Sinusoidal Orbital Altitude Variation for Satellite Constellation Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite constellations with multiple orbital planes at the same altitude, the risk of collision is high due to varying satellite ground speeds, leading to frequent changes in communication partners over time.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation forming system that adjusts the orbital altitudes of multiple planes sinusoidally, maintaining relative altitude differences between adjacent planes to prevent collisions and stabilize communication partners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple orbital planes are arranged at the same altitude, then communication coverage is improved, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the orbital altitude configuration time-dependent through sinusoidal variation. Instead of fixed altitudes, the system dynamically adjusts altitudes of different orbital planes in a controlled manner, allowing the system to adapt and maintain safety margins while preserving communication coverage benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of orbital altitude from a static configuration to a dynamically varying one. By introducing sinusoidal variation in altitude as a function of time, the system transforms the orbital plane configuration to eliminate intersection points while maintaining the overall structural integrity needed for communication coverage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If orbital altitudes are made different to avoid collisions, then collision risk is reduced, but communication partner stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through sinusoidal variation of orbital altitudes. The periodic nature of the altitude changes allows the system to maintain predictable patterns in communication partner relationships, ensuring stability while avoiding collisions. The periodic function creates regular, repeating cycles that prevent permanent partner shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled dynamic altitude adjustments that are time-dependent but bounded. The sinusoidal function ensures that altitude differences remain within certain limits, preventing excessive variations that would cause communication partner instability while still providing sufficient separation to avoid collisions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sinusoidal altitude variation is applied, then collision risk is avoided and communication stability is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mathematical parameter transformation using sinusoidal functions to describe altitude variations. This parameter change approach provides a compact and elegant way to encode the complex control logic, reducing the apparent system complexity while achieving the desired safety and stability objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
By using periodic sinusoidal functions, the patent replaces complex adaptive control systems with simple time-dependent mathematical relationships. The periodic nature of the altitude variations allows for predictable, easily implementable control logic that reduces system complexity compared to arbitrary adaptive algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite constellation forming system forms a satellite constellation (20) having a plurality of orbital planes (21) in each of which a plurality of satellites fly at the same orbital altitude. A satellite constellation forming unit forms the satellite constellation (20) in which orbital altitudes of the orbital planes (21) are mutually different. Furthermore, in the satellite constellation (20), relative altitude differences between adjacent orbital planes in the plurality of orbital planes are sequentially arranged to be sinusoidal. The satellite constellation forming unit sequentially changes an orbital altitude (23) of each orbital plane of the plurality of orbital planes while maintaining a sinusoidal arrangement of the relative altitude differences between adjacent orbital planes in the plurality of orbital planes.