Reverse-Orbit Satellite Detection via Earth Oblateness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional detection methods for large-scale satellite constellations are fuel-intensive and limited in the number of satellites that can be detected, making it difficult and costly to monitor all satellites in a constellation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves deploying a detection satellite in a reverse-orbit rendezvous configuration, flying in a detection orbital plane opposite to the satellites' flight direction, and using Earth oblateness perturbation to transfer between orbital planes, allowing for efficient detection of all satellites without significant fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional detection method with orbital maneuver is used, then detection satellite can detect target satellites, but fuel consumption increases and detection capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection satellite flies in the opposite direction to the target satellites, creating a reverse-orbit rendezvous configuration. This inversion of the traditional same-direction tracking approach allows the detection satellite to naturally encounter multiple target satellites in sequence without requiring fuel-intensive orbital maneuvers between them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection satellite utilizes Earth's gravitational field and orbital mechanics to its advantage. By positioning itself in a reverse-orbit configuration, the satellite naturally passes by multiple target satellites during its orbital period, using the Earth's gravity and the relative orbital dynamics to enable sequential detections without active maneuvering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional detection method with orbital maneuver is used, then detection satellite can maintain detection position, but detection cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddetection cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse-orbit rendezvous approach inverts the traditional detection geometry, allowing a single detection satellite to efficiently service multiple target satellites across different orbital planes without requiring expensive orbital transfer maneuvers between each target

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If detection satellite uses orbital maneuver to switch targets, then it can detect different satellites, but the number of detectable satellites decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget switching capabilityVSAvoiddetection throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection task is segmented into multiple orbital planes, with the detection satellite systematically transitioning between planes. Within each plane, the reverse-orbit configuration allows sequential detection of multiple target satellites, dividing the overall detection task into manageable segments that can be completed efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection satellite exploits the periodic nature of orbital motion to systematically encounter target satellites in sequence. By synchronizing its orbital period with the target satellite constellation, the detection satellite creates regular detection opportunities without requiring continuous active maneuvering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 the detection of all satellites in a large-scale constellation without consuming fuel or with minimal fuel consumption, significantly reducing detection costs and increasing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting the detection satellite from the one detection orbital plane to another detection orbital plane in virtue of Earth oblateness perturbation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEarth oblateness perturbation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12221233B2Method and device for detecting satellites of large-scale constellation through reverse-orbit rendezvous, and non-transitory storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 HARBIN INST OF TECH

AI summary

Disclosed are a method, a device and a non-transitory storage medium. The method includes: deploying a detection satellite to fly in one detection orbital plane opposite to the satellites in the large-scale constellation, to sequentially detect satellites flying in one target orbital plane of the large-scale constellation in a manner that an approach distance between the detection satellite and a satellite being detected is within a set detection distance, transmitting the detection satellite from the one detection orbital plane to another detection orbital plane in virtue of Earth oblateness perturbation, so as to sequentially detect satellites flying in another target orbital plane of the large-scale constellation in a manner that the approach distance between the detection satellite and a satellite being detected is within the set detection distance, and stopping the detection satellite from detecting until all satellites of the large-scale constellation have been detected.