Satellite RF Interference Avoidance Using Visibility Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spacecraft systems lack the ability to autonomously plan and react to real-time Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) events, relying on pre-planned responses based on past detection and classification, and do not perform autonomous avoidance planning.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit for predicting and avoiding RF interference by obtaining orbit and transmission data, calculating visibility windows, comparing transmission parameters and orientations, generating a course of action, and autonomously executing it to avoid interference, using a spacecraft's processing circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pre-planned RFI response methods are used, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the spacecraft cannot react to real-time RFI events and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary RFI prediction by calculating visibility windows and potential interference scenarios in advance, but executes the actual avoidance response autonomously in real-time based on predicted events, combining pre-planning with real-time adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The spacecraft performs autonomous RFI avoidance planning and execution without requiring continuous human intervention, with the system self-managing the detection, analysis, and response execution while operators only review and approve final actions
2Reliability
If autonomous real-time RFI prediction and avoidance planning is implemented, then reliability and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous RFI avoidance system is divided into distinct functional modules: RFI prediction module (calculating visibility windows and potential interference), analysis module (comparing transmission parameters and orientations), course of action generation module (developing avoidance strategies), and execution module (implementing selected actions), allowing complex functionality to be managed through modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a unified processing framework that handles multiple RFI scenarios (different types of interference, various orbital configurations, multiple spacecraft) through the same algorithms and decision-making processes, reducing overall system complexity despite increased capabilities
3Loss of time
If autonomous avoidance planning is implemented, then decision-making speed is improved and loss of time is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased automation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where predicted RFI events and selected avoidance actions are communicated to operators for review and approval, allowing autonomous operation to proceed while maintaining operator oversight and simplifying the user interface to show only critical decisions requiring human input
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for prediction and avoidance of RF interference for a satellite from one or more of resident space objects (RSOs) includes: obtaining orbit data and transmission data for the satellite and the plurality of RSOs; calculating a visibility window; performing comparison of transmission parameters; calculating an orientation of each of the RSOs; when there is a match of transmission parameters and the orientation is within a predetermined threshold, adding the compatible RSO to a compatible RSO list; generating a course of action (COA); scoring each of the compatible RSO; selecting a best scored COA; scheduling the first course of action; and autonomously executing the first course of action by the satellite to avoid RFI.