Satellite Constellation Layout for Low-Complexity Global Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite systems require a large number of satellites and complex communication networks to transmit information to any location, leading to high costs and complex transmission plans.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation with artificial satellites flying in inclined circular orbits on multiple planes with a common inclination, using fore-and-aft communication devices to form annular and mesh networks, allowing communication between adjacent satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate monitoring satellite group and communication satellite group are configured, then monitoring function and communication function are achieved, but total cost becomes enormous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges monitoring satellites and communication satellites into a single integrated satellite group. Each satellite is equipped with both monitoring devices (for detecting launch sites, flight paths, and landing sites) and communication devices (for transmitting monitoring information). This consolidation allows the same satellite constellation to perform both monitoring and communication functions simultaneously, dramatically reducing the total number of satellites required and thereby lowering overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellites in the constellation are designed with multi-functionality, serving dual purposes as both monitoring platforms and communication relays. By equipping each satellite with both monitoring capabilities and communication capabilities, the system achieves universal functionality where a single satellite can perform multiple tasks, eliminating the need for separate specialized satellite groups.
2Reliability
If monitoring satellite group and communication satellite group are configured separately, then distinct functions are achieved, but transmission plan becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By merging monitoring and communication functions into a single satellite group, the patent eliminates the need for complex inter-group information exchange plans. The integrated satellites can directly transmit monitoring data through their onboard communication devices, simplifying the transmission architecture from a multi-group mesh network to a straightforward satellite-to-ground or satellite-to-satellite communication path.
3Reliability
If separate satellite groups are used for monitoring and communication, then specialized functions are achieved, but algorithm for optimum communication route search becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies route search algorithms by consolidating monitoring and communication into a single satellite group. This eliminates the need for complex algorithms to determine optimal routes between separate monitoring and communication satellite groups, as the integrated satellites can directly communicate their findings, significantly reducing analysis time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If one communication satellite establishes communication lines with four directions, then comprehensive communication coverage is achieved, but technical difficulty becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring each satellite to establish communication lines in all four directions (front, rear, left, right), the patent segments the communication function across the satellite constellation. Each satellite communicates primarily with adjacent satellites in its orbital path and with ground stations, distributing the communication burden across multiple satellites rather than concentrating it in a single satellite with omnidirectional communication capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite constellation includes a plurality of artificial satellites flying on an inclined circular orbit for each of six or more orbital planes having a common orbital inclination and arranged so that south and north axes are mutually shifted in an east-west direction. The plurality of artificial satellites include eight or more artificial satellites for each orbital plane. Each of the artificial satellites includes a fore-and-aft communication device. For each orbital plane, each of the artificial satellites forms a communication network with front and rear artificial satellites by the fore-and-aft communication device. Each of the artificial satellites on each orbital plane crosses southern and northern edges of the orbital plane in synchronization with artificial satellites on other orbital planes, and forms a communication network with that artificial satellites by the fore-and-aft communication device.