Spacecraft Wireless Access via Terrestrial Wi-Fi Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ground-to-satellite communication systems require costly and specialized infrastructure, limiting the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of space vehicle command and control operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows spacecraft to access terrestrial wireless communication networks by determining their orbital position and selecting a suitable wireless access point, enabling communication through existing terrestrial networks for data transfer and network access, using a system comprising a navigation module, network tracking module, and communication module to establish and manage connections with Wi-Fi or WLAN networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated command and control ground infrastructure with specialty antennas is used for ground-to-satellite communication, then communication reliability is improved, but infrastructure cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables spacecraft to communicate through existing terrestrial wireless networks (Wi-Fi, WLAN) that serve dual purposes: ground-based communication and space-based communication. This eliminates the need for dedicated satellite communication infrastructure by making terrestrial networks multi-functional, allowing them to serve both terrestrial users and orbiting spacecraft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows spacecraft to autonomously discover, select, and connect to suitable wireless access points using onboard modules that determine orbital position, identify accessible APs, and establish communications independently. The spacecraft serves itself by autonomously managing its communication needs without requiring dedicated ground control infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If dedicated specialty antennas are deployed for satellite communication, then communication quality is improved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Existing terrestrial wireless access points are utilized for both traditional ground-based communications and spacecraft communications. This universal usage eliminates the need for separate dedicated satellite communication systems, reducing operational costs while maintaining communication quality through the use of established terrestrial network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If existing terrestrial wireless networks are used for spacecraft communication, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but network access reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure costVSAvoidnetwork access reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-determines orbital positions and pre-identifies suitable wireless access points based on predicted spacecraft trajectories. By performing preliminary actions to map out future communication opportunities and select optimal APs in advance, the system ensures reliable network access when the spacecraft passes over covered areas, mitigating potential reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors orbital position, signal strength, and network conditions to dynamically adjust communication parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the spacecraft to maintain reliable connections by selecting the best available access points and adjusting transmission parameters based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach provides a low-infrastructure-cost means for space vehicle command and control, enabling data distribution and network access while in orbit, with features like Doppler compensation and power control to ensure reliable communication.

Implementation Method 1

An orbital position of an orbiting spacecraft is determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrbital mechanics:

Implementation Method 2

establishes a communication with the wireless access point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 3

The communication includes Doppler compensating communication signals for the communication based on the orbital position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2717630B1System and method of wireless access and networking for spacecraft

Publication Date: 2015.11.18 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A system and methods for spacecraft wireless access and networking are presented. An orbital position of an orbiting spacecraft is determined, and a wireless access point of a terrestrial wireless communication network is selected from a wireless access point database based on the orbital position. A communication is established with the wireless access point.