Multi-Pathway Satellite Communication for Priority Image Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face inefficiencies in latency and resource utilization due to orbital access and pointing requirements, limiting real-time communication and flexibility in tasking operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes both direct and indirect communication pathways, including a near-real-time pathway via geostationary satellites, to efficiently transmit image acquisition commands to satellites based on priority, allowing for flexible and low-latency communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct communication pathway is used to transmit commands to satellites, then communication simplicity is improved, but latency and real-time capability deteriorate due to orbital access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces geostationary satellites as intermediary relay nodes between ground stations and low Earth orbit imaging satellites. The communication pathway is divided into two segments: ground station to geostationary satellite, and geostationary satellite to imaging satellite. This intermediary approach enables continuous communication coverage and reduces latency by eliminating orbital access waiting periods, as geostationary satellites remain in fixed position relative to ground stations.
2Speed
If indirect communication pathway via geostationary satellite is used, then real-time communication capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication pathway selection mechanism that adapts to different operational scenarios. The system can dynamically switch between direct communication mode (when orbital access is available) and indirect relay mode (when real-time communication is required). This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between communication speed and system complexity based on real-time mission requirements and satellite positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The geostationary satellites are designed with multi-functional capability, serving both as communication relays for imaging satellites and as independent imaging platforms. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by using a single infrastructure for multiple purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated relay satellites and ground station infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication pathways are maintained for different priorities, then tasking flexibility is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a priority-based communication resource allocation strategy where different communication pathways and quality of service levels are assigned to different task priorities. High-priority missions (e.g., emergency response, military applications) receive dedicated relay pathways with guaranteed bandwidth and lowest latency, while standard-priority missions use shared communication resources. This local quality differentiation ensures that critical missions receive enhanced resources without unnecessarily allocating premium resources to all missions, thereby maintaining both flexibility and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling satellites are provided. In one example embodiment, a computing system can obtain a request for image data. The request can be associated with a priority for acquiring the image data. The computing system can determine an availability of a plurality of satellites to acquire the image data based at least in part on the request. The computing system can select from among a plurality of communication pathways to transmit an image acquisition command to a satellite based at least in part on the request priority. The plurality of communication pathways can include a communication pathway via which the image acquisition command is indirectly communicated to the satellite via a geostationary satellite. The computing system can send the image acquisition command to the selected satellite via the selected communication pathway.