Retrofittable Satellite Modules for In-Orbit Mesh Collision Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite technology in orbit lags behind terrestrial advancements due to the costly and labor-intensive traditional design and operation methods, leading to outdated space assets and limited capabilities, with a need for enhanced in-orbit maintenance and collision avoidance systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of an in-orbit, retrofittable satellite system with enhancement modules that can be transferred and installed on host satellites, including space situational awareness sensors for collision detection and communication, creating a decentralized mesh network for improved collision avoidance and extended satellite functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional satellite design and operation methods are used, then satellite lifespan is extended to amortize costs, but technology in orbit lags behind terrestrial advancements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic satellite architecture where modules can be exchanged in-orbit, transforming the static satellite into a dynamic system that can adapt its capabilities over time. The service satellite enables runtime reconfiguration of payload modules, allowing the host satellite to evolve technologically without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite system is divided into separable modules (payload modules, bus, service satellite) that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation allows specific technological components to be updated while retaining the core satellite infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between extending lifespan and maintaining technological relevance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If satellites are redesigned for each specific mission, then mission objectives are optimally met, but design and integration becomes costly and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The service satellite and module interface architecture provide universal capabilities that can serve multiple different mission types. The standardized interface allows the same service satellite to support various payload modules for different missions, eliminating the need for custom-designed satellites for each mission while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, mission-specific satellite designs to a dynamic architecture where mission capabilities are configured by assembling different payload modules with the service satellite, reducing design and integration costs while maintaining mission optimization.
3Device complexity
If ground-based collision avoidance systems are used, then system complexity is minimized, but detection capability is insufficient for small debris objects
Solution Approach 1:
The host satellite acts as an intermediary platform carrying space situational awareness sensors that provide enhanced local detection capability for small debris objects. This distributed sensing approach complements ground-based systems, improving measurement precision without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to collision avoidance by deploying sensors on the host satellite itself, enabling local orbital-space detection rather than relying solely on ground-based remote sensing. This dimensional shift enables detection of smaller objects that are invisible from Earth.
Data Source
AI summary
Retrofittable satellite systems for an in-orbit host satellite comprising an enhancement module for adding a capability to the in-orbit host satellite, modifying the function of the in-orbit host satellite, and/or extending the function of the in-orbit host satellite. The in-orbit, retrofittable satellite system comprises a transfer vehicle for transferring the enhancement module from a first to a second location and a service vehicle for receiving the enhancement module from the transfer vehicle and installing the enhancement module on the in-orbit host satellite. In-orbit space situational awareness systems, comprising one or more in-orbit host satellites having one or more enhancement modules attached thereto, the enhancement modules comprising sensors such as satellite spatial location/position sensors, range sensors, navigation sensors, and/or proximity sensors for detecting other objects in-orbit, their location, speed, acceleration, orbital trajectory or the like, wherein the enhancement modules communicate to create a mesh network between the satellites.