Orbital Collision Screening Using Spatial Descriptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and determining collision risks between artificial satellites and other space objects in orbit are computationally intensive and economically inefficient, especially when screening large numbers of objects in low-Earth orbit.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for orbital collision screening that computes spatial descriptors for objects' trajectories, stores them in a data structure, and compares these descriptors to determine potential collision risks, using a combination of altitude, spatial, and temporospatial filters to efficiently identify close approaches and generate collision warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to calculate and compare future positions of satellites and space objects, then collision risk determination accuracy is maintained, but computational requirements become excessively high and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collision screening process into multiple stages: initial spatial filtering using altitude and spatial descriptors to eliminate obviously non-colliding objects, followed by more computationally intensive close approach determination only for objects passing the initial filter. This hierarchical segmentation reduces the number of full trajectory comparisons needed while maintaining accuracy for objects that require detailed analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the full trajectory data into simplified spatial descriptors (altitude, spatial, and temporospatial parameters) that capture essential collision risk information in a more compact form. By changing from complete trajectory representations to condensed parameter sets, the system reduces computational complexity while preserving the ability to identify potential collision risks.
2Reliability
If traditional trajectory comparison methods are used for large numbers of space objects, then comprehensive collision screening is performed, but computational resources and processing time become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filtering using spatial descriptors before conducting detailed close approach determinations. By pre-processing trajectory data into altitude, spatial, and temporospatial descriptors and using these to eliminate objects that cannot possibly collide, the system prepares the data in advance to avoid unnecessary computationally intensive calculations, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining screening comprehensiveness.
3Measurement precision
If detailed trajectory analysis is performed for all space objects, then accurate collision risk identification is achieved, but computational cost becomes economically inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different levels of analysis quality to different objects based on their characteristics. Objects that pass the initial spatial filter receive detailed close approach determination with full trajectory analysis, while objects failing the initial filter receive minimal processing. This local differentiation of analysis quality ensures accurate identification for potential collision cases while improving overall computational efficiency by avoiding detailed analysis of obviously safe objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for orbital collision screening comprising, obtaining trajectory information of a plurality of objects moving on predictable paths. For each one of the plurality of objects, based upon respective trajectory information of the one of the plurality of objects, computing, a respective spatial descriptor of the path of the one of the plurality of objects, and storing the respective spatial descriptors of each of the plurality of objects in a data structure. Subsequently obtaining trajectory information of a further object, and based upon the trajectory information of the further object, computing a spatial descriptor of the path of the further object. Making first comparisons of the spatial descriptor of the further object against the respective spatial descriptors of each of the plurality of objects stored in the data structure to determine whether each of these first comparisons indicates a possible collision risk. Based upon each of the first comparisons, if the first comparison indicates a possible collision risk, determining a result of a close approach determination between the respective trajectory information of the respective one of the plurality of objects and the trajectory information of the further object, and taking an action based on result of the close approach determination satisfying a predetermined threshold.