Eye-Orbit Satellite Coverage With Single-Beam Antenna Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite systems for polar regions require multiple antennas or complex antenna steering to maintain communication links, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, as satellites designed for geostationary orbits are not suitable for Tundra or Molniya orbits without redesign.
Innovation Solution
A system of satellites in orbits with intersecting transits forming a closed loop, allowing a single-beam antenna to track and switch between satellites seamlessly, maintaining continuous communication links by ensuring entering and exiting satellites are within the antenna's coverage at intersections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If satellites are placed in geostationary orbit to provide continuous coverage, then ground antennas do not need to change direction, but satellites cannot be seen by ground stations in high latitudes and communication between separated mid-latitude points is not practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple regions served by different satellites in Tundra orbits. Each satellite provides coverage to a specific geographic region, and ground stations in different regions can maintain stable antenna orientations toward their respective satellites, resolving the contradiction between antenna stability and coverage versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional geostationary equatorial orbit to Tundra orbits with high inclination and eccentricity. This dimensional change in orbital parameters allows satellites to appear stationary over high-latitude regions while providing coverage to separated mid-latitude points, expanding the coverage area without compromising antenna stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Molniya or Tundra orbits are used to provide polar coverage, then satellites can be seen by high-latitude ground stations, but multiple satellites and complex tracking systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs satellites in Tundra orbits that can serve multiple functions: providing coverage to high-latitude regions while also enabling communication between separated mid-latitude points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized satellites and complex tracking systems, addressing the contradiction between polar coverage capability and system complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If satellites are designed for geostationary orbit applications, then they can provide continuous coverage, but they cannot be used in Tundra or Molniya orbits without redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key orbital parameters (inclination and eccentricity) to create Tundra orbits while maintaining the geosynchronous period. This allows existing geostationary satellites to be deployed in Tundra orbits with minimal redesign, preserving continuous coverage duration while reducing manufacturing and deployment complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a set of satellites in orbits having transits across the sky. Two or more such transits are arranged to intersect to form a closed loop. Movement of the satellites along their respective transits causes, at each intersection of the closed loop, two or more satellites of the set of satellites to be distanced from each other in a manner that enables coverage of the two or more satellites by a single beam of an antenna that tracks one of the satellites.