Method and apparatus for selectively operating satellites in tundra orbits
First Claim
1. A method for controlling first and second geosynchronous satellites in elliptical orbits in respective orbital planes in a satellite communication system, the satellite communication system providing at least one of a first frequency signal and a second frequency signal to receivers, the satellites each traversing a common ground track having a northern loop, a southern loop, and a crossover point between the northern and southern loops, the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting said first frequency satellite signal to be transmitted from whichever of said first and second geosynchronous satellites is approaching and traversing said northern loop;
monitoring the orbital positions of said first and second geosynchronous satellites with respect to entering said northern loop and exiting said northern loop;
switching via a satellite command system said first frequency signal to one of said first and second geosynchronous satellites as said satellite approaches said northern loop;
powering down said first and second geosynchronous satellites when they are descending said southern loop below the equator; and
powering on said first and second geosynchronous satellites when they are ascending said southern loop from the equator.
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Abstract
A satellite system provides geosynchronous satellites in elliptical orbits in respective elliptical orbital planes separated by 120 degrees. The satellites traverse a common figure-eight ground track comprising northern and southern loops. The satellites are controllably switched to operate the satellite currently traversing the northern loop to deliver a selected signal (e.g., a selected frequency signal) to satellite receivers.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. A method for controlling first and second geosynchronous satellites in elliptical orbits in respective orbital planes in a satellite communication system, the satellite communication system providing at least one of a first frequency signal and a second frequency signal to receivers, the satellites each traversing a common ground track having a northern loop, a southern loop, and a crossover point between the northern and southern loops, the method comprising the steps of:
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selecting said first frequency satellite signal to be transmitted from whichever of said first and second geosynchronous satellites is approaching and traversing said northern loop; monitoring the orbital positions of said first and second geosynchronous satellites with respect to entering said northern loop and exiting said northern loop; switching via a satellite command system said first frequency signal to one of said first and second geosynchronous satellites as said satellite approaches said northern loop; powering down said first and second geosynchronous satellites when they are descending said southern loop below the equator; and powering on said first and second geosynchronous satellites when they are ascending said southern loop from the equator. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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Specification