Satellite Autonomous Operation Planning Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous operation planning systems for artificial satellites face challenges in predicting operation plans on the ground, leading to inefficiencies and time lags due to the inability to anticipate satellite-side plans and adjust ground station operations accordingly.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous operation planning system that includes operation parameter setting, storage, and estimation units on both the ground and satellite sides, allowing for synchronized operation plan calculation and control, enabling efficient prediction and execution of satellite operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous operation planning is implemented on the satellite, then operational load on the ground is reduced, but the ability to predict operation plans in advance is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operation planningVSAvoidpredictability of operation plan

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The ground operation plan estimation unit performs preliminary estimation of the satellite operation plan before actual execution. By using the same operation parameters and planning logic as the satellite, the ground side can predict the autonomous operation plan in advance, enabling proactive ground station scheduling and command preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ground operation plan estimation unit creates a copy of the satellite's operation planning process by using identical operation parameters and planning algorithms. This virtual replication allows the ground side to simulate and predict the satellite's autonomous decisions without interfering with the actual autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous operation planning is implemented on the satellite, then operational independence is improved, but ground station operation coordination deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidground station operation coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the ground operation plan estimation unit continuously monitors and predicts satellite operation plans, compares them with ground station availability, and provides guidance to the satellite for optimal coordination. This enables adaptive coordination while preserving satellite autonomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The ground side performs preliminary estimation of satellite operation plans and proactively prepares ground station schedules and commands in advance. This allows the ground station to be ready for communication when the satellite needs it, maintaining coordination without requiring constant real-time intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If operation plans are executed autonomously on the satellite, then response time is improved, but the ability to adjust plans based on ground decisions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation execution speedVSAvoidplan adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic communication cycles where the satellite executes autonomous operation plans and periodically reports to the ground. The ground operation plan estimation unit updates predictions based on received data, and ground decisions are transmitted in the next communication window, enabling both fast execution and adaptive adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous operation planning system is designed to be dynamic and reconfigurable. The satellite can adjust its operation plans based on ground commands received during communication periods, and the ground operation plan estimation unit continuously updates its predictions to reflect these changes, maintaining adaptability throughout the mission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10906672B2Autonomous operation planning system for artificial satellite and operation planning apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

In a satellite side, there are provided a satellite-side operation parameter storage and an operation planning unit; and on a ground side, there are provided a ground-side operation parameter setting unit, a ground-side operation parameter storage to store operation parameters the same as stored in the operation parameter storage of the satellite-side, and an operation plan estimation unit having the same function as that of the operation planning unit of the satellite side. The ground-side operation parameter setting unit determines operation parameters to be used for the operation plan; and when necessary, the ground-side operation parameter setting unit saves them to the ground-side operation parameter storage and uploads them to the satellite-side operation parameter storage. The ground-side operation plan estimation unit and the satellite-side operation planning unit each produce operation plans according to the same operation parameters.