Low-Orbit Satellite Data Relay via Geostationary Spectrum Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of implementing geostationary relay satellites for data transmission between terrestrial base stations and low-orbit satellites, along with the need for multiple satellites to ensure complete coverage, pose significant challenges in establishing efficient and cost-effective communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving spectrum spreading of data signals by the relay terminal before transmission to a higher-orbit telecommunications satellite, which then relays the signals to the base station, utilizing existing telecommunications satellites in geosynchronous orbits without the need for dedicated geostationary relay satellites, ensuring robustness against interference and compliance with Radio Regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated geosynchronous relay satellite is deployed to enable continuous communication between low-orbit satellites and base stations, then communication reliability is improved, but system cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing geosynchronous telecommunications satellites to perform dual functions: their original communication missions and serving as relay satellites for low-orbit satellite communications. This eliminates the need for dedicated relay satellites by making existing satellites multi-functional, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing geosynchronous telecommunications satellites serve themselves by utilizing their own communication infrastructure (antennas, transponders, orbit position) to provide relay services for low-orbit satellites. The satellites leverage their existing capabilities rather than requiring separate dedicated infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple geosynchronous relay satellites are deployed to ensure complete coverage of low-orbit satellites, then communication coverage is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each existing geosynchronous telecommunications satellite provides coverage for multiple low-orbit satellites simultaneously due to their high orbital position. This multi-functionality reduces the number of relay satellites needed compared to dedicated single-purpose relay satellites, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining complete coverage.
3Reliability
If spectrum spreading is applied to data signals before transmission to the geosynchronous satellite, then signal robustness against interference is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spectrum spreading by modulating the data signal with a pseudo-random code sequence, which spreads the signal energy across a wider frequency spectrum. This parameter change in signal characteristics improves robustness against interference and enables efficient spectrum sharing, while the processing complexity is managed through standard spread spectrum techniques.
4Quantity of substance
If existing geosynchronous telecommunications satellites are used as relay satellites instead of dedicated geostationary relay satellites, then installation cost is reduced, but signal interference risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spectrum spreading to transform the signal characteristics, spreading energy across a wider bandwidth and reducing peak power density. This parameter change enables coexistence with other communications on the same satellite without harmful interference, allowing use of existing telecommunications satellites as relay satellites at reduced cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of spectrum sharing (interference risk) into a benefit by using spread spectrum techniques that enable multiple users to share the same frequency resources. The very act of spreading the signal, which could be seen as complicating the spectrum usage, actually enables beneficial coexistence and reduces the need for dedicated interference-free frequencies.
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 reduces installation costs and maintains continuous communication between low-orbit satellites and base stations, allowing for efficient data exchange and remote control without the necessity of geostationary relay satellites, while adhering to spectrum sharing constraints and ensuring reliable signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a data signal by radio-frequency links from the relay terminal of the traveling satellite to a telecommunications satellite
Implementation Method 2
receiving said data signal by radio-frequency links on the telecommunications satellite; transmitting from the telecommunications satellite to the base station said signal by radio-frequency links
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves emitting a data signal by radio frequency connections from a relay terminal of a non-stationary satellite (1) towards a telecommunication satellite (3) disposed on a geostationary orbit, and delivering the signal by the connections. The signal is transmitted from the satellite (3) towards a ground base station (2). A spread spectrum technique is applied to the signal by the terminal via the connections. A telecommunication is provided between the satellite (3) and ground units (5) e.g. parabolic antenna, according to telephony signal communication in a simultaneous manner.