VBIRS Satellite Telemetry for Simultaneous Launch Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current launch vehicle tracking and telemetry systems rely on ground-based infrastructure, limiting simultaneous launches and data gathering capabilities, and lack the ability for real-time communication and autonomous flight termination, posing safety risks and restricting multi-missile evaluations and collaborative targeting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The Vehicle Based Independent Range System (VBIRS) integrates a modular, stackable unit with AI-driven flight termination, Ka/Ku band satellite communication, and redundant power systems to enable autonomous navigation and communication for launch vehicles, allowing simultaneous launches and data gathering from anywhere, independent of ground-based assets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground-based telemetry systems are used, then launch vehicle tracking is achieved, but the number of simultaneous launches is limited to one or a few vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based tracking to space-based tracking by deploying telemetry receivers on satellites. This dimensional shift from Earth surface to orbital space enables simultaneous tracking of multiple launch vehicles across different geographic locations without the physical constraints of ground antenna arrays, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The space-based telemetry system serves multiple functions: tracking multiple vehicles simultaneously, providing global coverage regardless of launch location, and enabling collaborative targeting scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle unlimited simultaneous launches without requiring additional ground infrastructure at each launch site
2Extent of automation
If ground-based infrastructure is used for telemetry, then vehicle position and velocity data is collected, but real-time autonomous flight termination capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The launch vehicle is equipped with an autonomous flight termination system that independently processes telemetry data and executes termination decisions without human intervention. The vehicle's own onboard systems monitor its trajectory and autonomously initiate destruction if safety thresholds are exceeded, eliminating the need for human-in-the-loop decision-making and ensuring immediate response to off-course conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where telemetry data from GPS and inertial measurement units is constantly monitored against pre-programmed safety parameters. When the vehicle deviates from its safe corridor, the feedback mechanism triggers autonomous termination commands, ensuring real-time safety responses without human delay
3Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is used alone, then basic position data is obtained, but precise velocity and trajectory information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS receivers with inertial measurement units (IMUs) into an integrated navigation system. The GPS provides absolute position references while the IMU measures acceleration and rotation rates, allowing the system to compute precise velocity and trajectory information by integrating IMU data between GPS updates. This merging of complementary systems achieves high measurement precision without requiring overly complex individual components
4Productivity
If human monitoring is used for flight safety, then direct control over flight termination is maintained, but response time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous flight termination system performs self-monitoring and self-action, continuously evaluating its own flight parameters and independently executing termination decisions when safety criteria are violated. This self-service capability eliminates the need for human operators to monitor each vehicle continuously, dramatically improving operational efficiency while maintaining safety through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A Vehicle Based Independent Range System (VBIRS) (10) comprised of individual stacked chambered modules that function as a single integrated system that provides a self-contained space based range capability, and is comprised of a power module (12), an artificial intelligence/autonomous engagement/flight termination system module (20), a satellite data modem module system (30) and a navigation, communications and control module system (40), all of which interface with a VBIRS test and checkout system (52) and a weather data system (116). The artificial intelligence/autonomous engagement/flight termination system module (20) is comprised of an inherent artificial intelligence capability that envelopes and interchanges data with an autonomous engagement controller (22) that contains all missile/rocket autonomous cooperative engagement, destruct decision software and range safety algorithm parameters required for optimum mission planning. VBIRS employed aboard an aircraft or between any combination of launching systems allows that aircraft to launch a missile/rocket from any location on earth, whether the missile/rocket is singularly launched by itself or as a larger group of missiles/rockets launched in a salvo arrangement, while providing collaborative real-time targeting to occur directly between missiles/rockets in conjunction with other missile/rocket launch platforms or stand-alone mission control centers.