Satellite Control Apparatus for Optical Communication Link Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing satellite operation apparatus has a long downtime during which communication with a desired satellite apparatus cannot be established, as the relay satellite must be in a specific area where the earth station can transmit and receive data.
Innovation Solution
A satellite control apparatus that obtains information about the orbits of multiple satellite apparatuses equipped with optical communication equipment, determines which satellite apparatuses can be acquired and tracked by optical communication from a designated first satellite apparatus, and transmits commands to these satellite apparatuses to establish communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay satellite is used to enable communication between the earth station and satellite apparatus, then communication capability is improved, but the time during which communication cannot be carried out increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the satellite constellation into multiple groups, where satellites within each group can perform optical communication with each other. This segmentation enables direct peer-to-peer communication between satellites, reducing dependency on relay satellites and minimizing communication downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground control apparatus that acts as an intermediary to manage and coordinate optical communication between satellites. The ground control apparatus determines optimal communication paths and controls satellite operations to establish direct communication links, thereby reducing reliance on relay satellites and decreasing communication downtime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ground station antennas are installed to support increased number of satellite apparatuses, then communication coverage is improved, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional satellite communication system where satellites can serve multiple purposes: they can communicate with ground stations when in view, and simultaneously perform optical communication with other satellites in the constellation. This multi-functionality allows the system to support increased satellite numbers without requiring proportional increases in ground station infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional two-dimensional ground-based communication to three-dimensional space-based optical communication. Satellites in different orbital positions can communicate directly through space, adding a vertical dimension to communication paths and enabling the system to support more satellites without adding ground infrastructure.
3Productivity
If optical communication is used between satellite apparatuses, then communication efficiency is improved, but the requirement for precise orbital positioning and tracking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground control apparatus continuously monitors satellite positions and orbital parameters, then provides feedback control commands to adjust satellite orientations and maintain optimal communication links. This feedback mechanism enables efficient optical communication while managing the complexity of tracking through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations and predictions of satellite positions and communication windows in advance. The ground control apparatus determines optimal communication paths and timing before satellites enter communication range, allowing them to prepare and execute optical communication efficiently without real-time tracking complexity.
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 solution significantly reduces the time during which communication with a desired satellite apparatus cannot be maintained by optimizing the use of satellite relays and improving communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
information pertaining to an orbit of each of a plurality of satellite apparatuses each of which includes optical communication equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A processor included in a satellite control apparatus carries out an obtaining process of obtaining information pertaining to an orbit, a determining process of determining whether each of second satellite apparatuses is capable of being acquired and tracked from a first satellite apparatus by optical communication, a command creating process of creating a command for acquiring and tracking a second satellite apparatus by optical communication, and transmitting process of transmitting the command to the first satellite apparatus.