Sun-Synchronous Satellite Constellation for Peak Demand Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite-based communications systems face inefficiencies in deployment, leading to elevated costs and suboptimal ground coverage, and are unable to dynamically adjust capacity to meet varying demand levels throughout the day.
Innovation Solution
A satellite constellation with diverse orbits, including sun synchronous orbits, is designed to concentrate coverage over user population centers and accommodate peak demand times, using a reduced number of satellites to efficiently meet capacity needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If satellites are deployed to meet peak demand periods, then capacity is sufficient during high-demand times, but resources remain idle during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic orbital configuration by transitioning satellites between different orbital periods (e.g., 12-hour and 24-hour orbits) based on demand. During peak demand, satellites are positioned in orbits that provide maximum coverage; during low demand, they transition to different orbital configurations, allowing the same satellite fleet to adapt capacity dynamically rather than maintaining fixed idle positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes orbital parameters (period, inclination, altitude) to match demand patterns. By adjusting these parameters, the satellite constellation can concentrate coverage over population centers during high-demand periods and redistribute coverage during low-demand periods, optimizing the utility of each satellite without requiring additional satellites
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional satellite system is designed for a particular demand level, then it provides stable coverage, but it cannot dynamically increase capacity in response to higher demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic orbital maneuvers where satellites transition between different orbital configurations at scheduled intervals corresponding to demand patterns. This periodic action allows the system to anticipate and prepare for demand fluctuations, switching between coverage modes (e.g., concentrated over population centers vs. distributed coverage) in rhythm with expected usage patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary orbital positioning to prepare for anticipated demand peaks. By pre-positioning satellites in optimal orbits before high-demand periods begin, the system can rapidly respond to demand increases without requiring complex real-time adjustments during peak usage
3Area of stationary object
If satellites are deployed to provide comprehensive coverage, then ground coverage is optimized, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satellite constellation into different functional groups operating in different orbital configurations. One group may maintain constant coverage while another provides surge capacity during peak periods. This segmentation allows the total constellation to provide comprehensive coverage through coordinated operation of specialized subsets rather than requiring every satellite to provide universal coverage simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Each satellite is designed to perform multiple functions by operating in different orbital configurations. The same satellite can provide coverage over different geographic regions at different times, serve both continuous coverage and peak demand functions, and adapt its coverage area based on operational requirements, reducing the total number of satellites needed
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite system may have a constellation of communications satellites that provides services to users with electronic devices such as portable electronic devices and home/office equipment. A network operations center may use gateways to communicate with the satellite constellation. The satellite constellation may include sets of satellites with different orbits such as circular orbits with different inclinations, sets of satellites with elliptic orbits, sets of satellites with circular orbits of different altitudes including low earth orbits, medium earth orbits, and/or geosynchronous orbits, sets of satellites with sun synchronous orbits, and/or sets of satellites with other orbits. The orbits of the satellites in the constellation may be selected to provide coverage to desired user population concentrations at different locations on the Earth, while reducing the amount of capacity that goes unused (e.g., is idle) at one or more times of day.