Satellite Constellation Task Assignment via Automated API
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of satellites in a fleet increases, it becomes impractical for human operators to efficiently manage and schedule image acquisitions, downlinks, and other tasks across the entire fleet, due to the complexity of satellite orbits and additional task constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for assigning image acquisition tasks to a constellation of satellites, involving receiving a task request, retrieving task performance rules, generating internal API calls to specify task performance details, and assigning tasks to the satellites based on these specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fleet of satellites expands to increase coverage and capability, then the productivity and coverage of the satellite network improve, but the complexity of manually managing and scheduling tasks across the fleet increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite network system performs automatic task assignment and scheduling without human intervention. The processor automatically receives task requests, determines optimal satellite assignments based on orbital positions and task constraints, and executes the assignment algorithm, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operator management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of human operators visually inspecting and assigning tasks with an automated computational system. The processor executes algorithms that automatically calculate optimal task assignments by evaluating satellite orbital data, task constraints, and performance metrics, substituting human cognitive and manual operations with automated computing
2Speed
If human operators manually manage task assignments across a large satellite fleet, then flexibility in handling complex task constraints is maintained, but the response time and speed of task assignment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically processes task requests and performs assignments without requiring human operators to manually evaluate each task. The processor self-executes the assignment algorithm by retrieving satellite data, evaluating task constraints, determining optimal assignments, and executing the assignment, thereby eliminating manual operational steps and significantly increasing assignment speed
3Productivity
If automated systems are implemented to manage large satellite fleets, then task assignment efficiency and response time improve, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated task assignment system is divided into distinct functional modules: a reception module that receives task requests, a data retrieval module that obtains satellite orbital information, an evaluation module that assesses task constraints and satellite capabilities, and an execution module that implements the assignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The processor executes a universal assignment algorithm that can handle multiple types of tasks (image acquisition, downlink scheduling, etc.) and multiple satellites simultaneously. The system retrieves and processes various types of data (orbital positions, task constraints, satellite capabilities) through a unified framework, allowing the same automated mechanism to serve multiple functions across the entire satellite fleet
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and techniques for assigning an image acquisition task to a constellation of satellites may be performed by first receiving a request via an inbound API call to assign the image acquisition task to the constellation of satellites. The request may include a time at or during which at least one image is to be acquired by the constellation. Based on the request, at least one task performance rule specifying how the task is to be performed is retrieved. At least one internal API call is generated to task the constellation of satellites to perform the task. The at least one API call specifies the time at or during which the task is to be performed and the at least one task performance rule. The task is then assigned to be performed by the constellation of satellites by making the at least one internal API call.