Satellite Constellation Scheduling for Rapid Earth Imaging Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earth observation satellites typically require pre-defined missions, which do not allow for rapid response to real-time monitoring needs, leading to delays of up to a week or more for acquiring images of new locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing a constellation of satellites that enables post-launch image acquisition requests by recalculating the satellite schedule to include new imaging tasks, utilizing a schedule calculation module to optimize the use of multiple satellites and communication channels for efficient and timely image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If Earth observation satellites use pre-defined missions with fixed orbital schedules, then mission stability and predictability are maintained, but the response time to new imaging requests becomes excessively long (days to weeks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic schedule recalculation that adapts satellite tasking in real-time based on new imaging requests. The system continuously optimizes satellite schedules by evaluating current satellite positions, orbital paths, and ground station availability, transforming the static pre-defined mission approach into a dynamic responsive system that can accommodate post-launch requests while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring satellite status, ground station availability, and schedule执行情况, then using this information to recalculate and adjust schedules. The feedback loop enables the system to learn from past scheduling decisions and optimize future task assignments, balancing rapid response requirements with resource constraints
2Adaptability or versatility
If satellites are tasked before launch with predefined missions, then mission reliability is ensured, but adaptability to real-time monitoring needs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating multiple potential schedule options and maintaining a pool of ready-to-execute task sequences. When new imaging requests arrive, the system can quickly select and implement pre-prepared schedule variations rather than creating schedules from scratch, thus maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability to post-launch requests
3Productivity
If the satellite constellation size is increased to improve coverage and reduce turnaround time, then imaging capability is enhanced, but system complexity and ground station coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite constellation into multiple independent but coordinated units, each capable of autonomous schedule calculation and execution. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by treating smaller satellite groups as independent modules while achieving enhanced overall coverage and productivity through their coordinated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ground station system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple satellites simultaneously, providing a unified interface for schedule management across the entire constellation. The ground station can coordinate tasks across different satellites and communicate with various execution sets, reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from having multiple specialized ground stations
Data Source
AI summary
An Earth monitoring system comprises a satellite constellation (310) and a schedule calculation module (302) located on Earth. The schedule calculation module (302) may be configured to implement a satellite management method receiving a request post-launch for a location to be imaged; recalculating an existing schedule of the satellites to provide an updated schedule that includes imaging the location; and providing the updated schedule for transmission to one or more of the satellites.