LEO Satellite Laser Ranging via Optical Telescope and Phased Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LEO satellite technologies require a distance measuring device for measuring distances between satellites, which adds complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light projecting element, optical telescope, optical phased array, light receiving element, and distance measurement unit in LEO satellites to measure distances using laser light, allowing for distance calculation without additional hardware by scanning and capturing satellites on the same or different orbital planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distance measuring device is added to LEO satellites to measure distances between satellites, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing satellite components (optical telescopes, light receiving elements, and communication equipment) to perform distance measurement functions in addition to their primary functions. The optical telescope and light receiving element used for communication also serve as ranging instruments, eliminating the need for dedicated distance measuring devices while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite performs distance measurement using its own existing equipment without requiring additional specialized devices. The optical telescope, light receiving element, and internal clock work together as an integrated self-sufficient ranging system, allowing the satellite to measure distances to other satellites using resources already available on-board
2Measurement precision
If a distance measuring device is added to LEO satellites, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by designing the satellite with multi-functional components that serve both communication and distance measurement purposes. The optical telescope, light receiving element, and timing system are shared resources that perform dual functions, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate dedicated distance measuring devices, thereby reducing overall satellite manufacturing costs
3Measurement precision
If optical telescope is used to capture satellites on the same orbital plane, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical capturing system into two distinct configurations: optical telescopes for capturing satellites on the same orbital plane, and optical phased arrays for capturing satellites on different orbital planes. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function and enables selective activation based on the target satellite's orbital position, reducing the operational complexity of the overall system
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 distance measurement between LEO satellites without the need for a dedicated distance measuring device, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a light projecting element that emits laser light as emission light to another LEO satellite configuring the LEO satellite constellation
Implementation Method 2
capturing the other LEO satellite by scanning the emission light emitted from the light projecting element using the optical telescope
Implementation Method 3
capturing the other LEO satellite by scanning the emission light emitted from the light projecting element using the optical phased array
Implementation Method 4
a light receiving element that receives laser light from the other LEO satellite as incident light
Data Source
AI summary
an LEO satellite includes a light projecting element that emits emission light to another LEO satellite, an optical telescope, an optical phased array, a light receiving element that receives incident light from the other LEO satellite, a distance measurement unit that measures a distance to the other LEO satellite based on at least one of the emission light and the incident light, and a control unit. The control unit captures the other LEO satellites by scanning emission light using the optical telescope and receives incident light from the other LEO satellites for the other LEO satellites on the same orbital plane, and captures the other LEO satellites by scanning emission light using the optical phased array and receives incident light from the other LEO satellites for the other LEO satellites on different orbital planes.