Synopsis
The report describes the development of a prototype multi-player game called Satellite Tycoon (Sat-Tycoon) to model competition between companies providing internet service using proliferated low Earth orbit (P-LEO) satellite constellations.
The game allows players to compete to acquire simulated customers by managing virtual satellite constellations. Players take actions like ordering satellites, building ground stations, launching satellites, and setting internet subscription prices. A constellation modeling engine estimates coverage and data rates based on simplified orbital dynamics. Customers are modeled using a multi-attribute decision process based on coverage, data rate, and price.
The game uses a server-authoritative software architecture, with a Python backend and React frontend. This allows multiple players to connect remotely and enables future AI agents to play the game. Visualizations like an interactive map and “Space Deck” help players manage their constellations.
The report discusses mapping business dynamics like technology investments and satellite coverage to game mechanics. It enables testing strategies related to congestion, resource allocation, technology options, and demand management. Future work could integrate detailed orbital dynamics, expand to model full supply chains, or connect to real-world data.
Overall, the prototype demonstrates using gamification and modeling to gain insights into the complex and emerging P-LEO broadband internet business. The game could be used for education, business simulation, national security studies, AI testing, or recreation.
Citations:
[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/2374155/0b1ad5a7-776f-4bc7-b018-8ac077490d37/AD1163306.pdf
[2] https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/trecms/pdf/AD1163306.pdf
[3] https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1163306
[4] https://eng.auburn.edu/news/2020/07/game-theory-future-satellite-internet
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356950959_Techno-Economic_Design_Aspects_of_Satellite_Mega-Constellations_for_6G_Services
[6] https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/2022/9865174
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377221722003447
[8] https://www.hoganlovells.com/~/media/hogan-lovells/pdf/2019/2019_01_31_contracting_for_smallsat_mega_constellations_how_to_guide.pdf
[9] https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2106495/proliferated-commercial-satellite-constellations-implications-for-national-secu/
