Satellite Constellation Interference Geolocation via In-Line Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite systems face challenges in geolocating sources of interference for GSO satellites due to weak Doppler signatures and the limited proximity of multiple satellites, making current techniques like FDOA and TDOA ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation is formed with multiple satellites revolving around the Earth, configured to capture interference and generate measurements for geolocation, with the satellites positioned to be substantially in-line between the source and target satellite, allowing for accurate identification of interference sources on the Earth's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If FDOA techniques are used to geolocate interference sources, then geolocation capability is provided, but the Doppler signature detection becomes difficult for GSO satellites due to weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a constellation of satellites in different orbits (including NGSO satellites) to receive and measure the interference signal. Instead of relying solely on the target GSO satellite's weak Doppler signature, the intermediary satellites provide additional measurement paths that enhance the detectability and precision of the interference source location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-satellite GSO system to a multi-dimensional satellite constellation including both GSO and NGSO satellites. This dimensional expansion provides multiple observation angles and signal paths, enabling more robust geolocation by analyzing interference measurements across different orbital planes and geometries.
2Measurement precision
If TDOA techniques are used with multiple GSO satellites, then geolocation is enabled, but the satellites must be in close vicinity which limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal geolocation system that works across different satellite configurations by combining GSO and NGSO satellites in a constellation. The system can effectively geolocate interference sources regardless of the specific orbital arrangements, making the approach adaptable to various scenarios and not limited to close-vicinity GSO satellite configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic orbital characteristics by utilizing both geosynchronous and non-geosynchronous satellites with different orbital periods and geometries. This dynamic multi-orbital approach provides flexible measurement geometries that can be optimized for different interference source locations, enhancing the system's adaptability compared to static GSO-only configurations.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple GSO satellites are used for interference mitigation, then coverage is provided, but the satellites are not in close enough vicinity to make TDOA effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite system into functional groups with different orbital characteristics (GSO and NGSO satellites). This segmentation allows the system to maintain broad coverage through the distributed GSO constellation while using the NGSO satellites as specialized measurement nodes for precise geolocation, overcoming the limitation of GSO satellites being too far apart for effective TDOA.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of satellites including respective antennas and circuitry. The satellites form a satellite constellation and revolve around a rotating astronomical object from which a source radiates interference toward a target satellite for at least some period of time as the target satellite revolves in a target orbit. The satellites' respective antennas may capture the interference when the satellite constellation is substantially in-line between the source and target satellite, and their circuitry may generate respective measurements based thereon. The circuitry may geolocate or cause transmission of the respective measurements for geolocation of the source based on the respective measurements to thereby identify a location of the source on the astronomical object.