Satellite Constellation Altitude Layering for Collision Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite constellations with multiple orbital planes at the same altitude face an increased risk of collisions as the number of satellites and planes increases.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation forming system that arranges orbital planes with mutually different altitudes to prevent collisions by ensuring satellites in the same orbital plane fly at the same altitude and those in different planes avoid intersections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple orbital planes are arranged at the same orbital altitude to form a satellite constellation, then the coverage area and number of satellites are increased, but the collision risk between satellites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (multiple orbital planes at the same altitude) to a three-dimensional arrangement (orbital planes at different altitudes). By introducing the altitude dimension as a variable parameter, satellites are distributed in three-dimensional space rather than confined to a single altitude layer, thereby maintaining coverage while reducing collision probability through spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orbital altitude parameter from a fixed value (same altitude for all planes) to a variable parameter (different altitudes for different planes). This parameter change allows the system to maintain the benefits of multiple orbital planes while introducing vertical separation to mitigate collision risks, effectively resolving the contradiction between coverage expansion and safety.
2Productivity
If the number of orbital planes and satellites per plane is increased to enhance constellation capability, then the system performance is improved, but the collision risk increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the altitude dimension to distribute satellites that would otherwise be concentrated in the same orbital plane. By assigning different altitudes to different orbital planes, the system can accommodate a larger number of satellites without increasing the density in any single plane, thereby enhancing overall capability while maintaining safety through three-dimensional dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the satellite constellation into multiple altitude layers, with each orbital plane occupying a distinct altitude level. This segmentation strategy divides the potentially congested single-layer configuration into multiple separated layers, allowing each layer to operate independently with reduced collision probability while the aggregate system achieves enhanced capability.
3Area of stationary object
If satellites are arranged in multiple orbital planes at the same altitude, then the constellation provides comprehensive coverage, but collision avoidance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces altitude as an additional dimension for collision avoidance, transforming the problem from two-dimensional (within the same orbital plane) to three-dimensional (across multiple altitude levels). This dimensional expansion provides natural vertical separation between orbital planes, significantly simplifying collision avoidance strategies while preserving comprehensive ground coverage through the multi-plane configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite constellation forming system (100) forms a satellite constellation (20). The satellite constellation (20) is composed of a satellite group (300). In the satellite constellation (20), the satellite group (300) provides a service cooperatively. The satellite constellation (20) has a plurality of orbital planes in which a plurality of satellites (30) fly at the same orbital altitude in each orbital plane (21). A satellite constellation forming unit (110) forms the satellite constellation (20) in which orbital altitudes of the plurality of orbital planes (21) are mutually different.