Space Object Collision Avoidance via Asymmetric Orbit Forecasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In satellite constellations, the risk of collision is high due to intersecting orbital planes with the same altitude but different normal directions, and the presence of space debris, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A collision avoidance assistance device that acquires flight forecast information for multiple space objects, sets forecast orbital elements and errors, and stores this information to assist in collision avoidance by predicting potential intersections and errors in orbital trajectories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite constellations use intersecting orbital planes with the same orbital altitude to achieve global coverage, then the area of coverage is improved, but the risk of collision increases due to intersection points between orbital planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by varying the orbital altitudes of different orbital planes in the satellite constellation. Instead of using identical orbital altitudes for all planes (symmetric configuration), the system assigns different altitudes to create asymmetric orbital layers, which eliminates intersection points between planes and thereby reduces collision risk while maintaining global coverage capability
2Productivity
If the number of satellites in a constellation is increased to improve service coverage and capacity, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of collision increases due to more intersection points and higher object density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional orbital plane configuration to a three-dimensional orbital structure by varying orbital altitudes. This dimensional change allows multiple satellites to operate in different vertical layers, increasing service capacity and coverage without proportionally increasing collision risk, as satellites in different altitude layers do not intersect
3Productivity
If space debris is retrieved by passing through the orbital plane when debris is present, then the productivity of debris removal is improved, but the risk of collision between satellite and debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the future orbital positions and trajectories of space debris before conducting removal operations. The system uses orbital mechanics calculations to forecast debris positions and plans retrieval missions in advance, allowing operators to intercept debris at predicted locations rather than reactively passing through orbital planes, thereby reducing collision risk while maintaining removal efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to more accurately assist avoidance of a collision between space objects such as satellites or space debris in outer space. A recorder processing unit acquires flight forecast information indicating a flight forecast of each of a plurality of space objects from a management business device used by a management business operator that manages the plurality of space objects. Based on the acquired flight forecast information, the recorder processing unit sets a forecast epoch of an orbit of each of the plurality of space objects, a forecast orbital element that identifies the orbit, and a forecast error that is forecast for the orbit, as orbit forecast information. The recorder processing unit stores a space information recorder including the orbit forecast information in a storage unit.