Distributed Satellite Control With Micro-Batch Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and controlling satellite constellations is complex due to the large number of satellites, distance from control points, and dynamic space environment, leading to issues like delay in updates and lack of communication.
Innovation Solution
A satellite optimization management system utilizing a neural network for intent interpretation, micro-batch delivery, and a communication interface for efficient data transmission, combined with a virtual simulation infrastructure for trajectory planning and fault-tolerant systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional satellite control systems are used to manage large satellite constellations, then coverage and application capability are improved, but control delay and communication reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control system into distributed satellite nodes that can autonomously execute tasks. Each satellite is equipped with onboard processing capabilities to interpret natural language commands and generate control sequences independently, eliminating the need for continuous ground-based control and reducing communication delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite nodes are designed to self-manage their operations by autonomously processing natural language commands received from users. The system enables satellites to independently generate control sequences, execute tasks, and manage their own state without requiring constant ground control intervention, thus reducing control delay and improving real-time responsiveness.
2Quantity of substance
If more satellites are added to increase constellation size, then coverage and functionality are improved, but system complexity and management difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal natural language processing interface that can be applied to any satellite node in the constellation. This standardized approach allows diverse satellites to be managed through a common control mechanism, simplifying system management despite the large number of satellites. The natural language interpretation framework provides a unified method for commanding different satellite types and functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses template-based control sequences that can be replicated across multiple satellite nodes. Once a control sequence is generated for one satellite, it can be copied and adapted for use with other satellites performing similar functions, significantly reducing the complexity of managing large numbers of satellites without requiring unique control logic for each one.
3Speed
If real-time control is implemented to reduce delay, then responsiveness is improved, but communication requirements and system load worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes natural language commands on the ground into structured control sequences before transmission to satellites. This preliminary processing reduces the amount of data that needs to be communicated in real-time, as the satellites receive pre-packaged control sequences rather than requiring continuous interpretation of natural language input, thereby reducing communication load while maintaining responsiveness.
4Loss of time
If distributed autonomous control is implemented, then control delay is reduced, but reliability and fault tolerance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where satellite nodes report their state and execution status back to the ground system and other satellites. This feedback loop enables the distributed system to monitor and coordinate actions across multiple autonomous nodes, maintaining reliability through collective awareness and coordinated decision-making despite the autonomy of individual satellites.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system provides distributed management and control of satellite constellations. Such distributed management and control that involves a plurality of satellites, a plurality of ground stations, a mission control station, and a data center that hosts a portion of an Internet cloud. The system resolves issues that have plagued legacy attempts. Specifically the disclosed system includes optimized communication with satellites that leads to more efficient transfer of data and payloads to or from or by or between satellites and ground control systems. This is achieved through use of micro-batching of communications. In this manner, data may be processed and more effectively transmitted to and from more than one satellite and back to one or more ground stations, including coordinated transmissions of portions of a micro-batch between two or more ground stations.