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Cloud mask data acquisition and distribution using geosynchronous communications or broadcast satellites

  • US 10,230,454 B2
  • Filed: 08/25/2016
  • Issued: 03/12/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • Obtaining cloud mask image data from a secondary imaging payload disposed on a communications or broadcast satellite operating in a geosynchronous orbit, the cloud mask image data including real time cloud location data for look ahead tasking of assets within one or more low earth orbit (LEO) imaging satellite systems; and

    Provisioning the obtained cloud mask image data such that the obtained cloud mask image data is available in near real time to the one or more LEO imaging satellite systems;

    wherein the satellite includes a primary payload subsystem directed toward one or both of communications and broadcast services and a power subsystem configured to provide 10 KW or more of DC power to the primary payload subsystem; and

    provisioning the obtained cloud mask image data includes one or both of (a) collecting the data on the ground and making it available to one or more operators of the one or more LEO imaging satellite systems, and (b) transmitting the data from the communications or broadcast satellite to at least one spacecraft in the one or more LEO imaging satellite systems.

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