Multi-Inclination Satellite Constellation for Population-Centric Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face challenges in efficiently deploying satellites, leading to elevated costs and suboptimal ground coverage. Additionally, these systems often struggle to dynamically adjust capacity in response to varying demand levels.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation with multiple sets of satellites in different orbits, including circular, elliptical, low earth, medium earth, and geosynchronous orbits, is designed to concentrate coverage over user population centers and accommodate peak demand times. This constellation employs satellites with various inclinations to match coverage density with population density, optimizing resource use and reducing the number of satellites required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellites are deployed to provide comprehensive global coverage, then coverage area is improved, but the number of satellites required increases leading to elevated costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by deploying satellites with different orbital inclinations to match different population densities in different geographic regions. High-inclination satellites concentrate coverage over populated northern and southern regions, while low-inclination satellites cover equatorial areas, optimizing coverage distribution according to local demand rather than providing uniform global coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the orbital inclination parameter of satellites in the constellation. By adjusting inclination angles to match population center latitudes, the system dynamically adapts coverage patterns to demographic distribution, reducing the total number of satellites needed while maintaining effective service coverage
2Reliability
If satellite constellation is designed for peak demand periods, then service capacity during peak demand is improved, but resources remain idle during lower demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible reconfiguration of satellite coverage patterns through orbital maneuvering. Satellites can adjust their orbital parameters to expand or concentrate coverage areas based on real-time demand fluctuations, allowing the system to scale capacity dynamically rather than maintaining fixed peak-capability configuration throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-inclination satellite constellation where each satellite can serve multiple geographic regions depending on orbital configuration. The same satellite infrastructure provides differentiated service levels across various demand zones, allowing resources to be flexibly allocated across different service requirements and time periods
3Device complexity
If conventional satellite systems use uniform orbital inclinations, then system complexity is reduced, but coverage efficiency over population centers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the satellite constellation into multiple subsets, each with distinct orbital inclinations tailored to specific geographic regions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of coverage for different population centers without requiring complex individual control of each satellite, as each subset operates with standardized orbital parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite system may have a constellation of communications satellites that provides services to users with electronic devices such as portable electronic devices and home and office equipment. A network operations center may use gateways to communicate with the satellite constellation. The satellite constellation may include sets of satellites with different orbits such as circular orbits with different inclinations, sets of satellites with elliptic orbits, sets of satellites with circular orbits of different altitudes including low earth orbits, medium earth orbits, and/or geosynchronous orbits, and/or sets of satellites with other orbits. The satellite orbits of the satellites in the satellite constellation may be selected to provide coverage to desired user population concentrations at different locations on the earth without using an excessive number of satellites.