Single-Axis Gimbal Relay Satellite for Scalable Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications relay satellite systems face limitations in data transmission rates and scalability due to line-of-sight constraints, high costs of ground station infrastructure, and interference issues with RF bandwidth, particularly for low-Earth-orbit satellites, which require expensive two-axis gimbal systems that are not suitable for small satellites.
Innovation Solution
A communications relay satellite using a single-axis gimbal combined with full-body rotation, allowing simultaneous pointing and data transmission, incorporating high-gain receivers and transmitters, and an attitude-control system to enable near-universal pointing and continuous communication without interfering with the satellite's pointing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-axis gimbal system is used to enable simultaneous receiving and transmitting, then the satellite can point independently in all directions, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pointing function into two independent segments: the satellite body attitude control system handles the receive pointing, while a separate single-axis gimbal handles the transmit beam direction. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be simpler and more specialized, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite body's attitude control system serves a dual function: it positions the satellite for receiving signals while also providing the primary orientation for transmission. The single-axis gimbal then provides the additional degree of freedom needed for precise transmit pointing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for a complete two-axis gimbal system.
2Productivity
If high-gain antennas are used on both satellite and ground station to increase data transmission rate, then the communication rate increases, but the mass and capital investment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay satellite as an intermediary node in the communication chain. The relay satellite receives signals from one ground station and transmits them to another, enabling high-rate communication without requiring both end stations to have large high-gain antennas simultaneously. This mediator approach distributes the hardware requirements across multiple smaller components.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the satellite rotates to maintain line-of-sight with ground stations, then continuous communication is possible, but the transmission rate is limited by pass duration and frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the satellite to maintain receive pointing continuously through attitude control while independently directing transmit beams to multiple ground stations. The single-axis gimbal allows the transmit antenna to track ground stations continuously without being constrained by satellite orbital passes, making the communication action continuous rather than intermittent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmit beam direction using the single-axis gimbal while the satellite body maintains its receive orientation. This dynamic independence allows the transmit function to adapt to multiple ground stations simultaneously without being constrained by the satellite's orbital position or pass duration, resolving the contradiction between continuity and transmission rate.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for simultaneously receiving and transmitting data in space may include a receiver configured to receive an incoming beam transmitted from a source along a receive vector between the source and the receiver. The apparatus may also include a transmitter to generate a transmitted beam along a transmit vector. The apparatus may further include a single-axis gimbal configured to rotate the transmit vector about an axis substantially perpendicular to the receive vector, and an attitude-control system configured to rotate the apparatus about an axis parallel to the receive vector or the transmit vector.