Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna system and method for controlling an antenna pattern in a communication device. The antenna system comprises one or more rotatable antennas and one or more antenna reflectors. The one or more antenna reflectors are electrically isolated reflecting surfaces that are operationally coupled to the one or more rotatable antennas. The method comprises aligning the one or more rotatable antennas in one or more positions with respect to the one or more antenna reflectors so as to provide a repeatable antenna pattern.

Abstract: A shipping container (100) for transporting and handling a satellite (106) is disclosed. The shipping container (100) includes a support structure (102) for securing the satellite during transport, a base (116) hingedly connected to the support structure (102), and a cover (104) to protect the satellite (106) during transport, coupled to the support structure (102). The shipping container (100) also includes a upending actuator (112), a ballast arm (110), and a handling sling (108) to facilitate removal of the satellite (106) from the shipping container (100).

Abstract: The invention provides a simple, accurate, low-cost, and repeatable method for using an illumination device (110) to facilitate the alignment of two components (120, 160) during an assembly process. A laser mount positioning device (LMPD) (130) provides an apparatus for holding an illumination device (110) and positioning that illumination device such that the light beam (180) from the illumination device is passed through a guide pin hole (136). The light beam illuminates a guide pin (150) on another component when the two components are aligned properly. The LMPD (130) is installed in the guide pin hole in a preferred embodiment.