Satellite Optical Navigation with Controllable Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical-based navigation solutions are hindered by the reliance on natural light from satellites or space debris, which can be obscured by the sun, harsh weather, and atmospheric conditions, making it difficult to determine geographical location, especially during the day or in low luminosity scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Deploying satellites with controllable light sources, such as LEDs, that can emit light upon request or according to a schedule, allowing for easier detection by receivers and enabling precise geographical location determination using pseudo ranges calculated from measured angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If natural light from satellites or space debris is used for optical navigation, then the system avoids active light sources on satellites, but detectability is reduced during daytime or in poor weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite's light source is activated in advance or according to a predetermined schedule before the receiver needs to detect it. This ensures the satellite emits light during critical detection windows, improving detectability during daytime or poor weather conditions while maintaining the passive navigation concept.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source on the satellite operates periodically rather than continuously, with emission cycles synchronized to provide detectable signals at intervals that match receiver observation schedules. This periodic activation maintains navigation availability while reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If controllable light sources are deployed on satellites, then detectability is enhanced regardless of weather conditions, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates in periodic cycles with controlled duration and frequency, providing sufficient illumination for detection during active periods while remaining off during inactive periods. This reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation while maintaining adequate detectability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source parameters (intensity, duration, wavelength) are optimized to provide minimum necessary illumination for reliable detection. By adjusting these parameters based on operational requirements and environmental conditions, the system achieves adequate detectability with reduced power consumption compared to maximum intensity continuous operation.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If light sources are activated continuously on satellites, then detectability is maximized, but the system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light source activation schedule is predetermined and programmed into the satellite's control system before deployment. This preliminary configuration simplifies the control system architecture by eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making algorithms, while still ensuring reliable detection during critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source system operates autonomously according to pre-programmed schedules and simple trigger conditions, without requiring complex ground control interventions or sophisticated onboard processing. This self-service operation reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable detectability through automated periodic activation.
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
Enhances the detectability of satellites regardless of weather or atmospheric conditions, providing a reliable GPS-like navigation solution without relying on radio frequency signals, thus offering an alternative navigation method when GPS is jammed or unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of satellites can include a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), operable to emit light
Implementation Method 2
detecting, at the receiver, the light that is emitted from each of a plurality of satellites
Data Source
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AI summary
Technology for facilitating position determination is disclosed. A satellite with a known location can activate a light source on the satellite operable to emit light. The satellite can emit the light for a defined period of time to enable a receiver to detect the light and determine a geographical location using the light emitted from the satellite.