Satellite-Based Object Tracking System for Orbital Debris

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current ground-based tracking systems for satellites in Earth orbit face challenges such as gaps in coverage, high costs, and poor atmospheric conditions, making it difficult to accurately track satellites or their debris after they stop functioning.

Innovation Solution

A satellite-based object tracking system utilizing a constellation of nanosatellites with imaging devices, onboard controllers, and a ground controller to provide comprehensive coverage by transmitting ephemeris information, collecting images, and processing actual locations of target objects, with modes for prioritized and low-priority tracking to manage unexpected changes and coverage gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ground-based telescopes are used to track target objects, then tracking capability is provided, but coverage gaps occur and atmospheric conditions degrade measurement quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking coverage continuityVSAvoidatmospheric conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses space-based telescopes as intermediaries to perform tracking operations in the vacuum of space, eliminating atmospheric interference. The telescopes are positioned on satellites in Earth orbit, serving as a mediator between ground stations and target objects in space, thereby avoiding the harmful effects of atmospheric conditions while maintaining continuous coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from ground-based tracking to space-based tracking by moving the observation platform from Earth's surface to Earth orbit. This dimensional change from two-dimensional ground-based observation to three-dimensional space-based observation enables continuous coverage without atmospheric interference, resolving the contradiction between tracking reliability and atmospheric harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If ground-based telescopes are used for tracking, then tracking function is provided, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a constellation of nanosatellites that can perform multiple functions including tracking, communication, and scientific observation. By making the satellite system multi-functional, the cost per function is reduced, and the tracking capability becomes more affordable while maintaining high reliability through the distributed nature of the constellation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes nanosatellites, which are significantly smaller and cheaper than traditional space-based telescopes. These small satellites can be launched in large numbers at low cost, providing a cost-effective tracking solution. While individual nanosatellites have limited operational lifetimes, the constellation as a whole provides continuous, affordable tracking coverage through redundancy and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If satellites stop working, then location tracking becomes critical for safety, but the satellite may not be able to transmit its location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidsatellite location data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where space-based telescopes continuously observe target objects and transmit their locations back to ground stations. This external feedback system remains operational even when the satellite itself fails, providing continuous location data for safety and tracking purposes without relying on the satellite's own systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses space-based telescopes as intermediary observers that can independently track and report on satellite locations without requiring the satellite to be operational. These telescopes serve as a neutral third party that maintains location awareness even when the tracked satellite loses communication or power, preventing information loss about critical safety data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8862398B2Tracking target objects orbiting earth using satellite-based telescopes

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A system for tracking objects that are in earth orbit via a constellation or network of satellites having imaging devices is provided. An object tracking system includes a ground controller and, for each satellite in the constellation, an onboard controller. The ground controller receives ephemeris information for a target object and directs that ephemeris information be transmitted to the satellites. Each onboard controller receives ephemeris information for a target object, collects images of the target object based on the expected location of the target object at an expected time, identifies actual locations of the target object from the collected images, and identifies a next expected location at a next expected time based on the identified actual locations of the target object. The onboard controller processes the collected image to identify the actual location of the target object and transmits the actual location information to the ground controller.