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A system of inclined geosynchronous satellite orbits has a service area defined on a surface of the earth. The service area has elevation angles greater than a predetermined minimum elevation angle elevation angle from the horizon. A satellite has an orbit with respect to the earth having a sky trac

A system of inclined geosynchronous satellite orbits has a service area defined on a surface of the earth. The service area has elevation angles greater than a predetermined minimum elevation angle elevation angle from the horizon. A satellite has an orbit with respect to the earth having a sky track when viewed from within said service area. An operating arc is defined by a subset of points on the sky track within the service area. The satellites operate consecutively on the operating arc.

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[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A satellite communications system comprising:a service area on a surface of the earth having a predetermined minimum elevation angle from the horizon;a ground station located within said service area;a first satellite having a first eccentric, substantially 24-hour peri

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A satellite communications system comprising:a service area on a surface of the earth having a predetermined minimum elevation angle from the horizon;a ground station located within said service area;a first satellite having a first eccentric, substantially 24-hour period geosynchronous orbit with respect to the earth having a first sky track when viewed from within said service area, said first orbit having first inclination relative to an equatorial plane of the earth;a second satellite having a second eccentric, substantially 24-hour period geosynchronous orbit with respect to the earth having a second sky track when viewed from within said service area, said second orbit having a second inclination different from the first angle of inclination relative to an equatorial plane;said first satellite having a first operating arc defined by a first subset of points on said sky track over said service area, said first satellite operating within the service area; andsaid second satellite having a second operating arc defined by a second subset of points on the said second sky track within said service area, said second satellite operating within the service area.