Spacecraft Payload Authorization for Shared Operations Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spacecraft-based services systems require users to delegate control authority or invest heavily in operational capabilities, limiting flexibility and causing conflicts among multiple users with differing interests in shared payload operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a constellation of satellites with a hub and payloads, where the hub controls spacecraft operations, including attitude and trajectory, and communicates with ground control elements, allowing for flexible service request management and user-specific payload operations while preventing conflicts through centralized authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users delegate control authority to external parties, then operational flexibility is hampered, but users avoid substantial investment and ongoing maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authorization system that mediates between users and spacecraft operations. Users receive authorization to perform specific operations without directly managing the spacecraft, resolving the contradiction by providing operational flexibility through authorized access while maintaining simplified user-side operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments control authority into discrete, authorized operations rather than requiring full control delegation. Users are granted specific operational permissions segmented by task, time, and scope, enabling flexibility for authorized operations while avoiding the complexity of complete user control management.
2Ease of operation
If users develop and acquire spacecraft operation capabilities, then operational flexibility is improved, but substantial investment and ongoing maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-serve by providing them with authorized access to spacecraft operations through the authorization system. Users can independently perform authorized operations without requiring extensive training or investment in operational capabilities, while the system automatically manages the complexity of control authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization system acts as an intermediary that provides users with operational capabilities without requiring them to invest in developing those capabilities. The system mediates between the spacecraft operators and users, granting temporary, task-specific operational authority that eliminates the need for substantial user investment.
3Productivity
If multiple users share payloads, then resource utilization is improved, but conflicts arise between operation instructions and user interests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authorization that adapts to different operational contexts, users, and time periods. Authorization parameters can be adjusted dynamically based on the specific mission requirements, user credentials, and operational state, enabling multiple users to share payloads without conflicts by providing context-appropriate access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes authorization parameters (such as time windows, operational modes, geographic constraints) to resolve conflicts between multiple users. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on user priorities and mission requirements, the system enables efficient resource utilization while preventing operation conflicts through parameter-based access control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including one or more spacecraft and one or more ground control elements, wherein the spacecraft can include one or more payloads associated with one or more organizations. A method for providing spacecraft-based services, preferably including receiving service requests, determining request assignments, and/or controlling spacecraft.