Ring Constellations for Satellite Data Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications systems face challenges in reducing data latency and increasing download rates for satellite constellations, particularly in low Earth orbit (LEO) systems, where data typically takes many hours to be downloaded from satellites to ground stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a ring constellation structure using Walker patterns, which allows for continuous short-range inter-satellite connectivity through fixed body-mounted antennas or optics, enabling data to be wirelessly relayed between spacecraft and reducing latency by using a ring network topology that minimizes inter-spacecraft velocities and tracking angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional Walker constellations are used, then satellites can cover large areas, but data latency increases to many hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data download process by introducing intermediate relay satellites in a ring constellation configuration. Instead of direct satellite-to-ground-station transfer, data is divided and routed through multiple satellite hops, enabling parallel data flow paths that reduce overall latency while maintaining high download rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate satellites as mediators in the data transfer chain. These relay satellites receive, buffer, and forward data packets, acting as intermediaries between the source satellite and ground station. This intermediary mechanism enables asynchronous data transfer and reduces the waiting time that causes latency in traditional direct-download architectures.
2Productivity
If multiple satellites are used to increase download rates, then data throughput improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each satellite in the ring constellation to perform multiple functions: data collection, data relay, data buffering, and ground station communication. This multi-functionality allows the same satellite infrastructure to support both high download rates through parallel paths and reduced complexity by eliminating the need for specialized dedicated relay satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data collection, processing, and relay functions into a unified ring constellation architecture. By combining these functions into a single integrated system rather than separate subsystems, the patent achieves high download rates through coordinated multi-satellite operation while reducing overall system complexity compared to multiple independent systems.
3Loss of time
If inter-satellite crosslinks are added to reduce latency, then data relay capability improves, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial cross-link connectivity rather than full mesh connectivity. Each satellite establishes cross-links only with its immediate neighbors in the ring, providing sufficient data relay capability to reduce latency while avoiding the excessive mechanical complexity of omnidirectional cross-links to all other satellites. This partial action approach achieves the necessary data routing with minimal mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of spacecraft may be dispersed into a ring constellation or structure. Data may be wirelessly relayed between spacecraft similar to data flowing in a ring network. The ring structure minimizes inter-spacecraft velocities and tracking angle motion to allow use of fixed high-gain radio frequency (RF) antennas or medium-divergence lasers for crosslinks. Data may flow between spacecraft to be downloaded by the next spacecraft that will be passing over a ground station. This reduces data latency when a single ground station is used, and significantly reduces data latency when more than one ground station is used.