Decentralized Space Traffic Management System Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of on-orbit satellites and debris objects creates a congested space environment, necessitating improved space traffic management to ensure safe operations and avoid collisions, radio-frequency interference, and other hazards, as current manual systems are inefficient and lack scalability.

Innovation Solution

A decentralized space traffic management system utilizing standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) and an open-access architecture to facilitate data sharing and coordination among participants, enabling registration, authentication, and collision avoidance planning, with potential incorporation of autonomous maneuvering and interference resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual space traffic management is used, then current operations can be maintained, but the system cannot scale as the number of satellites and debris increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments space traffic management into multiple independent components: a database layer for storing space object information, an API layer for standardized access, and client applications for specific operations. This modular architecture allows the system to scale by adding more clients or data sources without increasing overall complexity, as each segment operates independently with well-defined interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary API layer that sits between the space object database and various client applications. This mediator provides standardized access methods and handles data formatting, allowing multiple clients to access the database without direct complex interactions. The intermediary absorbs management complexity while presenting simple, consistent interfaces to all users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If more satellites are deployed to increase space utilization, then orbital capacity is improved, but collision risk and traffic congestion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously queries the space object database for current orbital information and provides real-time feedback to satellite operators through standardized API calls. This feedback loop includes data on nearby objects, potential conjunctions, and recommended avoidance maneuvers, enabling operators to adjust satellite trajectories dynamically to prevent collisions while maintaining productive orbital usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of potential conjunctions by continuously monitoring space object positions and predicting future trajectories. Before collisions occur, the system identifies at-risk scenarios and provides advance warning and recommended avoidance maneuvers to operators, allowing them to take preventive action rather than reacting to imminent threats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If centralized government-administered system is used, then coordination authority is maintained, but operational flexibility and third-party participation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination authorityVSAvoidthird-party participation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed as a universal platform that serves multiple functions and user types through a single standardized interface. The API layer provides consistent access methods for government agencies, commercial operators, research institutions, and other third parties. This multi-functional design maintains authoritative coordination while simultaneously enabling diverse participation without requiring separate systems for different user categories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts to different user needs and operational contexts while maintaining core coordination functions. The API allows for flexible querying and data retrieval that can accommodate various operational requirements, and the system can adjust its response based on the specific client and situation, balancing authoritative oversight with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11780612B1Space traffic management system architecture

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR NAT AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

A Space Traffic Management (STM) system comprising a Space Traffic Management System Service Supplier (S3) interface for sending a space conjunction request to a Conjunction Assessment Supplier (CAS) interface, and a Space Situational Awareness Supplier (SSA) interface for receiving and fulfilling space object data requests. The system further comprising the Conjunction Assessment Supplier (CAS) interface for receiving the space conjunction request from the S3 interface, requesting and receiving the space object data from the SSA interface, and generating and sending a conjunction data message to the S3 interface. The system enables coordination of an automated service for spacecraft owner operators to anticipate and avoid a space traffic conjunction using the conjunction data message.