Integrated Laser Communication and Ranging System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spacecraft communication systems face limitations in bandwidth, beam spread, path loss, and weight/volume constraints, and the proliferation of subsystems increases the probability of failure, while requiring both communication and situational awareness capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An integrated laser-based communication and ranging system that combines communication functionality with situational awareness by using a shared optical path to transmit data and determine distances to objects, reducing mass, volume, and cost through the reuse of optical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate RF communication and ranging subsystems are used, then communication and situational awareness functions are achieved, but system complexity and probability of failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication and situational awareness capabilityVSAvoidnumber of subsystems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate communication and ranging subsystems into a single integrated laser system. The same laser beam is used for both data transmission to ground stations and for measuring distances to space objects, eliminating the need for separate RF communication and ranging hardware. This merging reduces the number of subsystems while maintaining both communication and situational awareness capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a communication transceiver for high-bandwidth data transmission and a ranging instrument for measuring distances to space objects. The single optical system is universally applicable to both communication and navigation tasks, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate systems are deployed for communication and ranging, then functional requirements are met, but mass and volume requirements are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication and navigation functionalityVSAvoidsystem mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges communication and ranging functions into a single laser-based system, eliminating duplicate hardware such as separate RF transceivers, antennas, and ranging instruments. This consolidation significantly reduces the mass of the spacecraft system while maintaining both communication and navigation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If RF communication systems are used, then communication capability is achieved, but bandwidth is limited and path loss is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication bandwidthVSAvoidpath loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the RF electromagnetic system with an optical laser system for communication. Laser beams provide significantly higher bandwidth and lower path loss compared to RF systems, enabling more efficient high-speed data transmission between the spacecraft and ground stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If separate communication and ranging systems are used, then operational requirements are met, but weight and space constraints are violated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines communication and ranging functions into a single integrated laser system, eliminating the need for separate hardware volumes. The same optical components serve both communication and navigation purposes, significantly reducing the overall volume occupied by these subsystems on the spacecraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves high-bandwidth communication with reduced interference and lower power requirements, enabling precise situational awareness and navigation while minimizing system complexity and failure risks.

Implementation Method 1

a laser module configured to emit at least one beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a detector module configured to detect a scattered portion of the at least one beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11381310B2Combined communication and ranging functionality on a spacecraft

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 MOMENTUS SPACE LLC

AI summary

An integrated communication and ranging system for use on a spacecraft includes: a laser module configured to emit at least one beam, a pointing module configured to direct the at least one beam toward a ground station and toward an object in space, and a detector module configured to detect a scattered portion of the at least one beam. The system further includes a control module configured to operate the pointing module to (i) transmit data to the ground station using the at least one beam and (ii) determine, using the detector module, a distance between the spacecraft and the object using the at least one beam.