A Flexible Topology Control Strategy for Mega-Constellations via Inter-Satellite Links Based on Dynamic Link Optimization

• Published in: Aerospace Vol. 11; no. 7; p. 510
• Main Authors: Li, Yueyi, Wu, Junfeng, Kang, Guohua, Chen, Luyu, Qiu, Yuhuan, Zhou, Wenwen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-07-2024
• Subjects: Acceleration; Algorithms; Altitude; Angular velocity; Communications networks; dynamic links; Efficiency; Flexibility; Graph matching; Greedy algorithms; Information transfer; inter-satellite links; Intersatellite communications; Lasers; Linear programming; Links; maximum weight-matching problem; Optimization; Orbits; Satellite communications; Satellite constellations; Satellites; Topology; topology control; Topology optimization; Velocity
• ISSN: 2226-4310; 2226-4310
• DOI: 10.3390/aerospace11070510

In large-scale satellite constellations, the efficiency of inter-satellite communication is paramount. Traditional topology control strategies, such as the Manhattan configuration, provide stable links but can result in indirect communication paths, affecting the efficiency of information transfer. This paper addresses this issue by proposing an innovative “3 + 1” dynamic topology control scheme. The scheme retains three static links determined by the relative angular velocity and acceleration while introducing a dynamic link based on distance and angular velocity constraints to optimize the link duration and overall network communication efficiency. To address the complexity of matching dynamic links, this paper introduces an elite strategy-based maximum weighted matching algorithm for general graphs. Compared to traditional greedy algorithms, our proposed algorithm significantly improves the link duration and topological stability. Through simulation experiments comparing communication delays between Xiamen and Los Angeles, our results show that the proposed dynamic link scheme substantially reduces the average delay, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of inter-satellite communication. This research not only extends the duration of inter-satellite links but also provides new perspectives and methodologies for further studies on inter-satellite topology control strategies.