Satellite Conjunction Coordination for Automated Collision Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite collision avoidance methods are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in coordinating maneuvers between maneuverable satellites with unique operators, leading to increased collision risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for orbital conjunction assessment and collision avoidance that includes receiving conjunction data, generating operative agreements between satellite operators, and autonomously creating maneuver plans based on satellite characteristics and operator constraints, reducing the probability of collisions through direct communication and coordinated maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If automated methods are implemented for conjunction assessment and collision avoidance, then the time required to coordinate orbital maneuvers is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the collision avoidance process into distinct modular components: conjunction detection module, risk assessment module, avoidance plan generation module, and communication coordination module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the problem independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated coordination platform that mediates between satellite operators and the conjunction avoidance process. This intermediary handles the complex calculations and communications automatically, reducing the time burden on operators while managing system complexity through centralized coordination.
2Reliability
If manual coordination methods are used for satellite maneuvers, then system complexity remains lower, but collision risks increase due to time-consuming coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the coordination platform automatically generates avoidance plans, assesses risks, and communicates with operators without requiring complex manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically processing conjunction data and generating appropriate responses, improving reliability while keeping operational complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of coordination by transitioning from manual, ad-hoc coordination to automated, systematic processing. By changing the operational parameters to automated data processing and algorithmic decision-making, the system improves reliability through consistent application of collision avoidance criteria while managing complexity through standardized procedures.
3Productivity
If automated avoidance plans are generated without operator input, then coordination time is reduced, but adaptability to unique operator constraints decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing operators to input specific constraints and priorities that vary by mission and satellite. The automated system processes these dynamic inputs and adjusts avoidance plans accordingly, maintaining high productivity while adapting to unique operator requirements through flexible constraint processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by tailoring avoidance plans to specific operator requirements and satellite characteristics. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the system customizes each avoidance plan based on the specific constraints and priorities provided by individual operators, maintaining adaptability while preserving automated coordination efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including: receiving a conjunction data message representing a first conjunction between a first satellite and a second satellite; in response to identifying the first satellite as maneuverable, in response to identifying the second satellite as maneuverable, and in response to a probability of collision exceeding a threshold probability of collision, and in response to detecting absence of agreement between the first operator and the second operator, generating an operative agreement based on a first set of satellite characteristics and a second set of satellite characteristics, and transmitting an agreement message to the first satellite operator and the second satellite operator; and in response to acceptance of the operative agreement by the first satellite operator and the second satellite operator, generating a first avoidance plan for the first satellite, and generating a second avoidance plan for the second satellite.