LEO Satellite Constellation for Enhanced Positioning and Atmospheric Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite constellation systems face limitations in providing precise positioning and atmospheric monitoring due to the geometry of existing GNSS signals, which restricts the depth of atmospheric penetration and temporal/spatial resolution of atmospheric data, leading to suboptimal weather forecasting and navigation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation system utilizing LEO satellites that transmit and receive navigation signals at higher power levels, enabling deeper atmospheric penetration and increased temporal and spatial resolution through radio occultation, combined with autonomous orbit and clock determination using edge computing and inter-satellite communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher power navigation signals are transmitted, then atmospheric penetration depth is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power level parameter of navigation signals transmitted by LEO satellites, using higher power levels to achieve deeper atmospheric penetration for improved radio occultation measurements while managing energy consumption through optimized signal transmission strategies
2Measurement precision
If LEO satellites are used for navigation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but signal coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation satellite system into LEO satellites positioned at lower altitudes, which provide enhanced positioning accuracy through improved geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) and enable unique atmospheric monitoring capabilities via radio occultation, while the constellation architecture ensures comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional high-orbit GNSS to LEO satellites, adding the dimension of lower orbital altitude which enables deeper atmospheric penetration and higher temporal/spatial resolution measurements while maintaining coverage through constellation deployment
3Measurement precision
If radio occultation is used for atmospheric monitoring, then atmospheric data quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in LEO satellites that simultaneously provide navigation signal transmission and serve as radio occultation receivers for atmospheric monitoring, eliminating the need for separate dedicated atmospheric sensing systems and reducing overall system complexity
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of weather forecasting and navigation by providing high-fidelity atmospheric models and precise positioning, reducing reliance on ground infrastructure and improving the robustness of satellite navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
enabling deeper atmospheric penetration and increased temporal and spatial resolution through radio occultation
Data Source
AI summary
A ground-based node of a satellite system operates by: communicating control data with LEO navigation satellites in LEO around the earth; transmitting corrections data to the LEO navigation satellites; receiving a first collection of observations based on signaling from non-LEO navigation satellites in non-LEO around the earth, the signaling including collected observations from the non-LEO navigation satellites; receiving a second collection of observations based on navigation messages from the LEO navigation satellites, wherein the navigation messages facilitate client devices to determine their enhanced position when received in conjunction with second signaling from the non-LEO navigation satellites, and wherein the navigation messages are generated by the LEO navigation satellites in response to the corrections data; updating the corrections data based on the first collection of observations, the second collection of observations and based on telemetry data corresponding to the LEO navigation satellites included in the TT&C information; and repeating the foregoing.