LEO Satellite Data Transfer for Global Bulk File Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications infrastructure, including geostationary satellites and internet satellites, is inadequate for timely and error-free transfer of large data files, especially in remote areas, due to limited bandwidth, high costs, and susceptibility to errors and delays.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a fleet of low earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites with small ground terminals for point-to-point bulk data transfer, employing error correction techniques and beacon signals to ensure high data fidelity and efficient data transfer, allowing for global coverage and scalable capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If geostationary satellites are used for data transfer, then coverage area is improved, but data transfer rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from geostationary orbit (high altitude, ~36,000 km) to low earth orbit (low altitude, ~500-2,000 km), fundamentally changing the orbital parameter to achieve both high data transfer rates and broad coverage. LEO satellites provide higher data rates due to shorter signal paths and enable global coverage through constellations of satellites.
2Device complexity
If existing satellite transponders are used, then infrastructure complexity is reduced, but data transfer capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite system into multiple LEO satellites working in a constellation, where each satellite provides localized high-capacity transfer. This segmentation allows the system to achieve global high-capacity coverage without requiring each individual satellite to have extremely complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple LEO satellites into a coordinated constellation that provides seamless global coverage. By merging the capabilities of multiple simpler satellites, the system achieves high data transfer capacity across the entire globe without the complexity of single high-capacity GEO satellites.
3Reliability
If physical media courier is used, then data transfer error rate is improved, but delivery time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical courier system with an electronic satellite communication system. This substitution maintains the reliability advantage of physical media (through error correction protocols) while eliminating the time disadvantage by enabling rapid electronic transmission of large data files.
4Speed
If terrestrial fibre-optic networks are used, then data transfer speed is improved, but geographic coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal satellite communication system that provides high-speed data transfer capability across all geographic locations, not just densely populated areas. The LEO constellation serves both urban and remote regions, making the high-speed service universally accessible.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing communication services between geographically disbursed source and destination terminals includes at least one airborne or spaceborne wireless communication device, such as a satellite. The wireless communication device is configured to store and forward large data files of at least an aggregated 10 gigabytes. The wireless communication device includes a wireless transceiver for communicating with the source and destination terminals over at least one high bandwidth channel. A mass data storage device stores the large data files for a predetermined period of time that is greater than approximately two minutes. At least one processor is coupled among the mass data storage and wireless transceiver. The processor is configured to control receipt of a large data file from the source terminal and to transmit it to the destination terminal as the wireless communication device nears the destination terminal.