Upward Antenna Network for Satellite Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional satellite communication systems are expensive and limited in their ability to communicate with multiple satellites simultaneously, as they require dedicated ground stations with movable antennas, which are costly to maintain and operate, and are not scalable to handle the increasing number of SMALLSATS, NANOSATS, and PICOSATS in low Earth orbit.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communication system utilizing a network of upwardly pointing antennas installed on existing cellular towers, which create overlapping orbital intercept areas to enable simultaneous communication with non-geostationary satellites, leveraging cellular technology and smartphone capabilities for communication and data management, allowing for continuous coverage and real-time data transmission without the need for traditional ground stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dedicated ground stations with movable dish antennas are used, then reliable satellite communication is achieved, but the system becomes expensive to build, maintain, and operate, and is limited in the total number of daily accesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple satellite communication functions into a single ground station infrastructure. The ground station uses a network of fixed upwardly pointing antennas that can simultaneously communicate with multiple non-geostationary satellites, eliminating the need for separate dedicated ground stations for each satellite and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground station infrastructure is designed to be universal and multi-functional. The fixed upwardly pointing antennas can track and communicate with multiple different non-geostationary satellites as they pass overhead, allowing a single ground station to serve multiple satellites and multiple communication purposes, thereby reducing the total number of ground stations needed.
2Reliability
If dedicated ground stations with single-antenna capability are used, then communication with one satellite is ensured, but simultaneous communication with multiple satellites becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The ground station antenna system is segmented into multiple fixed upwardly pointing antennas arranged in an array. Each antenna can independently communicate with a satellite, and the system can dynamically assign different antennas to different satellites as they pass overhead, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple satellites and increasing overall productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional infrastructure is used, then established communication protocols are maintained, but scalability to handle hundreds to thousands of SMALLSATS, NANOSATS, and PICOSATS is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ground station system employs dynamic satellite tracking and antenna assignment. As non-geostationary satellites move through their orbital paths, the system dynamically determines which satellites are within communication range and assigns appropriate antennas to maintain optimal communication links. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying satellite constellations and scales from a few satellites to thousands of SMALLSATS, NANOSATS, and PICOSATS.
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 provides a cost-effective and scalable method for communicating with multiple satellites in low Earth orbit, enabling continuous geographic coverage and reducing the cost of acquiring satellite data, thereby opening up new applications and users for satellite data, and allowing for real-time information streaming.
Implementation Method 1
The upward pointing antennas are each configured to transmit a signal upwardly to a passing satellite, the signal pattern expanding in diameter as the distance from the antenna increases
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for integrate satellite communications. A network of upward facing antennas placed on top of cell phone towers is established. Each upward facing antenna has a footprint at the altitude of a particular satellite orbit. Upward facing antennas are placed on cell towers so as to establish a continuous coverage over the orbit of a satellite(s) thereby allowing continuous communication using cellular technology with the satellite(s) on orbit.