Inter-Satellite Link Scheduling for Dynamic Contact Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing intersatellite links (ISLs) due to the dynamic and complex orbital environments of non-geostationary satellites, which require precise alignment and coordination to establish reliable communication paths.
Innovation Solution
A management system that processes ISL requests from third-party satellites, determining contact windows and communication parameters to facilitate intersatellite links between constellation and third-party satellites, utilizing an application programming interface (API) for automated or semi-automated workflows to improve resource allocation and provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated or semi-automated workflows are implemented to manage intersatellite links, then resource allocation efficiency and provisioning speed are improved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary management system that acts as a mediator between constellation operators and third-party operators. This intermediary automatically processes ISL requests, determines contact windows, and coordinates resource allocation, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through centralized automation rather than direct peer-to-peer coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining contact windows and communication parameters before actual data transfer. The management system calculates and reserves ISL resources in advance, establishing communication paths proactively rather than reactively, which improves allocation efficiency while reducing real-time coordination complexity.
2Reliability
If precise alignment and coordination are implemented for intersatellite links, then communication reliability is improved, but operational complexity and provisioning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management system implements self-service capabilities by automatically determining contact windows, calculating communication parameters, and provisioning ISL resources without manual intervention. The system autonomously handles the precise alignment and coordination required for reliable communication, thereby maintaining high reliability while significantly improving ease of operation for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor and adjust ISL communication parameters. By receiving feedback on link quality, orbital positions, and resource utilization, the management system dynamically optimizes alignment and coordination to maintain reliability while automating the complexity of adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If contact windows and communication parameters are dynamically determined, then adaptability to orbital conditions is improved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management system performs preliminary calculations to determine contact windows and communication parameters in advance of actual data transfer needs. By pre-computing orbital intersections and available time windows, the system reduces real-time processing requirements while maintaining adaptability to dynamic orbital conditions through periodic updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic determination of contact windows by continuously updating orbital positions and recalculating available communication time windows based on current satellite trajectories. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing orbital conditions while using efficient algorithms to minimize computational time and maintain rapid responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite constellation provides communication resources, such as optical intersatellite links (ISL), to third-party (3P) satellites. An application programming interface (API) provided by a management system associated with the constellation allows a 3P requestor to determine availability of, and schedule, communication resources. Details about the scheduled communications are returned to the 3P requestor. Once scheduled, the management system operates associated satellites to provide the scheduled communication resources. The requestor may then use the details to operate the 3P satellite to use the scheduled communication resources. At the scheduled time(s), the ISL may be used to transfer data between the 3P satellite and ground or another 3P satellite.