Single-Beam Antenna Handoff Across Closed-Loop Satellite Orbits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite systems for polar regions require multiple antennas or complex antenna steering to maintain communication links, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, as satellites designed for geostationary orbits cannot be used without redesign for Tundra or Molniya orbits.
Innovation Solution
A system of satellites in orbits with intersecting transits forming a closed loop, allowing a single-beam antenna to track and switch between satellites seamlessly, maintaining continuous communication links by ensuring satellites entering and exiting the loop are within the antenna's coverage at intersections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Molniya or Tundra orbits are used for polar coverage, then satellite visibility over polar regions is improved, but ground stations require multiple antennas or complex antenna steering to maintain continuous communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple satellite orbits into a single closed loop configuration, allowing a single ground antenna to track satellites continuously as they transition along the loop. This merging of orbital paths eliminates the need for multiple antennas or complex switching mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between improved polar visibility and reduced antenna system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite constellation is pre-configured in a closed loop orbit arrangement before operation begins. This preliminary orbital configuration ensures that satellites are always positioned such that a single ground antenna can maintain continuous tracking without interruption, preventing the need for complex real-time antenna steering or switching operations
2Ease of manufacture
If satellites are designed for geostationary orbit, then antenna beamwidth and steering angles are optimized for equatorial coverage, but these satellites cannot be used in Tundra or Molniya orbits without redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The closed loop orbit configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides polar coverage, enables single-antenna tracking, and allows existing geostationary satellites to operate without redesign. This universal orbital solution resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different orbital types while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple satellites are used in Tundra or Molniya orbits, then continuous presence over northern latitudes is achieved, but ground stations must switch between satellites at precise intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The closed loop orbit configuration ensures that as one satellite exits the ground station's field of view, another satellite is already positioned to enter, creating a continuous handoff. This eliminates gaps in communication and removes the need for precise switching intervals, resolving the contradiction between maintaining continuous presence and avoiding communication interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an antenna controller configured to direct a beam to track a first satellite that follows an orbit having a transit arranged to intersect a transit of one or more other satellites to form a closed loop. The antenna controller is also configured to switch a tracking target of the beam from the first satellite to a second satellite of the one or more other satellites when the first satellite and the second satellite are at a first intersection of the transits that form the closed loop.