Shared Spacecraft Payload Control Through Service Provider Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft-based services systems require users to delegate control authority or invest heavily in operational capabilities, limiting flexibility and causing conflicts among multiple users with differing interests in shared payload operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a constellation of satellites with a hub and payloads, where the hub controls spacecraft operations, including payload management, communication, and trajectory, allowing for flexible service provision and user-specific payload configurations, while ground control elements manage communication and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users delegate control authority to external parties, then operational flexibility is hampered, but users avoid developing and maintaining spacecraft operation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service provider as an intermediary between users and the spacecraft. The service provider operates the spacecraft on behalf of multiple users, managing control authority and coordination. This intermediary structure allows users to access spacecraft services without directly developing operation capabilities, while maintaining operational flexibility through the service provider's professional management.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacecraft is designed to serve multiple users with different payloads and objectives simultaneously. The service provider creates a universal platform where diverse users can utilize the same spacecraft resources (communication systems, computational resources, payload operations) without each user needing separate operational capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple users share payloads, then resource utilization increases, but conflicts arise between operation instructions and user interests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and operational scheduling managed by the service provider. The service provider can adjust payload operations, time slots, and resource distribution based on real-time user needs and spacecraft capabilities. This dynamic management allows multiple users to share payloads effectively while preventing conflicts through coordinated scheduling and adaptive resource allocation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users develop spacecraft operation capabilities, then operational flexibility improves, but substantial investment and ongoing maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operational capabilities of multiple users into a single service provider entity. Instead of each user independently developing and maintaining spacecraft operation capabilities, the service provider consolidates these functions. This merging allows users to gain access to professional operational capabilities without bearing the full investment and maintenance burden individually, thus improving adaptability while reducing resource requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including one or more spacecraft and one or more ground control elements, wherein the spacecraft can include one or more payloads associated with one or more organizations. A method for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including receiving service requests, determining request assignments, and/or controlling spacecraft.