Spacecraft Outriggers for On-Demand Inter-Spacecraft Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spacecraft communication systems are limited in their ability to enable on-demand inter-spacecraft resource sharing and coordination, requiring precise antenna alignment and predetermined crosslinks, which restricts flexibility and scalability in resource utilization among heterogeneous or homogeneous spacecraft.
Innovation Solution
The system employs outriggers, which are compact, demand-accessible RF and optical payloads integrated into spacecraft, allowing them to function as either access points or users, enabling ad-hoc, on-demand connectivity and resource sharing through wireless communication using RF antennas and diffuse optical emitters/receivers, without the need for antenna pointing or alignment, and providing secure, channelized communication with signal quality monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spacecraft communication systems use precise antenna alignment and predetermined crosslinks, then communication reliability is improved, but flexibility and scalability in resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource sharing and coordination mechanisms that allow spacecraft to adapt communication resources in real-time based on mission needs. The system transitions from static predetermined crosslinks to dynamic on-demand resource allocation, enabling spacecraft to flexibly utilize communication resources while maintaining reliable connections through active monitoring and adaptive resource assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal inter-spacecraft communication resource sharing system where communication resources can be universally accessed by multiple spacecraft. The system enables homogeneous and heterogeneous spacecraft to share communication resources through a common framework, allowing single-use or multi-use resource allocation across different mission types and spacecraft configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional spacecraft systems require predetermined crosslinks, then system stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where spacecraft autonomously monitor communication resource usage, detect available resources, and coordinate resource sharing without requiring complex centralized control systems. Each spacecraft can independently assess its communication needs and negotiate resource usage with other spacecraft, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stable operations through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary resource sharing agreements and coordination protocols that are set up in advance but remain flexible for on-demand modification. The system pre-configures communication resource sharing frameworks and coordination mechanisms that can be activated as needed, providing system stability through pre-planned structures while avoiding the complexity of fully predetermined rigid crosslinks.
3Reliability
If spacecraft use dedicated communication resources, then communication quality is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements resource recovery mechanisms where communication resources are dynamically allocated and released based on mission requirements. When a spacecraft completes its communication task, its dedicated resources are released and recovered for reuse by other spacecraft. This allows the system to provide high-quality dedicated communication when needed while achieving high resource utilization efficiency through continuous resource recycling and on-demand reallocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic resource allocation cycles where communication resources are assigned to specific spacecraft for defined periods based on mission priorities. The system periodically reassesses resource usage and reassigns resources to maximize utilization efficiency while maintaining communication quality through structured periodic allocation and reassessment cycles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables secure, flexible, and scalable inter-spacecraft resource sharing, reducing individual spacecraft costs and risks, allowing resources to be used more broadly and profitably, and facilitating cooperative mission objectives among diverse spacecraft without requiring intimate knowledge of client spacecraft missions.
Implementation Method 1
the radio frequency (RF) antenna transmits and receives V-band and/or W-band
Implementation Method 2
The diffuse optical emitter and receiver is used to transmit and receive optical communications
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for enabling on-demand inter-spacecraft resource sharing and coordination are disclosed involving at least one wireless device and a payload. At least one wireless device transmits and receives communications to at least one access point and at least one user. In one or more embodiments, spacecrafts are employed for the access points and/or the users. The payload comprises at least one transponder and at least one processor. At least one transponder transmits and receives the communications to at least one access point and at least one user. The processor provides channelized communication and regenerative communication to at least one user. Also, the processor monitors signal quality of the communications received from at least one user. In one or more embodiments, the wireless device is a radio frequency (RF) omni-directional antenna. In some embodiments, the wireless device is a diffuse optical emitter and receiver.