Satellite Conjunction Assessment With Coordinated Avoidance Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for satellite collision avoidance are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in coordinating maneuvers between maneuverable satellites with unique operators, leading to increased collision risks.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using a computer system to identify conjunctions, facilitate agreements between satellite operators, and generate coordinated avoidance plans based on satellite characteristics and operator constraints, reducing the probability of collisions by autonomously resolving orbital conjunction events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If automated methods are used to coordinate maneuvers between maneuverable satellites, then the time required to coordinate orbital maneuvers is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime required to coordinate orbital maneuversVSAvoidcomplexity of the automated coordination system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third-party automated system that acts as an intermediary between satellite operators and the maneuver coordination process. This system receives conjunction data, generates avoidance plans, and facilitates communication between operators, thereby reducing the time required for coordination while distributing the system complexity to a dedicated automated platform rather than requiring direct complex integration between all satellites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated coordination system is segmented into distinct functional modules: conjunction data reception, probability calculation, avoidance plan generation, and communication facilitation. This segmentation allows each module to be developed and optimized independently, managing overall system complexity while improving coordination efficiency through specialized processing of specific tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If manual coordination methods are used between satellite operators, then the system complexity remains lower, but the time required to resolve conjunctions increases and collision risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision avoidance reliabilityVSAvoidtime required to resolve conjunctions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs preliminary calculations of collision probability and generates avoidance plans in advance before conjunction events occur. By pre-calculating potential conflicts and preparing coordinated response strategies, the system reduces the time required to resolve conjunctions while maintaining high reliability through systematic evaluation of multiple avoidance scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where operators receive automated avoidance plans and can provide input or modifications. This feedback loop ensures that the coordination remains reliable and adaptable to specific operational constraints while significantly reducing the time required compared to purely manual coordination, as the automated system continuously monitors and updates conjunction assessments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated avoidance plans are generated without operator input, then the time required for coordination is reduced, but the adaptability to operator-specific constraints decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to operator constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The automated avoidance plan generation system is designed to be dynamic, allowing operators to input specific constraints and priorities that vary by mission and satellite characteristics. The system adapts its plan generation algorithms based on real-time operator inputs and operational context, maintaining high productivity through automation while preserving the flexibility to accommodate diverse operator requirements through configurable constraint parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12470287B2Automated method for satellite conjunction assessment and collision avoidance

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 KAYHAN SPACE CORP

AI summary

A method including: receiving a conjunction data message representing a first conjunction between a first satellite and a second satellite; in response to identifying the first satellite as maneuverable, in response to identifying the second satellite as maneuverable, and in response to a probability of collision exceeding a threshold probability of collision, and in response to detecting absence of agreement between the first operator and the second operator, generating an operative agreement based on a first set of satellite characteristics and a second set of satellite characteristics, and transmitting an agreement message to the first satellite operator and the second satellite operator; and in response to acceptance of the operative agreement by the first satellite operator and the second satellite operator, generating a first avoidance plan for the first satellite, and generating a second avoidance plan for the second satellite.