LEO Satellite Navigation with Autonomous Orbit and Clock Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite navigation systems face limitations in providing precise location and time services, especially in atmospheric monitoring and navigation, due to constraints in signal power, orbital geometry, and ground infrastructure reliance.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation system comprising Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that receive and transmit signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), utilizing higher broadcast power for deeper atmospheric penetration, and employing radio occultation to generate high-fidelity ionospheric and tropospheric models, enabling autonomous orbit and clock determination, and secure precision navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If satellite navigation systems use conventional signal power levels, then ground infrastructure reliance is maintained, but atmospheric penetration depth and navigation precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter of satellite signals from conventional levels to higher power levels, enabling deeper atmospheric penetration and improved precision navigation capabilities while maintaining system reliability
2Reliability
If satellite constellation systems operate without radio occultation, then system complexity is reduced, but atmospheric monitoring capability and model fidelity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite constellation system performs multiple functions including navigation signal transmission and radio occultation atmospheric monitoring, allowing a single system to provide both precise navigation services and high-fidelity atmospheric models without requiring separate dedicated systems
3Extent of automation
If LEO satellites do not perform autonomous orbit and clock determination, then ground infrastructure requirements are reduced, but navigation accuracy and system independence are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
LEO satellites autonomously determine their own orbit and clock parameters using onboard receivers to track GNSS signals and process measurement data, eliminating dependence on ground-based tracking infrastructure while achieving precise orbital and timing determination
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
The system provides enhanced precision navigation, improved atmospheric monitoring, and reduced reliance on ground infrastructure, with secure and encrypted communication, enabling better weather forecasting and navigation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
receive and transmit signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), utilizing higher broadcast power for deeper atmospheric penetration
Implementation Method 2
employing radio occultation to generate high-fidelity ionospheric and tropospheric models
Data Source
AI summary
A low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite operates to: determine an orbital position of the LEO satellite based on the first signaling and based on precise point positioning (PPP) correction data associated with the constellation of non-LEO navigation satellites, wherein the PPP correction data includes orbital correction data and timing correction data associated with the constellation of non-LEO navigation satellites, and wherein the PPP correction data is received separate from the first signaling; determine, based on the inter-satellite communications, an error condition associated with one of the other LEO navigation satellites of the constellation of LEO navigation satellites; and broadcast a navigation message based on the orbital position, wherein the navigation message includes a timing signal and the orbital position associated with the LEO satellite, correction data associated with the constellation of non-LEO navigation satellites, and an alert signal that indicates the error condition associated with one of the other LEO navigation satellites of the constellation of LEO navigation satellites.