Bent-Pipe Satellite Pathways for Flexible Terra-Link Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite constellations face inefficiencies due to cross-linking between LEO satellites, which consume additional power and mass, and require complex on-board processing, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a constellation of non-processed, bent-pipe satellites with dynamically configurable pathways for flexible capacity distribution, using in-flight configuration of pathways through switching and beamforming to optimize terra-link and cross-link traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cross-links are used between LEO satellites to provide coverage beyond single satellite range, then coverage area is increased, but power consumption and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically configurable pathways in bent-pipe satellites that can be adjusted in-flight to optimize capacity distribution. This allows the system to adapt coverage and power usage dynamically based on demand, rather than maintaining fixed cross-link configurations that consume power continuously regardless of need.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by configuring pathways dynamically to adjust capacity allocation. This enables the satellite constellation to modify power consumption and coverage characteristics based on real-time demands, resolving the contradiction between maintaining extensive coverage and minimizing power usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-board processing is implemented in LEO satellites to handle communications and coordination, then connectivity and service capability are improved, but device complexity, weight, and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the processing function from the LEO satellites themselves, implementing bent-pipe architecture where satellites simply relay signals without on-board processing. This removes the complexity, weight, and expense of processing equipment while ground-based systems handle all communications and coordination tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ground-based gateway stations as intermediaries to perform processing functions. Instead of each satellite having its own processing capability, centralized ground stations handle demodulation, routing, and coordination, simplifying the satellite design while maintaining service capability.
3Reliability
If LEO satellites operate at lower altitudes to provide higher link budget and lower latency, then communication performance is improved, but coverage area per satellite is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area across multiple LEO satellites in a constellation configuration. Each satellite maintains its smaller coverage area appropriate for low-orbit operation with high link budget, while the collective constellation provides extensive overall coverage through the combined capabilities of multiple satellites working together.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces resource wastage by minimizing cross-linking, adapts to changing demand, and enhances system capacity by dynamically reallocating resources, thereby improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of communications satellites each having an uplink and a downlink antenna for receiving and transmitting a plurality of spot beams corresponding to a plurality of coverage areas
Implementation Method 2
providing flexible distribution of capacity in a satellite communications system... dynamically configurable pathway (e.g., transponder) for selectively carrying forward-channel or return-channel traffic
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
Embodiments provide in-flight configuration of satellite pathways to flexibly service terra-link and cross-link traffic in a constellation of non-processed satellites, for example, to facilitate flexible forward-channel and return-channel capacity in a satellite communications system. For example, each satellite in the constellation can include one or more dynamically configurable pathway, and switching and/or beamforming can be used to configure each pathway to be a forward-channel pathway or a return-channel pathway in each of a number of timeslots according to a pathway configuration schedule. At least some of the pathways can be further selectively configured, in each timeslot, to carry "terra-link" traffic to and/or from terrestrial terminals and "cross-link" traffic to and/or from one or more other satellites of the constellation.