Fractionated Satellite Constellation with Cross-Protocol Gateway Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellites providing multiple functionalities are expensive, complex, and large, while specialized satellites with limited functionalities cannot communicate with each other or with user devices without additional radio components, leading to increased cost and complexity for user devices.
Innovation Solution
A gateway satellite is orbitally-coupled with specialized satellites to route communications, enabling interoperability between satellites with different communication protocols and providing access to additional functionalities for user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a satellite provides multiple functionalities, then the functionality coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a traditional multi-functional satellite into multiple specialized single-function satellites (communication satellites, imaging satellites, navigation satellites). Each satellite in the constellation performs a specific function, and the collective system provides comprehensive multi-functional coverage. This segmentation reduces individual satellite complexity while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal satellite constellation where standardized satellite platforms can perform multiple roles depending on configuration and deployment. The constellation as a whole provides multi-functional capabilities through coordinated operation of specialized satellites, rather than requiring each individual satellite to be multi-functional.
2Ease of manufacture
If specialized satellites with limited functionalities are deployed, then manufacturing and deployment costs are reduced, but communication interoperability between satellites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs homogeneous communication protocols and frequency standards across all satellites in the constellation. Each specialized satellite uses the same communication interface and data format specifications, enabling seamless interoperability. This standardization allows cost-effective specialized satellites to communicate effectively without requiring complex protocol translation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gateway satellites or ground control stations as intermediaries that facilitate communication between specialized satellites with different protocols. These intermediary nodes perform protocol conversion and data routing, allowing satellites with simplified designs to communicate indirectly while maintaining overall system interoperability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user devices are configured with multiple radio components to support different communication schemes, then access to multiple specialized satellites is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs user devices with a universal communication interface that can communicate with all specialized satellites using a single standardized protocol. The satellite constellation is configured to provide services through this universal interface, eliminating the need for users to equip devices with multiple specialized radio components while maintaining access to diverse satellite functionalities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for supporting a fractionated satellite constellation are disclosed. A gateway satellite may route communications to and from auxiliary satellites using a first communication protocol. The auxiliary satellites may be orbitally-coupled with the gateway satellite and may be equipped with respective payload types that provide respective functionalities. The auxiliary satellites may also use respective communications protocols that are different than one another and the first communication protocol. Routing communications to and from auxiliary satellites may include relaying a communication between multiple auxiliary satellites. Routing communications between auxiliary satellites may include relaying a communication between multiple gateway satellites. Routing communications to and from auxiliary satellites may also include relaying communications between commercial satellites and auxiliary satellites.