Fractionated Satellite Constellation Cross-Protocol Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite systems face challenges in providing multiple functionalities to user devices due to high costs, complexity, and interference between satellites using different communication protocols, leading to limited accessibility and increased complexity in user devices.
Innovation Solution
A fractionated satellite constellation system is introduced, comprising gateway satellites orbitally-coupled with auxiliary satellites to route communications between them, enabling interoperability and expanding functionalities without increasing user device complexity or size, by using a gateway satellite to relay communications between satellites with different protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized satellites with different communication protocols are deployed, then functionalities are expanded, but interoperability between satellites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A gateway satellite is introduced as an intermediary component that translates between different communication protocols. The gateway satellite receives communications from specialized satellites using various protocols, converts them to a standardized protocol, and routes them appropriately. This mediator approach enables interoperability between satellites with different protocols while preserving the functionality expansion benefits of having multiple specialized satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway satellite is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously. It can translate between various specialized satellite protocols and a standardized protocol, making it a universal interface that connects different satellite subsystems. This universal gateway enables the entire constellation to function as an integrated system despite individual satellites having specialized, non-uniform protocols.
2Reliability
If a single satellite provides multiple functionalities, then interoperability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite constellation is segmented into specialized satellites that each provide specific functionalities and a separate gateway satellite that handles protocol translation. This segmentation allows specialized satellites to remain simple and focused on their specific functions, while the complexity of handling multiple protocols is isolated to the gateway satellite. User devices only need to communicate with their designated specialized satellite, maintaining low device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway satellite acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of protocol translation and routing. Instead of every satellite and user device needing to support multiple protocols, the gateway handles all protocol conversions, allowing specialized satellites and user devices to remain simple while still achieving interoperability through the gateway mediator.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user devices support multiple communication protocols, then accessibility to multiple satellites is improved, but user device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway satellite serves as a protocol mediator that shields user devices from the complexity of multiple communication protocols. User devices only need to implement support for their designated specialized satellite's protocol, while the gateway handles translations to and from other protocols. This intermediary approach maintains accessibility to multiple satellite functionalities without requiring user devices to support multiple protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway satellite provides self-service by automatically translating and routing communications between specialized satellites with different protocols. This eliminates the need for user devices to perform complex protocol translations or maintain multiple radio components, as the gateway handles these functions autonomously, preserving user device simplicity while enabling broad accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for supporting a fractionated satellite constellation are disclosed. A gateway satellite may route communications to and from auxiliary satellites using a first communication protocol. The auxiliary satellites may be orbitally-coupled with the gateway satellite and may be equipped with respective payload types that provide respective functionalities. The auxiliary satellites may also use respective communications protocols that are different than one another and the first communication protocol. Routing communications to and from auxiliary satellites may include relaying a communication between multiple auxiliary satellites. Routing communications between auxiliary satellites may include relaying a communication between multiple gateway satellites. Routing communications to and from auxiliary satellites may also include relaying communications between commercial satellites and auxiliary satellites.