Interconnected Satellite Constellation Control for Continuous Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite constellations face challenges in achieving continuous coverage and efficient network management due to computational complexity and the need for large numbers of satellites, particularly when operating under different protocols and belonging to different operators.
Innovation Solution
An interconnected satellite communication system is formed by combining controllers of different satellite constellations, allowing them to work collaboratively through software-defined networking (SDN) architecture, enabling joint scheduling and routing of data communication across multiple constellations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple satellite constellations operate independently under different protocols, then each constellation can maintain its own operational simplicity, but the overall coverage area is limited and network management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent satellite constellations into a unified interconnected constellation by establishing communication links between controllers of different constellations. This allows the system to achieve extended coverage area while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized coordination rather than independent operation of each constellation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle operations across different satellite constellations with different protocols. It can perform protocol conversion, coordinate scheduling, and manage routing between constellations, thereby simplifying overall network management while enabling broad coverage.
2Reliability
If a single satellite constellation is used to provide continuous coverage, then the network structure remains simple, but the number of satellites required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple smaller satellite constellations into an interconnected system, where each constellation contributes a subset of satellites. This merging approach achieves continuous coverage capability through coordinated operation of multiple constellations, reducing the total number of satellites needed compared to a single monolithic constellation.
3Productivity
If controllers of different satellite constellations operate independently, then each controller's functionality remains simple, but data communication efficiency decreases due to protocol differences
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to communicate with and coordinate multiple satellite constellations using different protocols. It performs protocol conversion and standardized data exchange, thereby improving data communication efficiency across constellations while concentrating complexity in the controller rather than requiring complex interactions between all components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If satellite constellations use different Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols, then each constellation can optimize for its specific requirements, but interoperability and joint scheduling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between satellite constellations using different MAC protocols. It performs protocol conversion and standardized coordination, allowing each constellation to maintain its optimized protocol while enabling easy joint scheduling and interoperability through the controller's mediation layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a satellite communication system includes: interconnecting a first controller of a first satellite constellation and a second controller of a second satellite constellation in the satellite communication system to form an interconnected constellation, wherein the second satellite constellation is different from the first satellite constellation, and the interconnected constellation comprises the first satellite constellation and the second satellite constellation; utilizing the first controller to obtain first control information on the first satellite constellation, and receive second control information on the second satellite constellation from the second controller; and performing data communication via the interconnected constellation according to the first control information and the second control information.