Non-Geostationary Satellite Geolocation for Moving Vehicle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direction finding techniques for determining a target vehicle's location are prone to errors when the vehicle moves between measurement intervals, and require multiple vehicles, which increases operational costs and has limited duration due to fuel constraints.
Innovation Solution
A single non-geostationary satellite, such as a CubeSat, is used to detect signals from an earth-based vehicle and determine its three-dimensional location by processing signal arrival times and satellite position information, allowing for precise geolocation without the need for multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement vehicles are used to take LoPs simultaneously, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single satellite platform. Instead of using multiple separate measurement vehicles to simultaneously capture LoPs, the invention uses one satellite to perform all necessary signal measurements and processing, thereby achieving accurate location determination without the complexity and cost of multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement platform for signal detection and the positioning reference. The single satellite simultaneously performs signal reception, LoP generation, and serves as the orbital reference frame, eliminating the need for multiple specialized vehicles
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement vehicles are deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but duration of action is limited due to fuel constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple fuel-constrained vehicles into a single satellite with superior fuel capacity and endurance. The satellite's extended operational duration allows it to continuously track and measure signals from moving targets over prolonged periods without the refueling constraints that limit ground-based vehicle operations
3Device complexity
If conventional DF technique is used with moving target, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to target movement between measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic measurement capabilities where the satellite continuously tracks the moving target in real-time. Instead of taking static LoP measurements that become obsolete when the target moves, the satellite dynamically adjusts its measurement timing and processing to capture the target's position accurately despite its movement, maintaining both system simplicity and measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
The described geolocation techniques determine a location of an earth-based vehicle using a non-geostationary satellite. For instance, the non-geostationary satellite receives signals transmitted by the earth-based vehicle, determines the arrival times of the signals, and the position information of the satellite corresponding to the arrival times of the signals. The arrival times and position information of the satellite are sent to a signal processing unit to determine a location of the vehicle.