S-GEO Laser Comms Resilience Against Atmospheric Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser communication systems for strategic nuclear forces do not meet requirements for global coverage, high availability, long lifetime, low probability of detection/interception, ability to operate without ground intervention, and resilience against challenging atmospheric environments and threats like solar storms and electromagnetic pulses.
Innovation Solution
A laser communication system utilizing satellites in super-geosynchronous Earth orbit (S-GEO) with adaptable transmit signals, interleavers, codecs, and modulation formats to counter atmospheric events, combined with hybrid RF services and adaptive optics for resilience and low detectability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellites are placed in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) for laser communications, then global coverage and availability are improved, but the satellites become easy to detect and track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orbital parameter from geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) to super-geosynchronous Earth orbit (S-GEO), placing satellites at approximately 105,000 km altitude compared to 35,786 km for GEO. This parameter change maintains global coverage and availability while reducing detectability due to the higher orbit position, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and detectability
2Productivity
If laser communication signals are transmitted through the atmosphere, then high data rates are achieved, but the signals become vulnerable to atmospheric events such as solar flares and electromagnetic pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of communication parameters including modulation format, data rate, and interleaver depth based on real-time atmospheric conditions. The system monitors atmospheric events and adjusts signal characteristics dynamically, allowing high data rates during normal conditions while maintaining resilience during solar flares and electromagnetic pulses
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes signal parameters such as modulation format and interleaver depth in response to atmospheric conditions. During atmospheric events, the system adjusts these parameters to maintain reliable communication, resolving the contradiction between achieving high data rates and maintaining resilience to atmospheric disturbances
3Reliability
If adaptive optics and signal adaptation mechanisms are implemented, then resilience to atmospheric events is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous adaptation on the satellite where the processor automatically monitors atmospheric conditions and adjusts communication parameters without ground intervention. This self-service approach improves resilience while minimizing the complexity of ground-based control systems, as the adaptation logic is distributed to the satellite itself
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
The system provides global coverage, high availability, and resilience against natural and manmade threats, reducing detection and interception probability while maintaining operational integrity during atmospheric disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by at least one laser on at least one first satellite, at least one first transmit signal
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by at least one detector on at least one first satellite, at least one first receive signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for laser communications following an atmospheric event. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves transmitting, by at least one laser on at least one first satellite, at least one first transmit signal. The method further involves receiving, by at least one detector on at least one first satellite, at least one first receive signal. In one or more embodiments, at least one first satellite is in super-geosynchronous earth orbit (S-GEO). In at least one embodiment, at least one first transmit signal and at least one first receive signal are laser signals. Further, the method involves adapting, by at least one first processor on at least one first satellite, at least one first transmit signal according to at least one atmospheric event.