LEO Navigation Constellation with Multi-Orbit Signal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite navigation systems face challenges in providing precise positioning and atmospheric monitoring with limited orbital coverage and data latency, particularly in low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which affect the accuracy and reliability of navigation signals.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation system comprising LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites that utilize a combination of GNSS signals, radio occultation, and edge computing to provide secure precision location and time transfer services, atmospheric monitoring, and environmental condition monitoring, with data processing and communication facilitated through a network of satellites and ground stations, enabling autonomous orbit and clock determination and high-fidelity atmospheric modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single satellite is used for navigation, then device complexity is reduced, but navigation accuracy and signal reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into multiple independent satellites operating in different orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, GEO). Each satellite independently provides navigation signals, and the receiver integrates data from multiple satellites to achieve high accuracy without requiring any single satellite to be overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-orbit satellite configuration to a multi-orbital-plane constellation. By adding the dimensional aspect of multiple orbital planes and altitudes, the system achieves comprehensive global coverage and improved accuracy while distributing complexity across many simpler satellite units
2Measurement precision
If LEO satellites are used for atmospheric monitoring, then measurement precision improves, but orbital coverage and signal latency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The atmospheric monitoring function is segmented across multiple LEO satellites in different orbital planes. Each satellite provides high-precision local measurements, and the constellation as a whole achieves global coverage by distributing the monitoring function across many satellite segments
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds orbital altitude as a dimensional variable by incorporating LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites. This multi-layered orbital structure allows LEO satellites to provide high-precision atmospheric data while MEO and GEO satellites extend the overall coverage area and reduce latency through their different orbital characteristics
3Power
If LEO satellites are used, then signal strength improves, but orbital coverage and data latency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The signal transmission function is segmented across satellites at different orbital altitudes. LEO satellites provide strong local signals for nearby receivers, while MEO and GEO satellites provide broader coverage and serve as relay points, distributing the signal transmission task across multiple segments with different strength and latency characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces orbital altitude as an additional dimension for signal transmission. By positioning satellites at LEO, MEO, and GEO altitudes, the system creates a multi-layered signal distribution network where receivers can select satellites based on their position, achieving optimal balance between signal strength and latency
4Reliability
If autonomous orbit and clock determination is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Each satellite is equipped with autonomous orbit and clock determination capabilities, allowing it to self-correct and maintain accurate navigation signals without continuous ground intervention. This self-service approach improves reliability by enabling real-time corrections while distributing processing complexity across individual satellites rather than requiring complex ground-based control
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 enhances navigation accuracy and reduces latency by providing precise positioning and atmospheric data with faster signal convergence and stronger signals, supporting a wide range of client devices with enhanced positioning and timing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A receiver of the LEO satellite is configured to receive first signaling from a first plurality of non-LEO navigation satellites
Implementation Method 2
A processor of the LEO satellite is configured to execute operational instructions that cause the processor to perform operations that include: determining an orbital position of the LEO satellite based on the first signaling
Implementation Method 3
generating a navigation message based on the orbital position. A transmitter of the LEO satellite is configured to transmit the navigation message to at least one client device
Implementation Method 4
utilize a combination of GNSS signals, radio occultation, and edge computing to provide secure precision location and time transfer services, atmospheric monitoring
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A satellite orbiting in one of a plurality of orbital planes of a satellite constellation system at an altitude range corresponding to low earth orbit includes at least one processor configured to generate satellite state data, and to generate a navigation signal based on the satellite state data. The satellite includes at least one transmitter configured to transmit the navigation signal for receipt by at least one client device on earth. Each of the plurality of orbital planes includes a corresponding one of a plurality of satellite subsets of a plurality of satellites of the satellite constellation system. Each of the plurality of orbital planes is within the altitude range, and the plurality of orbital planes includes a set of inclined orbital planes at a non-polar inclination.