Phased Array Antenna Steering Across Non-Geostationary Orbital Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite communication systems face challenges in providing global coverage with reduced latency and increased communication capacity, especially in densely populated areas, due to the limited visibility of satellites and interference with existing geostationary systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring an endpoint terminal with a phased array antenna to communicate with a satellite constellation in non-geosynchronous orbit, allowing for electronic steering and gimbaling to maintain communication with multiple satellites as they move in different orbital planes, thereby achieving continuous coverage and capacity without interfering with geostationary systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If non-geostationary satellites are used for global coverage, then latency is reduced and communication capacity is improved, but satellite visibility is limited and continuous coverage is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tracking of non-geostationary satellites by continuously adjusting the antenna system's orientation and electronic beam steering to follow satellite movement across the sky. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable communication with low-latency LEO/MEO satellites as they traverse different orbital positions, resolving the contradiction between improved communication speed and maintained satellite visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines mechanical gimbal movement in one dimension with electronic phase array beam steering in another dimension to create a two-dimensional tracking capability. This multi-dimensional approach enables continuous tracking of satellites across complex orbital paths, maintaining reliable visibility while utilizing the low-latency benefits of non-geostationary orbits.
2Device complexity
If a limited field of regard antenna system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track multiple satellites in different orbital planes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic phase array system that acts as a mediator between the simple mechanically gimbaled antenna and the satellites in different orbital planes. The electronic phase array electronically steers the beam to track satellites without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, maintaining adaptability to multiple orbital planes while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic electronic beam steering through phase array control that adapts to satellites in different orbital planes as they move. This dynamic electronic adjustment allows a single antenna system with limited mechanical field of regard to track multiple satellites across varying orbital configurations, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing physical complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If gimbaling is added to move the field of regard, then coverage area is expanded, but device complexity and mechanical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of regard expansion into two independent parts: mechanical gimbal movement for coarse positioning and electronic phase array steering for fine adjustment. This segmentation allows the mechanical system to handle only the essential field-of-regard movement while the electronic system handles precise satellite tracking, reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining expanded coverage capability.
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 solution enables continuous communication with multiple satellites across different orbital planes, enhancing global coverage and communication capacity while minimizing interference with existing satellite systems, thus addressing the limitations of conventional satellite technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna system configured for electronically steering a beam in first and second steering directions
Implementation Method 2
the antenna system is capable of gimbaling in order to move the field of regard along a first gimbaling axis in first and second gimbaling directions
Implementation Method 3
Communication satellites receive and transmit radio signals to and from the surface of Earth
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for configuring an endpoint terminal for communication with a plurality of satellites in non-geosynchronous orbit. The endpoint terminal has an antenna system defining a limited field of regard for satellite communication. The antenna system is capable of gimbaling in order to move the field of regard. The method includes orienting the field of regard in a first position to communicate with a first satellite traveling in a first orbital plane; gimbaling the antenna system to move the field of regard from the first position to a second position to communicate with a second satellite traveling in a second orbital plane; establishing communication with the second satellite; and as the second satellite travels in the second orbital plane, gimbaling the antenna system to move the field of regard from the second position to a third position.