Multi-Feed Satellite Antennas for Random-Orbit Link Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite-based communication systems require complex and costly infrastructure for maintaining satellites in predetermined orbits and attitudes, limiting their practicality for widespread cellular and internet coverage, especially in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A satellite mesh system with multiple satellites in random orbits, equipped with omnidirectional antennas and onboard computers that calculate and adjust radio routes in real-time without central control, ensuring continuous communication links between satellites and ground stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellites are maintained in predetermined orbits and attitudes, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling satellites to autonomously determine their positions and calculate radio routes without central control. Each satellite independently performs routing decisions based on its observed position relative to other satellites and ground stations, eliminating the need for complex ground-based tracking and control infrastructure while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system embraces dynamic orbital positions and attitudes rather than requiring fixed predetermined orbits. Satellites continuously update their positions and recalculate routes in real-time, allowing the network to adapt to changing satellite configurations while maintaining reliable communication links
2Power
If directional antennas with narrow beam widths are used, then antenna gain is improved, but the probability of creating radio links decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters based on real-time satellite positions. As satellites move and rotate, the system continuously recalculates optimal beam directions and adjusts transmission timing to ensure that narrow high-gain beams successfully establish radio links despite the reduced angular tolerance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where satellites monitor their relative positions and communication link status, then use this information to adjust transmission parameters. This feedback loop ensures that high-gain directional antennas maintain effective communication by adapting beam directions and timing based on observed satellite configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A radio communication route enables communication from an originating ground station to a destination ground station via one of multiple randomly orbiting satellites with no active attitude control. The ground stations and satellites include multi-feed parabolic antennas for receiving radio signals from and transmitting radio signals in multiple directions. The satellites store an address of a destination ground station from which an initial information signal is transmitted and antenna information identifying the satellite antenna feed on which the initial information signal was received. Plural satellite antennas transmit linking information identifying the satellite to the originating ground station. Data transmissions received at the originating ground station that designate a particular destination are transmitted by the originating ground station using the antenna on which the linking information was received and the satellite retransmits the data transmission using the satellite antenna feed identified by the stored antenna information.