Deployable Decoy Spacecraft for Satellite Threat Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space infrastructure, such as satellites, is vulnerable to threats from flying debris, military assets, and disruptive sources, necessitating effective protection measures.
Innovation Solution
A decoy spacecraft is deployed from a satellite based on target data to counteract the threat by disrupting or disabling the target object, using electronic jamming, blinding, or altering its trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a satellite is equipped with active defense systems to counteract threats, then the protection capability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The defense system is segmented into separate functional modules: detection devices (sensors) for target acquisition, computing devices for trajectory calculation, and multiple deployable decoys for active counteraction. This modular segmentation allows the satellite to maintain protection capability while managing complexity through distributed, specialized components rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite is pre-equipped with multiple decoys in storage before threats are detected. When a target is identified, the system immediately deploys pre-positioned decoys without requiring complex on-demand manufacturing or assembly operations. This preliminary preparation reduces response time and operational complexity during actual defense scenarios.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If decoys are deployed to counteract target objects, then the threat is reduced, but additional space debris may be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The decoys are designed to convert the potential harm of collision into beneficial outcomes by deliberately guiding targets toward controlled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The decoys manipulate target trajectories so that kinetic energy is dissipated in the atmosphere rather than creating dangerous space debris, transforming a potentially harmful collision into a safe disposal mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoys serve as intermediary objects between the satellite and incoming threats. Instead of allowing direct satellite-target collisions, the decoys intercept and redirect targets toward atmospheric re-entry zones. This intermediary action protects the satellite while channeling threat energy into a safe dissipation pathway that minimizes debris generation.
3Reliability
If multiple decoys are deployed to enhance protection, then the effectiveness against multiple threats improves, but the weight and volume occupied increase
Solution Approach 1:
The decoys are designed as lightweight, disposable components with simplified structures optimized for single-use interception missions. Each decoy carries minimal necessary systems (propulsion, basic control) and is discarded after guiding a target to safe re-entry. This approach allows carrying multiple decoys without excessive weight penalty, as each unit is deliberately kept simple and inexpensive compared to permanent satellite systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (100) for defending a satellite (200), comprising at least one decoy (110) designed as a spacecraft and portable or carried by a satellite (200, 200'). The at least one decoy (110) can be deployed from the satellite (200, 200') based on target data indicating a target object (500) moving toward the satellite (200) to be defended, and is configured to counteract the target object (500). The invention further relates to the use of such a device (100) and to a system (10) comprising such a device (100).