Satellite Constellation Power Beaming for Electric Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric propulsion systems for spacecraft suffer from low acceleration capabilities, leading to prolonged times for achieving desired orbital velocity changes, due to limited power supply and resulting in unpalatable operational requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system of power sharing among satellites in a constellation, where power beams are transmitted from one satellite to another using laser or microwave power, enabling augmented thrust for electric propulsion systems, thereby increasing spacecraft specific power and acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If electric propulsion is used to achieve propellant efficiency, then mass savings are obtained, but spacecraft acceleration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electric propulsion with external power beaming from other satellites in the constellation. By merging the propellant-efficient electric propulsion system with an external power source, the invention achieves both mass savings and adequate acceleration capability that neither system could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces power beaming as an intermediary mechanism to transfer energy from power-generating satellites to propulsion-requiring satellites. This intermediary power transmission enables the propulsion satellite to access additional power without carrying its own power generation systems, thus maintaining mass efficiency while achieving required acceleration.
2Device complexity
If electric propulsion is used with limited onboard power, then power supply is simplified, but time to achieve orbital velocity changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power sharing network where satellites in the constellation can both generate and consume power as needed. Each satellite is equipped with both power generation and power reception capabilities, allowing the system to dynamically allocate power resources based on operational requirements, thus reducing orbit change times without permanently increasing individual satellite complexity.
3Speed
If power sharing among satellites is implemented, then acceleration capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power system into independent modular units distributed across multiple satellites. Each satellite maintains its own power generation and reception subsystems as separate functional modules, allowing the complex power sharing capability to be achieved through simple modular additions rather than integrated system redesign, thus managing complexity through modular architecture.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required to achieve orbital velocity changes, enhances propellant efficiency, and extends the operational life of satellite constellations by allowing more frequent and efficient positioning of satellites, while reducing launch costs and satellite mass.
Implementation Method 1
The power beams comprise laser power beams
Implementation Method 2
the power receivers comprise photovoltaic systems
Implementation Method 3
the power beams comprise microwave power beams
Implementation Method 4
the power receivers comprise rectennas
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a system and method is configured for scheduling and invoking power sharing among satellites within a constellation of satellites such that energy storage systems at a target satellite may by charged prior to the use of electric propulsion thrust activation or other high electricity demand operations (or such operations contemporaneously augmented) by power beams transmitted from other (source) satellites within the constellation.