초록 ▼

A multiple altitude satellite relay system is disclosed in which Medium Earth Orbit satellites are continuously linked with at least one Geosynchronous satellite to provide uninterrupted relaying of messages and data. The Medium Earth Orbit satellites are synchronized with the Geosynchronous satelli

A multiple altitude satellite relay system is disclosed in which Medium Earth Orbit satellites are continuously linked with at least one Geosynchronous satellite to provide uninterrupted relaying of messages and data. The Medium Earth Orbit satellites are synchronized with the Geosynchronous satellites to produce continuous links. A parameter to achieve the synchronization involves the positions of the Medium Earth Orbit satellite relays relative to the positions of the Geosynchronous satellite relays. Another parameter to achieve synchronization involves the ratio between the orbital periods of the Geosynchronous satellite relays relative to the orbital periods of the Medium Earth Orbit satellite relays. These parameters may be further adjusted to provide continuous links above the horizon of the earth.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A multiple altitude satellite system which is capable of maintaining continuous, unbroken links between satellites disposed at different altitudes, comprising:a first satellite orbiting at a medium-earth-orbit altitude; andat least one second satellite orbiting at a geosynchronous

[ We claim:] [1.] A multiple altitude satellite system which is capable of maintaining continuous, unbroken links between satellites disposed at different altitudes, comprising:a first satellite orbiting at a medium-earth-orbit altitude; andat least one second satellite orbiting at a geosynchronous orbit altitude, said geosynchronous orbit being synchronized with the orbit of said first satellite to maintain a continuous line-of-sight between said first and second satellites.