MEO-LEO Satellite System with Optical Inter-Satellite Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems face challenges in providing global high-speed broadband coverage, especially in areas underserved by fiber or terrestrial systems, and lack efficient mechanisms for secure and high-capacity communication between user terminals without relying on terrestrial links.
Innovation Solution
An integrated Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)-Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication system that combines MEO and LEO constellations using Software Defined Networking (SDN) for optical inter-satellite links, enabling secure and efficient data routing between user terminals directly through the satellite constellations, bypassing terrestrial networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single satellite constellation (LEO or MEO) is used, then the system complexity is lower, but the global coverage and capacity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LEO and MEO satellite constellations into an integrated system where LEO satellites provide high-capacity regional coverage and MEO satellites provide global coverage including polar regions. This merging allows the system to achieve comprehensive global coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular constellation design and standardized inter-satellite link interfaces.
2Reliability
If data is routed through terrestrial gateways, then the infrastructure is simpler, but the security and independence from terrestrial networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces inter-satellite optical links as intermediaries to establish direct space-based communication paths between user terminals. These optical links act as mediators that enable secure data transmission without relying on terrestrial gateways, while the SDN controller manages the routing complexity centrally to maintain system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional RF-based terrestrial routing with optical inter-satellite links, substituting a more advanced communication medium. This substitution enhances security by eliminating terrestrial gateway dependencies while the centralized SDN control plane manages the increased routing complexity through software-based path computation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LEO satellites are used exclusively, then the link margins are better, but the coverage of remote areas and polar regions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the MEO orbital dimension to the LEO constellation, creating a multi-layered satellite architecture. MEO satellites at higher altitudes provide coverage for remote and polar regions where LEO satellites have limited visibility, while LEO satellites maintain superior link margins for high-capacity regional communication. This dimensional addition resolves the coverage limitation without compromising overall system reliability.
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 MEO-LEO system provides global broadband coverage, supports high traffic density, secure communication, and reduces reliance on terrestrial links, enhancing connectivity and security for both consumer and enterprise data services with improved link margins and resource allocation.
Implementation Method 1
Data may be routed over optical inter-satellite links
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communication system that combines the benefits of Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems into an MEO-LEO satellite system. The MEO-LEO system includes an LEO constellation combined with a MEO constellation where the LEO constellation may provide global coverage with broad average capacity and may support ‘hot spot’ coverage where desired. The MEO constellation may provide unique advantages including backhaul to ground in remote areas, higher traffic density for key locations, and a secure global backhaul for key customers. Data may be routed over optical inter-satellite links using Software Defined Networking concepts to provide MEO-LEO (backhaul and ground access), LEO-LEO (upstream & downstream); and (3) MEO-MEO (crosslinks & downlinks). Further, implementations described herein include secure user terminal (UT) to UT IP routing in the constellation for direct UT to UT communication.