Satellite Virtualization for Role Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and inefficiency of deploying singular satellites for organizations with limited needs, as well as the limitations in continuous operations, lead to underutilization of satellite technology.
Innovation Solution
A satellite computing platform that utilizes a cluster of general-purpose satellite devices with defined roles based on hardware and software elements, enabling efficient task allocation and resource sharing through virtual nodes and peer-to-peer communication, allowing for specialized operations and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single satellite is deployed to provide space-based operations, then the satellite can perform designated tasks, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive and the satellite remains underutilized when full capabilities are not required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single satellite into multiple virtual satellites by dividing the physical satellite's resources (processors, memory, storage, sensors) into separate virtual instances. Each virtual satellite can be independently configured and assigned to different organizations or tasks, allowing flexible deployment without requiring physical satellite launches for each customer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal satellite platform that can serve multiple customers and purposes simultaneously through virtualization. The single physical satellite becomes multi-functional by hosting multiple virtual satellites with different configurations, enabling one satellite to perform the work of many while reducing overall deployment costs.
2Reliability
If a single satellite is used for continuous operations, then dedicated service is provided, but the satellite cannot serve multiple organizations with different needs simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite's operational capacity into multiple isolated virtual environments, where each virtual satellite provides dedicated continuous operations for a specific organization while the physical infrastructure remains shared. This segmentation maintains reliability for each customer while enabling multi-organization service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the physical satellite hardware and multiple customer organizations. This virtualization intermediary manages resource allocation, isolation, and service delivery, enabling simultaneous continuous operations for multiple organizations without interference.
3Reliability
If expensive satellite technology is deployed, then advanced capabilities are achieved, but organizations with limited budgets cannot access these technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of satellite capabilities through virtualization, allowing multiple organizations to access advanced satellite technology without requiring expensive physical satellite deployments. Each organization receives a virtual instance with the necessary capabilities, significantly reducing the barrier to entry while maintaining access to advanced technology.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software described herein provide enhancements for computing platforms. In one example, a computing device is configured to maintain attribute scoring metrics that rate target computing devices in competency among at least a portion of roles defined at least by presently provisioned software elements and hardware elements. The computing device is configured to identify tasks to be serviced using one or more of the roles, and based at least in part on the attribute scoring metrics, determine one or more target computing devices that satisfy the one or more of the roles to handle the tasks. The computing device is configured to transfer at least task instructions for delivery to the one or more target computing devices for performing the tasks using at least one among the presently provisioned software elements and hardware elements associated with the one or more of the roles.