Satellite Constellation Collision Avoidance via Altitude and Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite constellations with multiple orbital planes, collisions between satellites at intersections of different orbital planes pose a significant risk, especially when orbital altitudes are changed, making it challenging to maintain continuous service while avoiding collisions.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation forming system that controls the orbital altitude and passage timing of satellite groups to prevent collisions by ensuring that satellites in intersecting planes have non-coinciding passage times and adjusting altitudes in a sinusoidal pattern to maintain safe distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If satellites fly in multiple orbital planes with different normal angles, then service coverage is improved, but collision risk at orbital plane intersections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of satellite orbital altitudes and passage timings. The satellite constellation forming unit continuously adjusts orbital parameters in real-time based on relative position calculations, transforming static orbital planes into dynamically adaptable configurations that automatically avoid collision zones while maintaining service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key orbital parameters (altitude, passage timing) to resolve the contradiction. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system maintains multiple orbital planes for comprehensive coverage while preventing collisions through parameter adjustment that ensures safe separation at intersection regions.
2Reliability
If orbital altitude is changed to avoid collision, then collision risk is reduced, but service continuity may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of relative positions and passage timings before implementing orbital adjustments. By predicting potential collision scenarios in advance and pre-planning avoidance maneuvers, the system can change orbital altitudes smoothly without interrupting service, as the adjustments are made proactively rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite constellation forming unit ensures continuous service by maintaining coordinated control throughout orbital adjustments. The system monitors and adjusts multiple satellites' orbits simultaneously, ensuring that service coverage is continuously maintained even as individual satellites change their orbital parameters to avoid collisions.
3Reliability
If passage timing of satellite groups is controlled, then collision risk at intersections is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite constellation forming unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it calculates relative positions, determines passage timings, adjusts orbital altitudes, and monitors collision risks for the entire satellite constellation. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex control operations into a single coordinated system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback control by monitoring the actual positions and timings of satellites, comparing them against planned trajectories, and making real-time adjustments. This feedback mechanism automates the complex coordination required for passage timing control, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying overall system operation despite the inherent complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite constellation forming system (100) forms a satellite constellation which is composed of a satellite group and in which the satellite group cooperatively provides a service. The satellite constellation has a plurality of orbital planes in each of which a plurality of satellites fly at the same nominal orbital altitude. A satellite constellation forming unit (110) continues providing the service while avoiding a collision between satellites by both or one of control of an orbital altitude and control of a passage timing of a satellite group flying in a region where the plurality of orbital planes intersect.