Flexible Capacity Satellite Constellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite constellations face challenges in efficiently providing flexible capacity and managing cross-link traffic, particularly in low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, due to the need for additional power and mass for cross-links and the complexity of coordinating these links.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamically configurable pathways in non-processed, bent-pipe satellites allows for flexible configuration of satellite pathways in real-time, enabling the selective routing of forward-channel and return-channel traffic through terra-links and cross-links, thereby optimizing capacity distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEO satellites are used to provide coverage, then link budget and latency are improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite constellation into multiple satellites working together to provide collective coverage. Each LEO satellite maintains its advantageous link budget and low latency while the constellation as a whole achieves extended coverage area through coordinated operation of multiple segmented satellite units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple LEO satellites into a unified constellation system where their individual coverage areas merge to provide collectively increased coverage. This merging allows the system to maintain the low orbit advantages of individual satellites while achieving broader geographic coverage through their combined footprint.
2Reliability
If processed satellites with on-board processing are deployed to maintain cross-links, then connectivity is ensured, but complexity, weight, and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex on-board processing function from individual satellites and relocates it to ground-based processing centers. This allows satellites to maintain simple bent-pipe architectures while ground systems handle the sophisticated signal processing, routing, and coordination needed for reliable cross-link connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ground-based processing centers as intermediary systems that mediate between satellites and end users. These ground intermediaries perform the complex processing functions, allowing satellites to remain relatively simple while ensuring reliable connectivity through intelligent ground-based coordination and signal management.
3Area of stationary object
If cross-links are used for communications beyond single satellite range, then coverage is extended, but power and mass requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary routing and path determination at ground-based processing centers before signals are transmitted through the satellite constellation. This preliminary action optimizes the use of cross-links, reducing the need for excessive onboard power and mass resources by pre-planning efficient signal paths through the constellation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding more onboard power and mass to each satellite with an intelligent software-based routing system at ground level. This substitution allows extended coverage through cross-links without proportionally increasing spacecraft mass, as the ground systems optimize signal paths to minimize power and mass requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide in-flight configuration of satellite pathways to flexibly service terra-link and cross-link traffic in a constellation of non-processed satellites, for example, to facilitate flexible forward-channel and return-channel capacity in a satellite communications system. For example, each satellite in the constellation can include one or more dynamically configurable pathway and switching and/or beamforming can be used to configure each pathway to be a forward-channel pathway or a return-channel pathway in each of a number of timeslots according to a pathway configuration schedule. At least some of the pathways can be further selectively configured, in each timeslot, to carry “terra-link” traffic to and/or from terrestrial terminals and “cross-link” traffic to and/or from one or more other satellites of the constellation.