Abstract: A non-geostationary satellite system and method for weather and climate monitoring, communications applications, scientific research, and similar tasks. The satellite system provides global coverage using a constellation of six satellites in two orthogonal, 24 sidereal hour orbits (geosynchronous) with inclinations of 70° to 90°, and eccentricities of 0.275-0.45. By placing three of the satellites in a first orbit with an apogee over the north pole, and three of the satellites in a second, orthogonal orbit with an apogee over the south pole, global coverage may be obtained. As well, the satellites in these orbits avoid most of the Van Allen Belts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to satellite systems and more particularly, to the provision of novel systems and methods for verifying the in-orbit performance and operation of satellite communications subsystems. In contrast to traditional Payload IOT (in-orbit test), the invention operates without an uplink signal, by generating hardware-specific signatures using isolated, internally generated, thermal noise. It has been found that this noise provides a very stable, repeatable signal for testing. Prior to launch, a repeater command sequence is executed to generate a hardware-specific signature based on the internally-generated noise. The same repealer command sequence is then executed in-orbit to determine whether the hardware-specific signature has changed. The two signatures may be recorded and compared using a simple tool such as a spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to satellite systems and more particularly, to the provision of a satellite system and method for communications applications, with global coverage. An optimal method of providing global broadband connectivity has been discovered which uses two different LEO constellations with inter-satellite links among the satellites in each constellation, and inter-satellite links between the constellations. The first constellation is deployed in a polar LEO orbit with a preferred inclination of 99.5 degrees and a preferred altitude of 1000 km. The second constellation is deployed in an inclined LEO orbit with a preferred inclination of 37.4 degrees and a preferred altitude of 1250 km.

Abstract: The present invention relates to satellite systems and more particularly, to the provision of novel systems and methods for verifying the in-orbit performance and operation of satellite communications subsystems. In contrast to traditional Payload IOT (in-orbit test), the invention operates without an uplink signal, by generating hardware-specific signatures using isolated, internally generated, thermal noise. It has been found that this noise provides a very stable, repeatable signal for testing. Prior to launch, a repeater command sequence is executed to generate a hardware-specific signature based on the internally-generated noise. The same repealer command sequence is then executed in-orbit to determine whether the hardware-specific signature has changed. The two signatures may be recorded and compared using a simple tool such as a spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to satellite systems and more particularly, to the provision of a satellite system for weather and climate monitoring, communications applications, and scientific research at higher latitudes, referred to as the circumpolar region and defined here as the area with latitudes greater than 60°, in either the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere. Contrary to the teachings in the art it has been discovered that a satellite system and method may be provided using satellites in 24 sidereal hour orbits (geosynchronous) with inclinations (70° to 90°), orbital planes, right ascensions and eccentricities (0.275-0.45) chosen to optimize coverage of a particular service area located at high latitudes. A constellation of two satellites can provide continuous coverage of the circumpolar region. The satellites in this orbit avoid most of the Van Allen Belts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to satellite systems and more particularly, to the provision of a satellite system for weather and climate monitoring, communications applications, and scientific research at higher latitudes, referred to as the circumpolar region and defined here as the area with latitudes greater than 60°, in either the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere. Contrary to the teachings in the art it has been discovered that a satellite system and method may be provided using satellites in 24 sidereal hour orbits (geosynchronous) with inclinations (70° to 90°), orbital planes, right ascensions and eccentricities (0.275-0.45) chosen to optimize coverage of a particular service area located at high latitudes. A constellation of two satellites can provide continuous coverage of the circumpolar region. The satellites in this orbit avoid most of the Van Allen Belts.