Virtualized Ground Segments for Scalable Satellite Commanding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground segment systems for satellite control are unscalable and computationally inefficient, requiring one-to-one manual operation and underutilizing infrastructure due to inflexible hardware configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtualized fleet operations ground segment (FOGS) with automated satellite commanding workflows, utilizing satellite orbital data to optimize command queuing and scheduling, and employing machine learning for anomaly prediction and criticality assessment to facilitate efficient, scalable control of satellite fleets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual one-to-one satellite control is used, then operational precision is maintained, but productivity and scalability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments satellite control into modular workflows that can be independently defined, executed, and monitored. Each workflow represents a discrete control sequence that can be applied to individual satellites or groups, enabling parallel processing while maintaining precision through structured task decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of control workflows and satellite models that can be instantiated multiple times without requiring additional physical hardware. These virtual instances enable simultaneous control of multiple satellites using the same control logic, dramatically improving productivity while preserving operational precision through consistent workflow replication
2Device complexity
If traditional ground segment infrastructure is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and scalability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ground segment is designed with universal interfaces and standardized workflow structures that can accommodate multiple satellite types and control scenarios. The same infrastructure can handle diverse satellite fleets through configurable workflows, eliminating the need for specialized hardware for each satellite while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic resource allocation and workflow routing that adapts to changing operational requirements. The ground segment can dynamically adjust which workflows are executed, on which satellites, and in what sequence, enabling flexible scaling from single-satellite to multi-satellite operations without structural changes
3Productivity
If automated command queuing is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines control workflows with all necessary commands, parameters, and execution logic before actual satellite operations. These workflows are stored in a library and can be selected and executed without real-time complexity, as the decision-making logic has already been prepared in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The command queue system introduces an intermediary layer that buffers between workflow definition and actual command transmission. This intermediary manages the complexity of scheduling and prioritization internally, presenting a simple interface to operators while handling complex queue management tasks automatically
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure may use a satellite operations center (SOC) to receive satellite commanding workflows associated with satellites in a fleet of satellites, where each satellite commanding workflow includes tasks configured to trigger at least one fleet operations ground segment element to generate at least one satellite command to cause at least one change in at least one of the satellite payload or the satellite bus. The SOC may determine contact windows associated with the satellites. The SOC may determine a command order of the satellite commanding workflows based on the contact windows and append each satellite commanding workflow to a satellite command queue according to the command order. The SOC may automatically instruct, upon each contact window commencing, satellite communication infrastructure to transmit the satellite command(s) of each successive satellite commanding workflow in the satellite command queue according to the command order.