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Low earth orbit satellite constellation system for communications with re-use of geostationary satellite spectrum

  • US 10,348,396 B2
  • Filed: 05/03/2017
  • Issued: 07/09/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A low earth orbiting satellite constellation for communications, which comprisesa) a plurality of satellites in a polar orbit about the earth;

  • b) the satellites being arranged in a sufficient number of orbital planes to provide coverage for substantially every point on earth for communications and substantially at all times, andc) wherein the number of satellites in each orbital plane is sufficient to provide communications over the range of the orbital plane;

    d) wherein each satellite has an antenna for receiving and transmitting to earth stations, and wherein the satellite antenna is controlled to avoid transmitting down the bore sight of a GEO-pointing antenna at any point on earth;

    e) wherein the satellite orbital plane comprises an orbital plane defining a polar orbit about the four quadrants of the earth, wherein the satellite has a pointing control, and wherein the pointing control in the first quadrant follows an algorithm to direct satellite transmissions to maximize the coverage and avoid transmitting down the boresight of a GEO-pointing antenna;

    f) wherein the satellite pointing control directs the satellite transmission coverage in each quadrant of the plane of orbit to mirror the satellite transmission coverage of the rearward directed beam projected in the prior quadrant of the satellite orbit;

    g) wherein the transition between quadrants at the equator includes the satellite turning off its transmitter towards the earth so as to avoid transmitting down the bore sight of an antenna pointing towards a GEO satellite; and

    h) wherein the transmission between satellites and an earth station is carried out using spectrum also employed by GEO communications satellites communicating in the same region.

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