Satellite Constellation Command and Control Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The control and command of large satellite constellations become complex and inefficient due to the manual tasking of satellites with varying capabilities and hardware/software versions, especially in constellations with numerous CubeSats in low orbits, where communication windows are limited, leading to challenges in data collection, power management, and coordination.

Innovation Solution

A scalable system and method for efficiently tasking satellite constellations, involving a central command and control system that processes knowledge data from a resource database to determine satellite status, schedule actions, and initiate communication, allowing for autonomous operation and efficient command and control of heterogeneous satellites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual tasking of satellites by human operators is used, then individual satellite control is possible, but scalability to large satellite constellations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite control system enables satellites to autonomously execute tasks and make decisions without continuous human intervention. The system includes autonomous task execution modules that allow satellites to self-manage operations, reducing the burden on human operators and enabling scalable control of large constellations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is divided into modular components including task management modules, resource allocation modules, and autonomous execution modules. This segmentation allows the system to handle large numbers of satellites through distributed intelligence rather than centralized manual control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If CubeSats are deployed in low orbits to achieve small form factor benefits, then constellation size can be increased, but communication window length is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstellation sizeVSAvoidcommunication window length

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous task scheduling and resource allocation that maintains operational continuity despite limited communication windows. The resource database continuously updates satellite status and the control system optimizes task distribution to ensure uninterrupted mission objectives are met across the constellation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary task assignment and resource allocation before communication windows occur. The control system pre-configures satellite tasks and optimizes resource distribution in advance, allowing satellites to execute predefined operations during brief communication windows without requiring real-time human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If heterogeneous satellites with different capabilities and hardware versions are included, then mission versatility is improved, but command and control efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemission versatilityVSAvoidcommand and control efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements a universal interface layer that abstracts heterogeneity among different satellite types. The resource database stores standardized capability profiles for various satellite configurations, allowing the system to manage diverse satellites through common protocols and interfaces, thereby maintaining efficiency despite hardware diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automated control systems are implemented to improve efficiency, then manual intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where satellite status information is constantly monitored and fed back to the resource database. The control system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust task allocation and resource distribution, enabling efficient automated operation through adaptive decision-making rather than rigid complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11239905B2Systems and methods for command and control of satellite constellations

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 SPIRE GLOBAL SUBSIDIARY INC

AI summary

The disclosed technology relates to systems and methods for tasking satellite constellations. A method is disclosed herein for receiving, from a resource database of a satellite control system, knowledge data corresponding to a plurality of components associated with a satellite constellation communications system. The plurality of components can include one or more satellites associated with a constellation. The method includes processing the knowledge data according at least one received mission objective. Processing the knowledge data can include determining a status of at least one satellite in the constellation. The method includes scheduling the satellite control system based at least in part on the received mission objective and the processed knowledge data; initiating communication with the at least one satellite in the constellation according to the scheduling; receiving updated status information for at least one component of the plurality of components; and storing, in the resource database, the updated status information.