Suborbital Traffic Control via Radar and Machine Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to reliably monitor and control suborbital space traffic, posing safety risks for both suborbital flights and traditional air traffic due to the absence of external control mechanisms and effective collision detection systems, especially with the increasing threat of space debris.
Innovation Solution
A suborbital space traffic control system incorporating a radar system with an electronically scanned array antenna and ADS-B receiver, coupled with machine-learning techniques for tracking and predicting hazardous situations, which transmits alarm messages to vehicles in the suborbital region, integrating with existing air traffic control systems for seamless coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no external control system is implemented for suborbital flights, then autonomous management by operating companies is maintained, but safety risks increase due to lack of coordination and collision detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external suborbital space traffic control system that acts as an intermediary between multiple suborbital operators and traditional air traffic control. This mediator coordinates trajectories, detects collisions, and manages space debris threats, enabling safe autonomous operation without requiring complex inter-vehicle communication systems on each spacecraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex onboard collision detection and communication systems on each suborbital vehicle with a ground-based radar and control system. The mechanical/electronic complexity is shifted from multiple moving vehicles to a stationary ground infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while improving safety.
2Measurement precision
If radar system with electronically scanned array antenna is used, then real-time tracking of suborbital vehicles and space debris is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the radar system with an electronically scanned array antenna that performs multiple functions: tracking suborbital vehicles, detecting space debris, monitoring traditional air traffic, and providing collision warnings. This multi-functional approach justifies the complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes electronic beam steering and signal processing parameter changes in the phased array radar system to rapidly switch between tracking multiple objects at different altitudes and velocities. This enables precise tracking of diverse targets (suborbital vehicles at 100km+, space debris, aircraft) without mechanical repositioning, achieving high measurement precision through electronic control.
3Measurement precision
If machine-learning techniques are integrated for hazard detection, then collision prediction accuracy improves, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements machine learning models that continuously learn from historical trajectory data and predict potential hazard scenarios in advance. By pre-training models on simulated collision scenarios and space debris patterns, the system can quickly evaluate real-time situations without extensive computational processing during critical moments, reducing latency while maintaining high accuracy.
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
The system provides real-time monitoring and control of suborbital space traffic, significantly reducing the risk of collisions and ensuring safety for both suborbital flights and ground infrastructure by enabling early detection and management of potential hazards, including space debris, through advanced tracking and communication infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system configured to monitor a predetermined suborbital region and detect and track objects present in said predetermined suborbital region
Implementation Method 2
an ADS-B receiver based on Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast technology
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a suborbital space traffic control system that comprises: a radar system configured to monitor a predetermined suborbital region and detect and track objects in the predetermined suborbital region. The objects include vehicles and space debris; and a suborbital space traffic monitoring system configured to: receive, from the radar system, tracking data related to the objects detected and tracked by the radar system; monitor, on the basis of the tracking data, trajectories of the objects in the predetermined suborbital region using one or more predetermined machine-learning techniques to detect potentially hazardous situations for the vehicles in the predetermined suborbital region; and, if it detects a potentially hazardous situation for one or more given vehicles, transmit corresponding alarm messages to the given vehicle(s).