초록 ▼

A communication satellite system (100) is established using one or more satellite constellations (110, 120). The two or more satellite groups (110, 120) are connected via long range crosslinks (145) which provide a communication path between the long range satellites (150, 170) in the two satellite

A communication satellite system (100) is established using one or more satellite constellations (110, 120). The two or more satellite groups (110, 120) are connected via long range crosslinks (145) which provide a communication path between the long range satellites (150, 170) in the two satellite groups (110, 120). Each satellite group (110, 120) comprises long range satellites (150, 170) and short range satellites (160, 180) which are interconnected using short range crosslinks (155, 175). A single antenna on each satellite provides both crosslinks. The long range crosslink (145) is established using the antenna's main beam and the short range crosslinks (155, 175) are established using the antenna's sidelobes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [19.] The method of operating a satellite in a satellite system comprising the steps of:transmitting a first set of signals using a crosslink device via a long range crosslink with a first satellite in said satellite system which is located far from said satellite;using said c

[ What is claimed is:] [19.] The method of operating a satellite in a satellite system comprising the steps of:transmitting a first set of signals using a crosslink device via a long range crosslink with a first satellite in said satellite system which is located far from said satellite;using said crosslink device to transmit a second set of signals via a short range crosslink with a second satellite which is located near to said satellite, wherein said first set of signals and said second set of signals are combined into a single transmitted signal, said long range crosslink being established using a main beam in a radiation pattern of said crosslink device, and said short range crosslink being established using a sidelobe in the radiation pattern of said crosslink device;receiving a third set of signals using said crosslink device via long range crosslinks with a third number of satellites in said system which are located far from said satellite; andusing said crosslink device to receive a fourth set of signals via short range crosslinks with a fourth number of satellites which are located near to said satellite, wherein said third set of signals and said fourth set of signals are obtained from a single received signal.