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Satellites (Spacecraft)

NEC Corporation Develops Satellite Constellation Apparatus for Resilient Communication

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at NEC Corporation have made significant advancements in the development of a satellite constellation apparatus designed to provide resilient communication services. According to a patent granted to inventors Go Fujimoto and Yusuke Yokota, the innovative system enables the prediction and switching of transmission destinations to ensure uninterrupted communication, even in the event of link disconnections. This technology has far-reaching implications for satellite communication systems, particularly in situations where physical infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent describes a satellite constellation apparatus that can predict and switch transmission destinations to ensure resilient communication.
  • The system includes a traffic control communication control unit that predicts a functional link through multiple satellites at a future time point based on their trajectories.
  • The unit controls switching of transmission destinations to use the predicted functional link before it is disconnected, ensuring continuous communication.
  • The apparatus transmits a backup link to the satellites in advance in case of link disconnections.
  • The system is designed to operate separately for the C-plane and U-plane, enabling control of transmission destinations for each.
  • The apparatus predicts a backup link other than the shortest-delay link among functional links at the future time point.
  • The system is implemented on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing a program that executes the processing of predicting and controlling switching of transmission destinations.
  • The technology has significant implications for satellite communication systems, particularly in situations where physical infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

Statistics:

  • The patent number is 12431966, filed on March 9, 2023, and published online on September 30, 2025.
  • The system is designed for use in satellite communication systems, including LEO satellites.
  • The apparatus predicts and switches transmission destinations to ensure resilient communication.
  • The system operates separately for the C-plane and U-plane, enabling control of transmission destinations for each.

Sources:

  • Fujimoto, Go. Satellite constellation apparatus, satellite constellation system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium. U.S. Patent Number 12431966, filed March 9, 2023, and published online on September 30, 2025.
  • Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12431966)&db=USPAT&type=ids

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