Dual function satellite imaging and communication system using solid state mass data storage
First Claim
1. A dual function satellite imaging and communication system, comprising:
- (a) radar imaging means for generating digital image data at a low data rate;
(b) communication means for transmitting said image data at a high data rate;
(c) a single antenna means for collecting said image data with said radar imaging means and subsequently transmitting said image data with said communication means; and
(d) solid state mass data storage means for storing said image data;
said dual function satellite imaging and communication system being incorporable into a body mounted payload of an imaging satellite.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention discloses a dual function satellite imaging and communication system (10, 40, 50, 60) using a solid state mass data storage device (30) which generates and stores image data at a relatively low data rate and subsequently transmits the data at a significantly higher data rate. The dual function imaging and communication system (10, 40, 50, 60), which may be incorporated as a body mounted payload of an imaging satellite, provides a single antenna or aperture (28, 54, 62) to perform both the imaging and communication functions and simplify the imaging and communication systems of the imaging satellite by eliminating the requirement for a separately gimballed antenna and/or aperture for each system. Further, the present invention is designed to operate in a low duty cycle mode to minimize its power supply requirements. In short, the present invention combines and simplifies the imaging and communication systems of an imaging satellite to reduce the weight of the payload and, at the same time, improve the reliability.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A dual function satellite imaging and communication system, comprising:
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(a) radar imaging means for generating digital image data at a low data rate; (b) communication means for transmitting said image data at a high data rate; (c) a single antenna means for collecting said image data with said radar imaging means and subsequently transmitting said image data with said communication means; and (d) solid state mass data storage means for storing said image data; said dual function satellite imaging and communication system being incorporable into a body mounted payload of an imaging satellite. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A dual function satellite imaging and communication system, comprising:
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(a) optical imaging means for generating digital image data at a low data rate, said optical imaging means having a focal plane processor; (b) communication means for transmitting said image data at a high data rate; (c) a single aperture means for collecting said image data with said optical imaging means and subsequently transmitting said image data with said communication means; and (d) solid state mass data storage means for storing said image data; said dual function satellite imaging and communication system being incorporable into a body mounted payload of an imaging satellite. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of imaging from a satellite spacecraft of the type having a body-mounted, dual function imaging and communication system which comprises an imaging system for generating digital image data, a communication system for transmitting said digital image data, a single antenna assembly for servicing both said imaging system and said communication system, and solid state mass data storage means for storing said digital image data, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) orienting said satellite spacecraft in a first direction whereby said antenna assembly is positioned to survey an object; (b) generating digital image data of said object at a first rate by means of said imaging system for a first period of time; (c) storing said digital image data in said solid state mass data storage means; (d) orienting said satellite spacecraft in a second direction whereby said antenna assembly is positioned to contact a ground receiving station; and (e) transmitting said digital image data to said ground receiving station at a second rate by means of said communication system for a second period of time. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification