Dynamic Launch Window Determination for Space Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current space launch infrastructure is manpower intensive, technologically antiquated, and expensive, struggling to support the increasing demand for commercial space launches due to limited launch windows and inefficiencies in airspace management, leading to delayed launches, rerouted air traffic, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic space launch opportunity determination and coordination system that integrates data from various sources, including satellite catalogs, airspace tracking, maritime systems, and weather monitoring, to provide real-time go/no-go decisions for launch windows, leveraging a federated architecture and cloud-based infrastructure to optimize launch scheduling and reduce personnel expenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the US Department of Defense provides launch services to commercial space launch providers on an excess capacity basis, then commercial space launches can be supported, but the infrastructure becomes manpower intensive and expensive to operate and sustain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual, manpower-intensive launch coordination processes with an automated computer system that receives data feeds from multiple sources (weather, airspace, maritime, orbital debris), processes this data through algorithms, and automatically determines launch windows and provides go/no-go decisions. This substitution of mechanical human operations with automated computational systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining high launch support capacity while eliminating the manpower and operational complexity burden.
2Reliability
If the US Department of Defense uses technologically antiquated infrastructure to support launches, then existing systems can be maintained, but the cost to operate and sustain the infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the technological parameters of the launch support infrastructure by implementing a modernized system that integrates real-time data feeds from multiple sources (weather monitoring, airspace tracking, maritime tracking, orbital debris catalogs) and uses computational algorithms to dynamically determine launch windows. This parameter change from antiquated to modern technology maintains reliable launch support while reducing operational costs through automation and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic launch window determination is implemented, then launch flexibility and frequency increase, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex data processing system into distinct functional modules that each handle specific data feeds (weather monitoring, airspace tracking, maritime tracking, orbital debris analysis) and specific computational tasks. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity through modular design while maintaining high launch flexibility, as each module can be independently configured and processed according to its specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory media of the various embodiments may enable the identification of launch opportunities. The integrated approach of the various embodiments leverages instrumentation, data and communication systems available about, or from, the National Airspace System (NAS), Marine Transportation System (MTS), and orbital catalog to enable safe passage for space vehicles, passengers, and payloads. The condition-based launch criteria of the various embodiments may improve mission assurance and public safety while simultaneously supporting a customer's launch on readiness schedule.