Inter-satellite crosslink communications system, apparatus, method and computer program product
First Claim
1. A communications system having at least one component in space, comprising:
- a controller that enables communication between a mobile communications platform and a non-ISL antenna of another communications platform that is not configured to track a trajectory of the mobile communications platform, whereinsaid controller is configured todetermine a location of the mobile communications platform,determine whether the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform is within communications range of the mobile communications platform,identify a signaling format for a signal used for compatible reception at the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform, andadapt at least one of frequency, power, modulation, protocol, or data transfer rate between the mobile communications platform and the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform for compatible communication with another communications platform.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communications system, apparatus, method, and computer program product for inter-satellite and inter-spacecraft crosslinks (ISL) with non-ISL optimized antennas on spacecraft. The system includes a mobile communications platform that includes an ISL antenna configured to transmit information to a target satellite through a non-ISL antenna of the target satellite. The mobile communications platform is configured to relay transmissions through the non-ISL antenna of the target satellite to another communications platform. The mobile communications platform includes a controller configured to determine a location of the mobile platform; determine whether the target satellite is within communications range; and prepare a signal for relayed transmissions through a non-ISL antenna of the target satellite to another communications platform in a signal format that is decipherable by this other communications platform.
35 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A communications system having at least one component in space, comprising:
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a controller that enables communication between a mobile communications platform and a non-ISL antenna of another communications platform that is not configured to track a trajectory of the mobile communications platform, wherein said controller is configured to determine a location of the mobile communications platform, determine whether the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform is within communications range of the mobile communications platform, identify a signaling format for a signal used for compatible reception at the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform, and adapt at least one of frequency, power, modulation, protocol, or data transfer rate between the mobile communications platform and the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform for compatible communication with another communications platform. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A communications system having at least one component with the potential energy to go into space, comprising:
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a mobile communications platform communicating with another communications platform through a non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform that is not configured to track a trajectory of the mobile communications platform; and a controller that adapts at least one of frequency, power, modulation, protocol, or a data transfer rate for communication between the mobile communications platform and the another communications platform, wherein the controller determines if the mobile communications platform is located within a particular zone for communications with a non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform, and the zone includes a side-lobe, a main-lobe, or a narrow beam. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A communications system having at least one component with the potential energy to go into space, comprising:
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a mobile communications platform communicating with another communications platform through a non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform that is not configured to track a trajectory of the mobile communications platform; and a controller that adapts at least one of frequency, power, modulation, protocol, or a data transfer rate for communication between the mobile communications platform and the another communications platform, wherein the controller is configured to determine a location of the mobile communications platform, to determine whether the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform is within communications range, and to prepare a signal for transmission or reception through the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform for compatible transmission or reception at the another communications platform. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 24)
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17. A method for using a software defined radio for a communications system between a mobile communications platform and a non-ISL antenna of another communications platform in which at least one component of the communications system is in space or has the potential energy to go into space, comprising steps of:
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operating, with a controller, the software defined radio; looking up signal formatted parameters for use in radio communications with the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform before or as the mobile communications platform enters a communication area or zone of the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform; adapting the signal formatted parameters of the software defined radio so the mobile communications platform can communicate with the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform; and communicating using signal formatted parameters for communication between the mobile communications platform and the non-ISL antenna of the another communications platform. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification