Single Satellite Orbit Design for Earth Observation Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite remote sensing systems using a single satellite face challenges in achieving time performances and interferometric capabilities comparable to those of constellation-based systems while maintaining cost-effectiveness, as they often lack global coverage and have high design, development, and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An innovative orbit design with a short orbital cycle of less than three days, using Low Earth Orbits or polar sun synchronous orbits, allows for excellent time performances and interferometric capabilities, enabling exclusive access to states within the coverage area, reducing costs through shared utilization and simplified mission planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constellation of satellites is used, then time performance and interferometric capabilities are improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single satellite to perform multiple functions: it can serve different states in different orbital zones, provide both imaging and interferometric capabilities, and operate in different orbital configurations (LEO or SSO) to meet diverse requirements. This eliminates the need for separate satellites for each function, reducing system cost while maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the Earth's surface into different orbital zones, with each zone assigned to a specific state. The single satellite sequentially serves different zones during its orbital cycle, providing exclusive access to each state for their respective territories. This segmentation allows one satellite to replace multiple satellites while maintaining service quality.
2Device complexity
If a single satellite is used, then system cost is reduced, but time performance and interferometric capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the satellite's orbital cycle of less than three days. The satellite periodically revisits different orbital zones, providing regular imaging opportunities for each state. This periodic revisit pattern ensures consistent time performance comparable to constellation systems while using a single satellite.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic orbital characteristics of the satellite, allowing it to transition between different orbital zones and adjust its coverage pattern. The satellite's orbital parameters (altitude, inclination) are optimized to provide both fast revisit times and adequate interferometric baselines, dynamically balancing competing requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single satellite is used, then system cost is reduced, but global coverage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing specialized service to specific regions (orbital zones) rather than attempting uniform global coverage. Each state receives optimized coverage for its territory, with the satellite spending appropriate time in each orbital zone. This localized approach allows a single satellite to effectively serve multiple regions without requiring global coverage capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for reducing the costs of a satellite remote sensing service. Said method comprises providing a satellite remote sensing system (1) that includes only one satellite (11) equipped with a sensor (111) configured to acquire images of areas o;f the Earth's surface, said satellite remote sensing system (1) being designed to provide a satellite remote sensing service based on the images acquired by the sensor (111) on board the satellite (11). In particular, the satellite (11) follows a predefined orbit around the Earth with an orbit repeat cycle shorter than three days whereby a satellite remote sensing service with very good time performances and excellent interferometric capabilities and with drastically reduced costs is obtained.