Intermediary Satellite Network for Cross-Strapping and Decongestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing satellite communication systems face inefficiencies due to latency and cost associated with ground-based communications, especially when transmitting information between satellites or from satellites to ground stations, which introduces delays and limitations in upgrading satellite hardware once in orbit.
Innovation Solution
A modular, space-based satellite network ring that connects multiple satellites through high-speed communication arrays, allowing direct communication between satellites and ground stations without relying on ground-based media, enabling rapid data transmission and flexible expansion by launching new satellites that can communicate with existing ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If ground-based communication systems are used for satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but communication latency increases and network efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary satellites in low-earth orbit that act as mediators for cross-strapping communications between geosynchronous satellites. These intermediary satellites receive signals from one geosynchronous satellite and relay them to another, eliminating the need for ground-based communication infrastructure and reducing latency while maintaining network simplicity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If geosynchronous orbit satellites are used, then long duration connections with ground stations are maintained, but communication latency increases to approximately 240 milliseconds round trip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-earth orbit satellites as intermediary mediators between geosynchronous satellites. These intermediaries are positioned strategically to enable rapid signal relay, reducing the effective communication latency while preserving the long-duration connection capabilities of geosynchronous satellites through continuous relay operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the communication path from a two-dimensional ground-based route to a three-dimensional space-based route using low-earth orbit satellites positioned at optimal altitudes and longitudes. This dimensional change enables shorter signal paths and reduced latency while maintaining the connectivity benefits of geosynchronous orbit.
3Productivity
If cross-strapping communications between satellites are implemented, then ground station bandwidth is reduced, but satellite network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized intermediary satellites that handle cross-strapping communication tasks, thereby simplifying the overall network architecture. These intermediaries manage the complexity of satellite-to-satellite communications, enabling ground stations to focus on their primary function and maintain high throughput without being burdened by complex routing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing satellites are upgraded with new hardware, then communication capabilities are improved, but the cost and complexity of in-orbit upgrades is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite communication system into modular components, with functionality distributed across multiple satellites rather than requiring upgrades to individual satellites. This modular architecture enables flexible capability enhancement by adding new satellites with advanced hardware rather than attempting complex in-orbit modifications to existing satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables functionality to be replicated across multiple satellites in the network. Instead of upgrading a single satellite with new hardware capabilities, the system can deploy additional satellites with the desired capabilities, allowing the network to gain enhanced functionality through replication rather than modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A space-based electronic data transfer network system is disclosed. The space-based electronic data transfer network system connects to multiple external sources and transmits information securely within the network, enabling information to be quickly communicated between external satellites and ground stations. The space-based electronic data transfer network system is modularly expandable and additional external satellites and communications frequencies may be incorporated into the network by simply adding one or more additional satellites capable of communicating with the external satellite or communications frequency.