LEO Satellite Constellation for Low-Latency Earth-Space Data Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data handling, computation, and communication systems in aerospace and telecommunication are limited by physical, regulatory, and practical constraints, particularly due to line-of-sight viewing geometry, resulting in low bandwidth and latency issues between space and Earth-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A six-layer system architecture comprising an Earth User Layer, Relay Layer, Computing Layer, Terrestrial Communications Layer, Core Space Layer, and Space User Layer, which provides a user-customizable, flexible, and secure high-bandwidth network with inline computational capability, utilizing a constellation of satellites for nearly full Earth coverage and connectivity, including RF and optical antennas, and blockchain-enabled security protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GEO satellites are used to provide continuous coverage, then coverage area is improved, but latency increases due to greater distance from Earth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite constellation into multiple LEO satellites distributed across different orbital planes and altitudes. This segmentation allows the system to provide continuous global coverage through multiple smaller coverage zones rather than relying on a single GEO satellite, while maintaining lower latency due to the closer proximity of LEO satellites to Earth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional GEO orbit (equatorial plane only) to a three-dimensional LEO constellation with satellites distributed across multiple orbital planes at various inclinations and altitudes. This dimensional change enables continuous global coverage while maintaining lower latency through proximity to Earth.
2Loss of time
If LEO satellites are used to reduce latency, then latency is improved, but continuous worldwide coverage becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LEO satellites into a coordinated constellation across six orbital planes with 53-degree inclination. By combining the coverage zones of multiple satellites operating in synchronized orbits, the system achieves continuous worldwide coverage while maintaining the low-latency advantage of LEO altitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The LEO satellite constellation is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing low-latency communication, achieving continuous global coverage, and enabling inter-satellite mesh networking. Each satellite in the constellation serves as both a communication node and a routing node in the mesh network.
3Device complexity
If direct communication between satellites and ground stations is used, then system simplicity is improved, but bandwidth is limited to Mbits per second with hour-long duty cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces inter-satellite mesh networking as an intermediary layer between space-based assets and ground stations. Data can be routed through multiple satellites in the constellation, enabling higher aggregate bandwidth and more flexible duty cycles while maintaining relatively simple individual satellite designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to data routing by utilizing the three-dimensional constellation geometry. Data can be transmitted through multiple paths across different orbital planes and altitudes, increasing aggregate bandwidth and providing redundancy beyond simple ground station uplinks and downlinks.
4Extent of automation
If computational processing is performed on Earth, then computational capability is improved, but data transmission time and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary computational processing onboard LEO satellites before data is transmitted to ground stations. By performing initial data processing, filtering, and packetization in space, the system reduces the volume of data requiring ground transmission and minimizes latency associated with round-trip communication for processing decisions.
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
Enables robust, bidirectional, high-bandwidth data movement with access to heavy computational capabilities at a low cost, providing nearly full coverage and enhanced data processing and packetization, while being agnostic to the geographic location of users, and increasing the duty cycle and throughput by an order of magnitude compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The satellites are cross-linked using RF and/or optical send and receive antennas on four sides of each satellite
Data Source
AI summary
A system, architecture and method for data handling, computation, and communication for Earth-based and space-based activities through the use of ground and space-based systems. The system architecture may include a Core Space Layer. The system architecture may further include an Earth User Layer, a Relay Layer, a Computing Layer, a Terrestrial Communications Layer, and a Space User Layer. The Computing Layer is a cloud-based architecture that serves to reduce bandwidth burdens on Earth-Space trunk by processing data into manageable streams of information. The Core Space Layer contains LEO satellites, one of which may act as a dedicated computing node. The Core Space Layer may operate in a public and/or private mode with a first constellation of LEO satellites operating in a private mode and a second constellation of LEO satellites operating in a public mode.