Satellite Optical Communication Planning for On-Demand Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inter-satellite optical communications lack flexibility as they can only communicate during predetermined time periods specified in the communication schedule, making it impossible for operators to initiate communication outside of these scheduled times.

Innovation Solution

A communication planning device that includes an orbit prediction unit to predict the orbit of a relay satellite and a creation unit to generate control information for the optical communication unit of a satellite, allowing it to directionally track the relay satellite during unplanned communication periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication is conducted according to predetermined schedules, then communication reliability is ensured, but communication flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic communication scheduling by enabling the optical communication unit to switch between predetermined schedule mode and on-demand mode. The system dynamically adjusts communication timing based on actual needs, allowing unplanned communications when events require immediate data transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between schedule reliability and communication flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the time parameter of communication from fixed predetermined slots to flexible on-demand timing. By modifying the temporal parameter allowing communications to occur both according to schedule and immediately when needed, the system maintains reliability through scheduled operations while gaining flexibility for urgent unplanned communications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If optical communication units track relay satellites continuously, then communication responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic scanning of relay satellites during unplanned communication periods instead of continuous tracking. The optical communication unit periodically checks for relay satellites at intervals, enabling quick response when satellites are available while consuming less energy compared to continuous tracking, thus resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing limited orbital predictions and selective tracking only when unplanned communication is needed, rather than maintaining full continuous tracking capability. This partial approach provides sufficient responsiveness for urgent communications while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to complete continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250167891A1Communication planning device, satellite, and satellite system

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 WARPSPACE INC

AI summary

A communication planning device according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises: an orbit prediction unit that predicts the orbit of a relay satellite that relays communication between a satellite having an optical communication unit and an earth station; and a creation unit that creates, on the basis of the predicted orbit, control information for controlling the optical communication unit so that the optical communication unit is directed to and tracks the relay satellite in a non-planning communication period.