Satellite Constellation Forming Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite constellations with multiple orbital planes at different altitudes, the risk of collision is high due to varying satellite ground speeds, which shifts communication partners over time, making it challenging to maintain communication and avoid collisions.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation forming system that synchronizes propulsion devices across orbital planes, causing satellites to perform acceleration and deceleration processes in a sinusoidal pattern to maintain relative angles and avoid collisions, allowing communication partners to remain stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each orbital plane has a different orbital altitude, then the risk of collision at intersection points is reduced, but the angle between orbital planes changes over time and communication partners shift, requiring frequent changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by causing satellites to perform repeated acceleration and deceleration processes at specific timing intervals. Satellites in different orbital planes execute these velocity changes periodically with coordinated timing, creating a rhythmic pattern that maintains stable relative angles between orbital planes while preventing collision at intersection points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by making orbital parameters dynamic rather than static. Satellites actively adjust their velocities through propulsion devices to maintain desired orbital plane angles. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt and maintain stable geometric relationships despite differences in orbital altitudes
2Duration of action of stationary object
If satellites in adjacent orbital planes perform acceleration and deceleration processes simultaneously, then communication continuity is maintained, but the risk of collision at intersection points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by carefully timing the acceleration and deceleration processes so that satellites complete their velocity changes before reaching intersection points. The control unit schedules these maneuvers in advance, ensuring that when satellites pass through intersection regions, they are traveling at safe velocities that minimize collision risk while maintaining communication continuity
3Stability of the object's composition
If orbital altitudes are kept the same for all orbital planes, then communication partners remain stable, but the risk of collision at intersection points becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by deliberately varying orbital altitude parameters across different orbital planes. Instead of keeping all satellites at the same altitude, the system assigns different altitudes to different orbital planes and uses active control to manage the resulting geometric changes, thereby reducing collision risk while maintaining communication stability through compensatory maneuvers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively prevents collisions and maintains communication continuity by ensuring that relative angles between orbital planes are consistently maintained, reducing the need for frequent partner changes and minimizing service disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of satellites in the orbit satellite group including a propulsion device to change velocity of each of the plurality of satellites in the orbit satellite group
Data Source
AI summary
In a satellite constellation forming system, each satellite in an orbit satellite group includes a propulsion device to change velocity of each satellite in the orbit satellite group. A satellite constellation forming unit causes propulsion devices of satellites in the orbit satellite group to operate in synchronization, for each orbital plane of the plurality of orbital planes. The satellite constellation forming unit causes each satellite in an orbit satellite group in a first orbital plane of the plurality of orbital planes to perform an acceleration and deceleration process of repeating operation of accelerating for a first time period and then decelerating for the first time period. The satellite constellation forming unit causes each satellite in an orbit satellite group in an orbital plane adjacent to the first orbital plane to start the acceleration and deceleration process after a delay of a second time period.