Hybrid NGSO Antenna Tracking for Single-Axis Satellite Handoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna designs for Non-Geo Synchronous Orbit (NGSO) satellites, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), face challenges in tracking satellite motion and maintaining service continuity during handoffs, requiring complex and expensive two-axis mechanical steering or two-dimensional phase array antennas.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single-axis mechanical steering mechanism combined with a linear phased array that scans electronically along a second axis, allowing for efficient tracking and handoff of NGSO satellites by aligning the antenna tilt and scan angle with the satellite motion, reducing the number of elements needed and costs compared to traditional solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-axis mechanical steering mechanism is used to track NGSO satellites, then the tracking capability and service continuity during handoff are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the two-axis mechanical steering system into two separate systems: a single-axis mechanical steerer handling one dimension of motion, and an independent electronic phase array handling the other dimension. This segmentation reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining full two-degree-of-freedom tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the second mechanical axis with an electronic phase array system that achieves angular adjustment through electronic phase control rather than mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates the need for a second mechanical steerer, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining tracking reliability.
2Reliability
If a two-dimensional phase array antenna is used to form two beams simultaneously for handoff, then the tracking capability is improved, but the number of elements required increases dramatically, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming function into two parts: a single linear phase array for one dimension and a single-axis mechanical steerer for the other dimension. This segmentation allows the system to form multiple beams and track satellites in two dimensions without requiring a full two-dimensional phase array, significantly reducing the number of elements needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges electronic phase array technology with single-axis mechanical steering to create a hybrid system that combines the advantages of both approaches: electronic flexibility for one dimension and mechanical precision for the other, achieving handoff capability with fewer total elements than a pure electronic approach.
3Device complexity
If a single-axis mechanical steerer is used instead of two-axis steering, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track satellites in two dimensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the missing mechanical axis with an electronic phase array system that provides angular adjustment through electronic control. This allows the single-axis mechanical steerer to be complemented by electronic steering, achieving full two-dimensional tracking coverage without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a hybrid system where the single-axis mechanical steerer and linear phase array work together to provide complete two-dimensional tracking capability. The electronic phase array serves multiple functions: it compensates for the limited mechanical range, enables rapid beam switching for handoff, and provides fine angular adjustment, making the overall system versatile despite simplified mechanics.
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 enables cost-effective and reliable tracking of NGSO satellites with reduced complexity and expense, supporting make-before-break handoffs using a single antenna instead of two, and requiring fewer elements than traditional two-dimensional arrays, while maintaining high gain and flexibility in antenna installation.
Implementation Method 1
scanning, electronically, with a linear array at a scan angle ψ along a second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking non-geo synchronous orbit satellites on orbiting planes of regular motion patterns. The method includes providing a first satellites moving in a direction descending in latitude in first orbital planes and a second satellites moving in a direction ascending in latitude in second orbital planes; steering an antenna to an antenna tilt φ from normal with a single axis mechanism lined up with a first axis; scanning, electronically, with a linear array at a scan angle ψ along a second axis; and locking to a signal from a handed-from satellite from the first satellites, where the first axis is angled from the second axis, the steering along the first axis and the scanning along the second axis jointly track the handed-from satellite, the first orbits seem parallel, the second orbits seem parallel, and the first orbits seem aligned with the antenna tilt φ. A handoff between the first satellites may use one of the second satellites as a steppingstone.