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A satellite squadron or cluster formation is disposed in a predetermined location in the geostationary orbit, including a plurality of controllably maneuverable communication satellites and a centrally located switching and control satellite. The satellites comprise a simulated geostationary communi

A satellite squadron or cluster formation is disposed in a predetermined location in the geostationary orbit, including a plurality of controllably maneuverable communication satellites and a centrally located switching and control satellite. The satellites comprise a simulated geostationary communications platform made up of discrete modules which are not physically attached together. The satellites are grouped together in assigned positions in a relatively close formation, and are provided with cross-link intersatellite radio communications. The switching and control satellite detects the relative position of the communication satellites and sends control signals to maintain them in their assigned positions in the formation. Communication signals are relayed from one place on the earth to another via the satellite cluster formation by utilizing the control satellite as a switching satellite. Each satellite has a communications down link providing communications with selected earth stations in a predetermined frequency band. When a signal is received by one of the satellites, it converts the signal to the cross-link frequency band and transmits it to the control satellite, which retransmits the signal to a different satellite, where it is converted to that satellite\s down link frequency band, and retransmitted to the earth. In this manner, a signal originating in one continent, for example, may travel to the satellite cluster at one frequency band, and may be relayed to another continent at another frequency band. Thus, all satellite earth stations at their various frequency bands are mutually compatible.

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A satellite squadron arrangement comprising: a plurality of controllably maneuverable satellites adapted to be disposed in a predetermined orbit, said satellites being grouped in assigned positions relative to each other to form a cluster of satellites in a predetermined formation, at least one of s

A satellite squadron arrangement comprising: a plurality of controllably maneuverable satellites adapted to be disposed in a predetermined orbit, said satellites being grouped in assigned positions relative to each other to form a cluster of satellites in a predetermined formation, at least one of said satellites being a control satellite; communications cross link means disposed on said satellites for providing intercommunication therebetween; means for developing error signals at said control satellites indicative of deviations of said satellites from their assigned positions in said predetermined formation; and means disposed on said control satellite and responsive to said last-named means for developing command signals for transmission over said communications cross link means to controllably maneuver said satellites to correct for said deviations and maintain said satellites in said positions in said predetermined formation.