Satellite Memory System for Autonomous Transfer Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous satellite operations during the transition from launch-vehicle detachment to mission state are hindered due to limited power and the unavailability of RF-spectrum signals, preventing the use of onboard resources like GNSS and telecommand data, which are essential for attitude and orbit control.
Innovation Solution
An independently powerable memory system on the satellite stores launch-specific parameters that can be written to while the onboard control system is in an OFF state, allowing autonomous control of satellite components during the transfer phase, including physical orientation and time-contingent functionalities, even without external communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the satellite operates in powered-off state during launch, then power consumption is reduced and launch safety is improved, but autonomous control capability is lost and configuration data cannot be updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite's data storage and configuration system into two independent parts: a traditional onboard memory that requires power for operation, and a new independently powerable memory system that can be powered separately. This segmentation allows the satellite to maintain autonomous control capability during launch by enabling the independently powerable memory to receive and store configuration data even when the main onboard systems are powered off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling the independently powerable memory system to receive, store, and prepare configuration data during the launch phase before the satellite needs to operate autonomously. This allows the satellite to have its configuration data ready in advance, so that when it transitions to autonomous operation after launch, it can immediately execute pre-programmed sequences without requiring real-time ground control.
2Measurement precision
If the satellite uses onboard resources like GNSS and telecommand data for control, then control accuracy is improved, but these resources are unavailable during transfer phase when satellite is launched in OFF state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by using the independently powerable memory system as a bridge between ground control and the satellite's autonomous systems during the transfer phase. Since direct telecommand communication is unavailable when the satellite is in OFF state, the memory system acts as an intermediary that stores pre-loaded configuration data and launch parameters, allowing the satellite to execute autonomous operations that would normally require real-time ground control or external signal resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the satellite to autonomously execute pre-programmed control sequences stored in the independently powerable memory during the transfer phase. Instead of relying on external GNSS or telecommand resources that are unavailable, the satellite serves itself by running autonomous procedures that were prepared in advance and stored in the memory system, including attitude control, orbit determination, and instrument configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the satellite separates from payload dispenser to trigger transfer phase, then deployment is enabled, but mechanical switches and separation detection may cause delays or errors in autonomous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading all necessary configuration data, launch parameters, and autonomous control sequences into the independently powerable memory system before the satellite separates from the payload dispenser. This ensures that when separation occurs and triggers the transfer phase, the satellite can immediately execute pre-prepared instructions without waiting for mechanical switches to detect separation or for ground control to send commands, thereby minimizing transition delays.
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial satellite comprises a satellite structure, an onboard control system including an onboard controller, and a memory system. The memory system is physically coupled to the satellite structure and independently powerable with respect to the onboard controller. The memory system is also arranged to communicatively couple with the onboard controller, and to store data which specifies one or more launch-specific parameters for configuring at least one of the satellite components. The onboard control system is adapted to operate in a transfer phase in response to the satellite separating from a payload dispenser, and to autonomously control, while operating in the transfer phase, one or more aspects of at least one satellite component at least partly based on the data, and particularly the one or more launch-specific parameters specified by or derived from the data.