Unlocking the Secrets of Satellite Constellation Design
The Curse of High Dimensionality
Designing an optimal LEO constellation is no easy feat. It involves juggling a dizzying array of variables, including the number of satellites, orbital planes, satellites per plane, altitude, inclination angle, and more. With so many interdependent factors, the search space quickly becomes overwhelming, making it a true "high-dimensional problem." But the researchers didn't let that deter them. Once we have sufficient domain knowledge, we can prune down the search space and focus on the most critical parameters in the most vital range. Are you interested in taking glims of the high-dimensional search space? The go-ahead to this parallel coordinate plot.Toward a Comprehensive LEO Design Framework
We envision our work as a stepping stone toward a comprehensive LEO constellation design framework. This framework would take into account a wide range of inputs, from budget and deployment constraints to traffic demands and performance objectives, and output the optimal trajectory design choices. By incorporating heuristics in search algorithms, this framework could significantly reduce the search space and help new players in the "space" industry make informed decisions about their satellite networks. In a broad view, it could be tailored to accommodate specific use cases, like satellite imagery or IoT, further unlocking the potential of these cutting-edge technologies. So, the next time you connect to the internet from the most remote corners of the globe, remember the intricate dance of satellite orbits and design parameters that made it possible. The future of global connectivity is being written in the stars, and researchers like these are leading the way.