Satellite State Data Compilation and Manoeuvre Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite operation systems face challenges in accurately determining and maintaining the position and velocity of small satellites, particularly in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging, due to anomalies in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) measurements and the need for precise orbit determination to achieve high-resolution imaging and collision avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the compilation and filtering of satellite state data into a single dataset accessible via an application programming interface, incorporating manoeuvre data to improve filtering accuracy, and scheduling manoeuvres to avoid solar exposure, ensuring accurate orbit determination and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate files of satellite state data are received via ground stations, then data completeness is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate satellite state data files into a single unified dataset that is accessible through a single API interface. This merging process consolidates data from multiple ground station transmissions and temporal periods into one coherent structure, reducing the complexity of processing while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The API interface provides universal access to the consolidated satellite state data, enabling various processing functions (filtering, manoeuvre scheduling, collision avoidance) to access the same data source. This multi-functional access point eliminates the need for multiple separate data retrieval mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If raw satellite state data is filtered using orbit determination processes, then positioning accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs filtering and orbit determination processes in advance to pre-compute accurate satellite state data. By preparing and consolidating the data beforehand, the system reduces real-time processing requirements and enables faster access to accurate positioning information when needed.
3Measurement precision
If manoeuvre data is integrated into the filtering process, then orbit determination accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges manoeuvre data with satellite state data within the unified dataset structure. By integrating manoeuvre information (such as thrust applications, orbit corrections) directly into the filtered state data, the system maintains accurate orbit determination without requiring separate complex processing streams.
4Manufacturing precision
If satellite positioning accuracy is improved for SAR imaging, then image resolution is improved, but the need for frequent manoeuvres increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors satellite position and uses the filtered state data to determine when manoeuvres are necessary to maintain required positioning accuracy for SAR imaging. This feedback mechanism allows the system to perform manoeuvres only when needed to maintain image quality, rather than following a fixed frequent manoeuvre schedule.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided methods of processing satellite state data, comprising receiving satellite state data in the form of multiple separate files via one or more ground stations and compiling the received satellite state data into a single dataset accessible via an application programming interface and searchable by time range. There are further provided methods of processing satellite state data comprising receiving raw satellite state data; receiving manoeuvre data relating to one or more scheduled manoeuvres of the satellite; and filtering the received raw satellite state data in an orbit determination process to provide filtered satellite state data, wherein the manoeuvre data is used in the filtering of the received raw satellite state data. There are further provided methods of scheduling a satellite manoeuvre comprising: receiving parameters for one or more planned manoeuvres to move the satellite from a current orbit to a new orbit, wherein the parameters include a time and duration of each of the one or more planned manoeuvres; receiving times of eclipses of the Sun by the Earth during future orbits of the satellite; and scheduling the manoeuvre to take place according to the determined parameters and the times of eclipses.