereby enabling the flying object to be tracked.

[0128] <Example 11 of Hybrid Constellation (Flight Path Prediction)> In the hybrid constellations of Example 8 or Example 10, a computer equipped with AI analyzes the flight path of a flying object based on the flying object information acquired from multiple monitoring satellites and the foresight information stored in the edge server. Then, the computer equipped with AI transmits the flying object information to a monitoring satellite that can track the predicted flight path.

[0129] The edge server stores the type of flying object, propellant type, possible flight distance, and typical flight profile as a flying object model as forward-looking information. The edge server acquires tracking information of the flying object from multiple monitoring satellites, each equipped with a monitoring device as a mission satellite. A computer equipped with AI references the flying object model and performs flight path prediction analysis using AI machine learning inference. The computer equipped with AI then transmits the flying object information to a monitoring satellite that can track the predicted flight path, thereby enabling flying object tracking.

[0130] <Hybrid Constellation Example 12 (Impact Prediction)> In the hybrid constellation of Example 8, Example 10, or Example 11, a computer equipped with AI predicts the impact of a missile based on missile information acquired from multiple monitoring satellites and foresight information stored in an edge server. Then, the computer equipped with AI selects a satellite that can transmit the missile information to a ground asset that can handle the situation, and sends a command to transmit the missile information.

[0131] The edge server stores information on the locations of missile defense assets as foresight information. Then, a computer equipped with AI uses AI machine learning to estimate the impact location and transmits the missile information to defense assets located near the predicted impact location, enabling missile defense.

[0132] <Hybrid Constellation Example 13 (Synthetic Aperture Processing)> In the hybrid constellation of Example 8, the mission satellite is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar. The mission satellite stores acquired information in an edge server. A computer then generates images using synthetic aperture processing on orbit and transmits the image data to the ground.

[0133] In observation satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar, synthetic aperture processing and imaging have been carried out on the ground. However, because the amount of data transmitted from the observation satellite to the ground is enormous, a system that performs synthetic aperture processing in orbit and transmits only image data to the ground has been long awaited. Edge computing in orbit has the effect of reducing the amount of data transmitted to the ground and reducing the load on ground processing. It is also possible for multiple mission satellites to be equipped with synthetic aperture radar, and for the multiple mission satellites to store monitoring information acquired from the same observation target in an edge server and perform synthetic aperture processing. It goes without saying that even if the satellite equipped with the synthetic aperture radar, the satellite equipped with the computer, and the satellite equipped with the edge server are separate, processing can be performed via a communication network.

[0134] <Hybrid Constellation Example 14 (Super-resolution Processing)> In the hybrid constellation of Example 8, the mission satellite is equipped with an optical monitoring device. The mission satellite stores acquired information in an edge server. A computer then generates images using super-resolution processing in orbit and transmits the image data to the ground.

[0135] When super-resolution processing is performed on images acquired by observation satellites equipped with optical monitoring devices, the image information is transmitted to the ground and then super-resolution processing is carried out at ground processing facilities. However, because the amount of data transmitted from observation satellites to the ground is enormous, a system that performs super-resolution processing in orbit and transmits only the image data to the ground has been long awaited. Edge computing in orbit has the effect of reducing the amount of data transmitted to the ground and reducing the load on ground processing. It is also possible for multiple mission satellites to be equipped with optical monitoring devices, and for the monitoring information acquired from the same observation target to be stored in an edge server by the multiple mission satellites and subjected to super-resolution processing. Furthermore, even if the satellite equipped with the optical monitoring device, the satellite equipped with the computer, and the satellite equipped with the edge server are separate, it goes without saying that processing can be performed via a communication network.

[0136] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a 15th example of a hybrid constellation according to this embodiment. FIG. 20 shows an example of a hybrid constellation with a mission satellite that includes a supercomputer 83 and / or a data center 84.

[0137] <Example 15 of a hybrid constellation> In a hybrid constellation, the mission satellites will contain supercomputers and / or data centers.

[0138] As the amount of information increases with the advancement of the information society, the increase in power consumption and heat dissipation measures have become issues. In particular, in centralized systems, the increase in power consumption and heat dissipation measures for supercomputers and large-scale data centers have become serious issues. Meanwhile, in space, heat can be released into deep space through radiative cooling. A satellite constellation can be equipped with a supercomputer or data center to create a cloud environment. By transmitting only the necessary data to users on Earth after processing it in orbit, a cloud environment can be maintained and greenhouse gas emissions reduced. This has the effect of contributing to the SDGs on Earth. Furthermore, a hybrid constellation allows information to be exchanged with any ground user via a circular or mesh communication network, which has the effect of realizing centralized data management with low latency for each satellite that makes up the hybrid constellation and distributed computing that is considered to be IoT.

[0139] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example 16 of a ground facility that communicates with the hybrid constellation according to this embodiment. FIG. 21 shows an example of a ground facility that includes a supercomputer and / or a data center.

[0140] <Example 16 of Ground Equipment Communicating with a Hybrid Constellation> The ground facility is also called a ground data center. The ground equipment will be equipped with a supercomputer or data center and will be installed in a high-latitude region above 50 degrees latitude. The ground equipment will exchange information via the hybrid constellation.

[0141] The computers that make up supercomputers or large-scale data centers consume a lot of power and generate a lot of heat. For this reason, they have traditionally been operated in ground facilities equipped with large-scale cooling equipment. However, the large amount of power consumed and the heat emitted to the outside have been disadvantages in terms of achieving the SDGs.

[0142] With the spread of cloud computing, the location of supercomputers or data centers is no longer a constraint for users. If high-speed communication lines can be secured, it is rational to deploy equipment that consumes large amounts of power and generates a lot of heat in cold, high-latitude regions.

[0143] On the other hand, when laying optical fiber communication networks on the ground, there is a significant cost disadvantage in extending a high-capacity communication network from high-latitude regions to large urban areas where users are densely concentrated. In contrast, a hybrid constellation, which is formed at an orbital altitude of around 350 km and uses optical communication terminals to form a circular or mesh-like communication network, can easily secure an information communication network from high latitude regions to large urban areas, thereby achieving low latency.

[0144] Furthermore, since polar orbiting satellites pass through the polar regions every time they orbit, there is an advantage in that communication capacity can be easily expanded to high latitude regions including the polar regions. Even with inclined orbit satellites, satellites flying north from the southern hemisphere change direction at the northernmost point of the orbital plane, flying from west to east, to fly south from the northern hemisphere. Satellites flying south from the northern hemisphere change direction at the southernmost point of the orbital plane, flying from west to east, to fly north from the southern hemisphere. Therefore, orbits with an inclination angle of 50 degrees or more have the advantage of making it easier to expand communication capacity with ground facilities installed in high-latitude regions, including the polar regions, at the northernmost and southernmost points of the orbital plane in areas where satellites fly from west to east. In addition, by limiting communication lines with data centers located in high-latitude regions, including the polar regions, to communications with satellites equipped with robust security measures, it is possible to build data centers with robust security environments that are insulated from cyber attacks.

[0145] Of the above-described first to seventh embodiments, a combination of two or more parts may be implemented. Alternatively, a single part of these embodiments may be implemented. In addition, any combination of these embodiments may be implemented, either as a whole or in part. That is, in the first to seventh embodiments, any part of the first to seventh embodiments can be freely combined, or any component can be modified, or any component can be omitted from the first to seventh embodiments.

[0146] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the scope of application of the present disclosure, and the scope of use of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 11, 11b Satellite constellation formation unit, 20, 20a, 201, 202, 203, 204 Satellite constellation, 20b, 20c Hybrid constellation, 21 Orbital plane, 30 Satellite, 30b, 30c Mission satellite, 31 Satellite control unit, 32 Communication equipment, 33 Propulsion unit, 34 Attitude control unit, 35 Power supply unit, 36 Monitoring equipment, 55 Orbital control command, 71, 72 Communication link, 301 First satellite, 302 Second satellite, 303 Third satellite, 304 Fourth satellite, 305 Fifth satellite, 306 User satellite, 307 Monitoring satellite, 401 Flying object countermeasure system, 402 Information collection system, 403 Satellite information transmission system, 501 First communication device, 502 Second communication device, 503 Third communication device, 504 Fourth communication device, 510 orbit control command generation unit, 520 analysis and prediction unit, 601 flying object, 602 observation target, 600 satellite constellation formation system, 700, 800 ground equipment, 702 circular communication network, 703 mesh communication network, 801 mobile object, 802 flying object countermeasure asset, 803 information collection asset, 910 processor, 921 memory, 922 auxiliary storage device, 930 input interface, 940 output interface, 941 display device, 950 communication device, 81 edge server, 83 supercomputer, 84 data center.

Claims

1. In a hybrid constellation formed in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in front of or behind the satellite in the same orbital plane in the direction of travel form a circular communication network, and a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in an adjacent orbit on the left and right form a mesh communication network; A mission satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the preceding and succeeding satellites, and an information gathering device for collecting satellite information obtained through monitoring or observation as a mission device for carrying out missions other than communication. A hybrid constellation comprising: the mission satellite flies among a plurality of satellites forming the communications constellation; The hybrid constellation is formed by reconstructing the ring communication network and reconstructing the mesh communication network using the mission satellite and a plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation; A hybrid constellation in which the mission satellite transmits the satellite information of the mission device across oceans or continents via either the reconstructed ring communication network or the mesh communication network.

2. In a hybrid constellation formed in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites, each equipped with a communication device for communicating with satellites in front and behind the satellite in the same orbital plane, form a circular communication network; A mission satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the preceding and succeeding satellites, and an information gathering device for collecting satellite information obtained through monitoring or observation as a mission device for carrying out missions other than communication. A hybrid constellation comprising: the mission satellite flies among a plurality of satellites forming the communications constellation; the hybrid constellation is formed by reconstructing the circular communication network using the mission satellite and a plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation; A hybrid constellation in which the mission satellite transmits the satellite information of the mission device across oceans or continents via the reconstructed circular communication network.

3. The hybrid constellation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information gathering device gathers information on the Earth's surface or on flying objects launched from the Earth's surface.

4. The hybrid constellation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hybrid constellation detects and tracks the launch of a hypersonic gliding vehicle that repeats intermittent firing after launch.

5. A hybrid constellation formation method for forming a hybrid constellation formed in a low earth orbit (LEO), comprising: a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in front of or behind the satellite in the same orbital plane in the direction of travel form a circular communication network, and a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in an adjacent orbit on the left and right form a mesh communication network; A mission satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the preceding and succeeding satellites, and an information gathering device for collecting satellite information obtained through monitoring or observation as a mission device for carrying out missions other than communication. A hybrid constellation formation method for forming a hybrid constellation comprising: the mission satellite flies among a plurality of satellites forming the communications constellation; A hybrid constellation forming method that uses the mission satellite and a plurality of satellites that form the communication constellation to reconstruct the ring communication network and reconstruct the mesh communication network to form a hybrid constellation, and transmits the satellite information of the mission device across oceans or continents via either the reconstructed ring communication network or the reconstructed mesh communication network.

6. In a hybrid constellation formed in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in front of or behind the satellite in the same orbital plane in the direction of travel form a circular communication network, and a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in an adjacent orbit on the left and right form a mesh communication network; A mission satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the preceding and succeeding satellites, a positioning signal transmitting device for transmitting positioning signals, and a mission device for performing a mission other than communication. A hybrid constellation comprising: the mission satellite flies among a plurality of satellites forming the communications constellation; The hybrid constellation is formed by reconstructing the ring communication network and reconstructing the mesh communication network using the mission satellite and a plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation; A hybrid constellation in which the mission satellite transmits information about the mission device across oceans or continents via either the reconstructed ring communication network or the mesh communication network.

7. A ground system for operating and controlling the hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6.

8. The mission equipment includes a mission satellite equipped with a high-precision master clock, and a synchronization control signal is transmitted and received between multiple satellites. A hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6.

9. A mission satellite including a positioning signal receiver and a positioning signal transmitter as the mission equipment, The positioning signal receiver calculates the accurate time based on the received signal, calibrates the satellite's clock, and exchanges synchronization control signals between multiple satellites. A hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6.

10. This includes satellites equipped with distance measuring devices, and satellites measure the distance between each other. A hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6.

11. Satellites flying in the same orbital plane, forming a circular communication network, perform forward time management, transmitting time management signals in the direction of satellite flight, and reverse time management, transmitting time management signals in the opposite direction of satellite flight. A hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6.

12. Command information for the different mission devices generated on orbit is exchanged between multiple satellites. A hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6.

13. Multiple satellites exchange information about flying objects acquired in orbit. A hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6.

14. A mission satellite comprising a forward / rearward communication device and a mission device to constitute a hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6, A mission satellite characterized in that the mission equipment includes any one of an optical information gathering device, a radio wave information gathering device, a laser generator, a radio wave generator, an infrared monitoring device, a positioning signal generator, a radio wave data relay device, and an optical data relay device.

15. A ground system for operating and controlling the hybrid constellation according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

16. 10. The hybrid constellation of claim 1, wherein the orbital planes have an inclination angle that is not 90 degrees, and the orbital planes are on different planes.

17. The hybrid constellation of claim 1 , wherein the orbital altitude is changed for each orbital plane.

18. In a hybrid constellation formed in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), a communication constellation in which a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in front of or behind the satellite in the same orbital plane in the direction of travel form a circular communication network, and a plurality of satellites each having a communication device for communicating with a satellite in an adjacent orbit on the left and right form a mesh communication network; A mission satellite equipped with a communication device for communicating with the preceding and succeeding satellites and a mission device for carrying out a mission other than communication. A hybrid constellation comprising: the plurality of satellites does not include the mission satellite; the mission satellite flies among a plurality of satellites forming the communications constellation; The hybrid constellation is formed by reconstructing the ring communication network and reconstructing the mesh communication network using the mission satellite and the plurality of satellites forming the communication constellation; A hybrid constellation in which the mission satellite transmits information about the mission executed by the mission device across oceans or continents via either the reconstructed circular communication network or the mesh communication network.

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