Falcon Beacon Guidance System (FBGS)

Falcon Beacon Guidance System (FBGS): A Visual Guidance Protocol for Space Exploration

The Falcon Beacon Guidance System (FBGS) is an innovative visual guidance system designed to enhance rocket landings' precision, reliability, and safety, particularly for reusable rocket systems like SpaceX’s Falcon 9. This state-of-the-art system leverages advanced lighting technologies, encoded signal protocols, and dynamic visual patterns to provide a robust backup and primary landing assistance tool. The FBGS has the potential to transform autonomous spaceport operations and adapt to various rocket models, making it a universal standard for guided landings.

The design and operational principles of FBGS are inspired by and based on the patent titled "Method and Apparatus for Constructing a Coded Signal System Using a Structure," which belongs to IVAAIU City/Base and Power City Corp.. The patent’s innovative use of structured lighting and encoding has been adapted to create this cutting-edge system for aerospace applications.

The Vision Behind FBGS

Modern space exploration demands increasingly precise and autonomous solutions for landing rockets, especially reusable ones. While radar, GPS, and onboard navigation systems are the primary methods for guiding rockets, the FBGS provides additional security and redundancy. By utilizing light-based communication, the system ensures reliable guidance even in adverse conditions such as telemetry failures, inclement weather, or communication lags. This approach enhances safety and aligns with the growing need for versatile and adaptive aerospace technologies.

Key Components of FBGS

The FBGS is composed of several core components that work in unison to deliver landing accuracy:

Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship (ASDS) Integration

The FBGS is built directly into the structure of the ASDS. This includes strategically placed lighting systems and dynamically adjustable signal structures.
Key elements include:

Six Wings: Bar lighting systems designed to emit dynamic patterns for trajectory alignment.
Two Rings: Concentric rings encircling the landing zone, each equipped with multicolor LED arrays for signaling descent phases and landing confirmations.

Lighting Signal System

At the heart of FBGS is a sophisticated lighting array capable of emitting precise, high-intensity signals visible to onboard cameras and sensors on rockets.
Signal types include:

Pulsating Lights: For trajectory guidance during descent.
Steady Lights: For landing zone confirmation.
Flashing Lights: For abort or error notifications.

Encoded Lighting Patterns

The system encodes specific messages (e.g., A-Z, 0-9) into visual patterns, which can be decoded by onboard systems or ground control teams.
Patterns include:

Color Combinations: Green for guidance, yellow for readiness, red for errors.
Timed Sequences: Pulsating or rotating patterns to signify different stages of landing.

Signal Protocols

FBGS includes pre-defined signal protocols for various phases of the landing process:

Standby: White slow pulsations to indicate readiness.
Descent: Rotating green lights guiding the rocket.
Landing Zone: Steady yellow lights confirming the target zone.
Touchdown: Green and blue lights for successful landing.
Abort: Flashing red lights for immediate corrective actions.
Secured: Blue blinking lights indicating the rocket is secured post-landing.

Integration with Onboard Systems and Ground Control

Onboard sensors and cameras decode lighting patterns in real-time, enabling autonomous corrections and ensuring precision.
Ground control teams monitor visual signals via live video feeds, providing an additional layer of operational safety.

How FBGS Works

The FBGS operates through a seamless combination of hardware, software, and communication protocols:

Initial Activation

Upon detecting the incoming rocket, the ASDS activates the FBGS and enters the standby phase, emitting slow white pulsations to signal readiness.

Descent Guidance

During the rocket’s descent, the outer ring emits rotating green lights. These signals serve as a visual trajectory guide, ensuring the rocket aligns correctly with the landing zone.

Landing Zone Confirmation

As the rocket approaches the platform, the inner ring transitions to steady yellow lights, confirming that the ASDS is ready for the final descent phase.

Touchdown

At the moment of landing, both the inner and outer rings illuminate in green and blue, indicating a successful touchdown.

Abort Handling

In case of an abort scenario, all lighting structures flash red rapidly, signaling the need for immediate corrective actions.

Secured Mode

After a successful landing, the inner ring emits slow blue blinks, indicating the rocket has been secured to the platform.

Applications and Adaptability

The FBGS is not limited to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and can be adapted for other rocket systems, making it a versatile tool for the aerospace industry:

SpaceX Starship

Larger platforms with extended ring systems to accommodate the massive size of the Starship.

Blue Origin New Shepard

Compact FBGS systems tailored for suborbital missions with smaller payload rockets.

Rocket Lab Electron

Lightweight configurations with simplified signal patterns for small-scale launches.

Future Aerospace Missions

Universal protocols for guided landings on extraterrestrial surfaces, such as the Moon or Mars.

Advantages of FBGS

Enhanced Safety

By providing a reliable backup to primary telemetry systems, the FBGS minimizes risks associated with landing operations.

Precision Guidance

Dynamic light patterns ensure accurate alignment, even in challenging conditions.

Universal Compatibility

FBGS can be tailored for various rocket types, creating a standardized landing protocol for the industry.

Scalability

The modular design allows for easy integration into platforms of different sizes and configurations.

Redundancy

Acts as a fail-safe mechanism in case of primary system malfunctions.

Future Developments

The potential of FBGS extends far beyond its current capabilities. Future iterations could include:

AI-Driven Signal Adaptation

Machine learning algorithms to dynamically adjust light patterns based on real-time environmental data.

Augmented Reality Integration

AR overlays for ground control teams to visualize landing sequences more effectively.

Extraterrestrial Applications

Deploying FBGS for guided landings on the Moon, Mars, or other celestial bodies.

Advanced Communication Systems

Integration with laser communication systems to enhance data transfer between rockets and ASDS platforms.

Energy-Efficient Designs

Using low-power, high-intensity LEDs to minimize energy consumption while maintaining visibility.

The Falcon Beacon Guidance System (FBGS) represents a significant leap forward in rocket landing technology. Combining cutting-edge lighting systems, encoded signal protocols, and universal adaptability, FBGS ensures safer, more reliable, and more efficient landings for reusable rockets. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, FBGS is poised to become a cornerstone technology for guided landings, both on Earth and beyond. With its scalability, precision, and innovative design, FBGS is not just a system—it’s the future of autonomous landing guidance.

Patents(Registered in South Korea)

Patent No. 1025257900000
광원을 이용하여 우주 항공 기체와 커뮤니케이션을 하기 위한 장치, 방법 및 시스템 (APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING WITH AN AEROSPACE AIRCRAFT USING A LIGHT SOURCE)
Patent No. 1026976440000
주변 대기 정보에 따라 발광 세기가 조절되는 광원을 이용하여 우주 항공 기체와 커뮤니케이션을 하기 위한 장치, 방법 및 시스템 (APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING WITH AEROSPACE AIRCRAFT USING A LIGHT SOURCE WHOSE LUMINOUS INTENSITY IS ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO AMBIENT ATMOSPHERIC INFORMATION)
Patent No. 1026976430000
타겟 우주 항공 기체의 위치에 따라 발광 방향이 조절되는 광원을 이용하여 우주 항공 기체와 커뮤니케이션을 하기 위한 장치 (APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A SPACECRAFT USING A LIGHT SOURCE WHOSE LIGHT EMISSION DIRECTION IS ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO THE POSITION OF THE TARGET SPACECRAFT)