Satellite TT&C On-Board Unit Autonomous Orbit Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small/micro/nano/pico/femto-satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) face challenges with uncontrolled periods due to delayed availability of orbital data, limited coverage by ground stations, and high operational costs, leading to inefficient telemetry, tracking, and command services.
Innovation Solution
A satellite Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) system that includes on-board units receiving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals to compute satellite positions and velocities, store ground station visibility data, and transmit telemetry and commands autonomously, coupled with a network control center for data management and command distribution via IP networks, eliminating the need for external orbital data and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ground station is used for satellite TT&C, then the system complexity and cost are reduced, but the coverage time is limited to about 3% of the orbit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ground station system into multiple distributed stations (primary and secondary stations) that are geographically separated. Each station independently provides coverage to specific orbital regions, and together they provide continuous coverage throughout the satellite's orbit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low complexity at each individual station while achieving high overall coverage through the network of stations.
2Reliability
If traditional large satellites are used, then orbital data are known and managed by mission control centers, but the manufacturing cost and time are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables small satellites to autonomously determine their own orbital parameters by receiving signals from multiple ground stations and using signal timing information to calculate their position and velocity. The satellite's on-board computer processes these signals to generate its own orbital data without requiring external mission control centers. This self-service capability allows small satellites to achieve reliable orbital data availability while avoiding the high manufacturing costs and complex ground infrastructure required for traditional large satellites.
3Ease of manufacture
If COTS-based ground stations are used for small satellites, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the operational cost including management and maintenance becomes unaffordable for limited budgets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ground station network to serve multiple purposes: providing TT&C services for multiple satellites simultaneously, enabling both primary and secondary station operations, and supporting various satellite types (LEO, MEO, GEO). The system uses standardized COTS components that can be reused across different applications. By making the ground station infrastructure multi-functional and reusable, the patent reduces the total operational cost compared to dedicated single-purpose stations, making it affordable for organizations with limited budgets.
4Ease of manufacture
If small satellites are launched as piggyback payload on commercial launchers, then the launch cost is reduced, but the orbital data are only known after identification and tracking by dedicated authorities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the satellite's on-board computer immediately begin receiving signals from ground stations and calculating orbital parameters as soon as the satellite is launched and becomes visible to the ground network. The system proactively acquires orbital data in real-time rather than waiting for dedicated authorities to complete identification and tracking processes. This preliminary data acquisition ensures that orbital information is available promptly after launch, enabling timely TT&C operations without delaying the satellite's operational timeline.
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 system provides enhanced coverage and cost-effective TT&C services for LEO satellites, enabling frequent data links, early detection of malfunctions, and reduced operational expenses by automating telemetry and command transmissions using a network of distributed ground stations.
Implementation Method 1
receive Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from one or more GNSSs
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite telemetry, tracking and command system including ground stations, on-board units and a network control center. Each on-board unit is installed on board a respective satellite and is configured to compute a future orbital path of the satellite and determine when the respective satellite is within the visibility region of one of the ground stations on the basis of the satellite's positions and velocities computed and of the stored coverage data. When the respective satellite is within the visibility region of a ground station, the on-board unit may transmit to said ground station the downlink signals and receive therefrom the uplink signals; and carry out actions/operations corresponding to the commands received from the ground stations. The ground stations may be networked together and may send and receive information to and from the network control center.