LEO Satellite Circular Network for Intersatellite Link Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication satellite systems in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations face challenges with communication interruptions and high-accuracy optical-axis alignment due to lateral changes in satellite positions, leading to inefficiencies in intersatellite communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication satellite system is designed with multiple orbit planes where satellites on inclined orbits communicate using first, second, and third communication devices to form a circular network, allowing proximity communication at intersection points between orbit planes, thereby avoiding continuous communication with adjacent satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellites communicate with adjacent satellites in left and right orbits continuously, then intersatellite communication coverage is improved, but lateral position changes at orbit ends cause communication interruptions and require high-accuracy optical-axis alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication partner selection based on satellite position. Instead of fixed adjacent-orbit communication, satellites dynamically switch communication partners within the same orbit plane based on real-time positional relationships. This dynamic adaptation eliminates communication interruptions at orbit ends and reduces optical-axis alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function into three distinct communication devices: first communication device for front/rear satellites, second communication device for ground installations, and third communication device for intersecting orbit satellites. This segmentation allows optimized communication strategies for different scenarios, preventing continuous communication with problematic adjacent-orbit satellites.
2Productivity
If optical wireless communication is established twice per orbiting with adjacent orbit satellites, then intersatellite communication is achieved, but circuit establishment frequency increases and requires highly-accurate optical-axis alignment technology
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines communication partners based on orbital position and intersection points. Satellites communicate with satellites in intersecting orbit planes at specific proximity points rather than continuously with adjacent-orbit satellites. This reduces the frequency of circuit establishment and lowers optical-axis alignment accuracy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specific communication mode at orbit intersection points as an intermediary solution. The third communication device handles communication at these specific geometric points, acting as a mediator that reduces the need for continuous high-precision alignment with adjacent-orbit satellites.
3Area of stationary object
If satellites in LEO constellation communicate with adjacent orbit satellites, then network coverage is improved, but communication interruptions occur at south and north ends of orbit plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication partner selection that adapts to orbital position. Satellites switch between different communication modes: using first communication devices for same-orbit front/rear satellites, and third communication devices for intersecting-orbit satellites at specific points. This dynamic adaptation maintains communication stability throughout the entire orbit, including at the problematic south and north ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional adjacent-orbit communication to three-dimensional multi-orbit-plane communication with distributed normal vectors. By distributing azimuth components of normal vectors in the longitudinal direction across multiple orbit planes, the system achieves both wide coverage and stable communication without relying on continuous adjacent-orbit links that fail at orbit ends.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication satellite system includes orbit planes with azimuth components of normal vectors distributed to a longitudinal direction. Each orbit plane is taken as a target orbit plane corresponding to an inclined orbit, and satellites are flying on the target orbit plane. A target satellite on the target orbit plane includes a first communication device to communicate with satellites where the target satellite is flying and positioned at front and rear with respect to a traveling direction of the target satellite, a second communication device to communicate with a ground installation, and a third communication device to communicate with a satellite flying on another orbit plane. On the target orbit plane, the plurality of satellites flying on the target orbit plane form a circular communication network.