Retrograde Satellite Interference Source Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating interfering transmission stations in satellite communications are inefficient, particularly ground-based geolocation, which is time-intensive and error-prone, and helicopter or UAV-based approaches are resource-intensive and offer only one-off analyses.
Innovation Solution
An observation satellite in a retrograde orbit with a receiving antenna and transmitter is used to gather and process electromagnetic energy data from Earth, enabling effective interference detection and system optimization by retransmitting, representing, or deriving information about the received energy, which can be used to determine the source of interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-based geolocation is used to locate interfering transmission stations, then interference sources can be identified, but the process is time-intensive and error-prone due to reliance on signal correlation between multiple satellites and ground stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based geolocation to space-based geolocation by deploying a satellite equipped with receiving antennas. This dimensional shift from Earth surface to orbital space enables direct reception of uplink signals without relying on complex ground-based signal correlation methods, thereby reducing both time and potential errors in interference source location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the geolocation function from the ground-based system and relocates it to space. By placing receiving antennas on a satellite, the system directly captures uplink signals at their transmission point, eliminating the need for complex ground-based signal correlation between multiple satellites and ground stations.
2Measurement precision
If helicopters or UAVs are used for geolocation, then interference sources can be located, but the approach is resource inefficient and offers only one-off analyses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring capability by deploying a satellite in orbit that can continuously receive and analyze uplink signals. Unlike helicopters or UAVs that provide only one-off analyses, the space-based system maintains persistent surveillance of interference sources, enabling ongoing optimization of satellite communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite-based system serves multiple functions: it performs geolocation of interference sources, monitors uplink signal characteristics, and provides continuous data for system optimization. This multi-functional capability replaces the single-purpose helicopter/UAV approach with a versatile space-based platform.
3Reliability
If ground-based geolocation methods are used, then interference detection is possible, but the ability is dependent on existence and extensive knowledge of adjacent satellites, reference signals, and ground hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the signal reception function directly to the satellite platform, eliminating dependency on ground-based reference signals and adjacent satellite knowledge. The receiving antennas on the satellite directly capture uplink signals at their source, simplifying the system requirements and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite acts as an intermediary platform between the uplink transmission and ground-based analysis systems. By positioning receiving antennas on the satellite, the system creates a direct measurement point in space, reducing dependency on complex ground-based hardware configurations and reference signal requirements.
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 significantly improves the capability to understand and manage interference in satellite communications by providing continuous data on uplink transmissions, allowing for precise location of interference sources and optimizing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one receiving antenna has a receiving pattern directed towards the earth, and is suitable for receiving electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range as the observation satellite is orbiting relative to the surface of the earth
Data Source
AI summary
An observation satellite is used for obtaining information about electromagnetic energy emitted from the earth. The observation satellite orbits the earth in an orbit having an inclination larger than 90° and smaller than 270°. Further, the observation satellite comprises at least one receiving antenna, the at least one receiving antenna having a receiving pattern directed towards the earth, and suitable for receiving electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range as the observation satellite is orbiting relative to the surface of the earth. The observation satellite also comprises a transmitter configured for at least one of: (i) retransmitting, to a relay spacecraft, the received electromagnetic energy, (ii) transmitting, to the relay spacecraft, information representing the received electromagnetic energy, and (iii) transmitting, to the relay spacecraft, information derived from the received electromagnetic energy. The invention also relates to systems and methods therefor.