Abstract: A communication system has a stratospheric platform with a payload controller and a phased array antenna having a plurality of main array elements for generating a plurality of communication beams and a plurality of auxiliary elements for canceling interference between the communication beam. A gateway station communicates with the stratospheric platform. The gateway station scales the plurality of elements to form a reconfigurable plurality of beams. The gateway station communicates an embedded control signal to the stratospheric platform to communicate a scaling of elements to form the communication beams and the auxiliary element output. The auxiliary element output is used to provide interference canceling.

Abstract: A method of controlling a satellite communication system, a timing unit, and a control unit of a timing unit. The method comprises dividing the coverage area of the satellite communication system into one or several geographical areas; positioning one or several timing units in at least one geographical area; determining which of the satellites of the satellite communication system are visible in each particular geographical area; controlling the timing unit with a control unit, in order to minimize the time difference within the system, to listen to one or several satellites visible in each particular geographical area, the signals received from the satellites by the timing unit fulfilling a predetermined condition; synchronizing a predetermined number of geographical areas with each other by means of the control unit of the system such that the time difference within the system is minimized in a predetermined combination area of geographical areas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the synchronization of first data stored to a wireless mobile device and second data stored to a remote device are provided. Schema describing the data is maintained by the device. The schema is provided by the device to assist with the synchronization. Changes to device data schema may be transparently handled by a synchronization server. In one embodiment, a method for synchronizing first data stored to a mobile device and second data stored to a remote storage device comprises receiving a schema from the mobile device describing the first data; matching respective instances of the first and second data using the schema; determining differences between the first and second data in response to the matching; and updating at least a one of the first and second data in response to the differences.

Abstract: A mobile communication device for communication and data collection and transfer utilizing a satellite phone system including a module which replaces the battery of a satellite phone and includes an embedded micro-processor, a camera, a GPS unit, a mass storage device, a display screen and communication ports. The module is designed to transmit and receive data and images without the use of a general purpose computer, personal digital assistant or the like.

Abstract: An independent, broadcast medium (32) is used to communicate an time reference to each element: switch element (36), active element (14-20) or passive element, of an in-vehicle network (30). Each element (36) in the network accepts the time information, i.e., a time reference from the source. The time reference is then used by each element (36) to adjust an internal clock of the element. Commands may then be sent to the elements to occur at a particular time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving diverse signals across regions using a minimum of frequency capacity and maintaining compatibility with the heritage system. A system of the invention comprises at least one broadcast transmitter for transmitting a broadcast signal in a first frequency band to a receiver, at least one gapfiller transmitter for transmitting a gapfiller signal in a second frequency band to the receiver and at least one set of reuse transmitters for transmitting a plurality of spotbeam signals in the first frequency band to define coverage regions and at least one coverage gap where the spotbeam signals are not transmitted. A method of the invention comprises receiving a first signal, receiving a second signal, generating a first intermediate frequency (IF) signal from the first signal, generating a second IF signal from the second signal, filtering the second IF signal to produce a filtered second IF signal and combining the filtered second IF signal and the first IF signal.

Abstract: A system or method is disclosed which employs filters on a satellite whose bandwidth is varied by ground command to restrict interference experienced by a satellite as an auxiliary terrestrial component (ATC) system is increased to a multiplicity of cities and markets. Thus there is provided a novel method and system which optimizes overall MSS and ATC traffic.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for radiolocation using time differences of arrival. The method includes receiving transmit timestamps from a set of wireless stations of a wireless network. Each station transmits at least once. The transmit timestamp uses a local timestamping clock to indicate when a station transmitted a packet. The method further includes receiving sets of timestamped captured samples from each station that receives one of the transmitted packets. The times of arrival of each packet at each station are determined from the received sets of timestamped captured samples, and, the relative positions of the stations are determined from the determined times of arrival and the received transmit timestamps. The transmitting by the stations is in a round robin manner one station after the other, and several round robins may be used to mutually calibrate local clocks. Also an apparatus for inclusion in a station of a wireless network.

Abstract: A communication system for a mobile platform satellite service (MPSS) system includes a receiver subsystem (RS) and a transmitter subsystem (TS). A satellite transponder is in communication with the RS and the TS of the mobile platform. A satellite service ground station includes a transmitter subsystem (TS) and a receiver subsystem (RS). A communication link is established between the MPSS system and the ground station, via the satellite transponder. The communications link includes fixed satellite service (FSS) data superimposed on MPSS data in the same frequency band to thereby maximize both satellite transponder utilization and interference budget usage.

Abstract: A system and method for providing timing information to a wireless device in a position determination system is disclosed. A wireless device includes a reference signal receiver, a signal processor, a wireless communications transceiver and a GPS receiver. The wireless device is adapted to receive a reference signal, extract a snippet of the received reference signal, determine a time of reception for the snippet and transmit the snippet and time of reception to a position determination entity as part of a request for GPS aiding information. The position determination entity includes a timing source, a GPS memory for storing GPS satellite information, a reference signal memory, a communications interface, a signal processor and a control processor. The position determination entity is adapted to continually receive and store a reference signal along with an associated time of reception, and receive the snippet and timestamp transmitted from the wireless device.

Abstract: Low-latency satellite Internet service from a commercial off-the-shelf two-way satellite Internet system for aircraft under marginal communications link conditions is provided. One or more identical Internet requests each having a unique ID are sent in rapid succession from the aircraft. The one or more identical Internet requests are received at a satellite and sent to a network operations center (NOC) where they are forwarded over the Internet to an appropriate Web site. Identical Web pages are retrieved for the identical Internet requests by the NOC and transmitted to the satellite and then relayed to the aircraft. The requested Web page data is fused for the requested Web pages into a single Web page response in accordance with the unique IDs in the server for viewing by a client PC with low-latency when a failure in transmitting and receiving identical Internet requests and requested Web pages occurs.

Abstract: A data monitoring system in communication network has the global position system (GPS) receiver, a packet data collecting device and a mobile station-packet data serving node monitoring system (MPMS). The GPS receiver provides time information which is received from the GPS satellites. The packet data collecting device collects the communication protocol and communication environment information between a base station and a packet data serving node (PDSN), together with the time information provided by the GPS receiver. The MPMS receives wireless communication environment, data communication environment and mobile communication protocol of the mobile station together with the GPS time information, and receives packet data communication environment and data communication protocol of the mobile station from the packet data collecting device together with the time information, and monitors and analyzes on a single time axis.

Abstract: A plurality of satellites are placed into a virtually geosynchronous orbit, in which a first part of the orbit, that is near apogee, has a similar movement to the rotation of the earth, and therefore the orbit appears virtually stationary relative to the earth. Different satellites in the orbit are caused to have specified standardized parameters, and also defined according to an orbital position at a date certain. The different satellites and therefore be assigned to different owners according to these parameters.

Abstract: A demand assignment method for a communication network including a hub and a plurality of user nodes includes adding a demand field to each data burst from a user node. Further, the method includes transmitting a first and second frame with first and second burst time plans from the hub to each user node, and transmitting a first and second respective data burst and demand field from each of the user nodes to the hub according to the first and second control information. The first data burst from each user node arrives simultaneously at the hub, and the second data burst from each user node arrives simultaneously at the hub. Further, the second data burst from each user node arrives immediately following the arrival of the first data burst from each user node.

Abstract: A communication network control method for a communication network including a hub and a plurality of user nodes includes adjusting system parameters to maximize communication data rate and minimize bit error rate given current conditions of the wireless channel, current loading of the network, and user constraints. In particular, the method includes transmitting a first and second frame with first and second control information from the hub to each user node, and transmitting a first and second respective data burst from each of the user nodes to the hub according to the first and second control information. The first data burst from each user node arrives simultaneously at the hub, and the second data burst from each user node arrives simultaneously at the hub. Further, the second data burst from each user node arrives immediately following the arrival of the first data burst from each user node.

Abstract: A power system for a satellite includes a high power amplifier that has a control input. The high power amplifier has a minimum effective isotropic radiated power. A controller is coupled to the control input. The controller generates a control signal to adjust a saturated power output of the high power amplifier to the minimum effective isotropic radiated power.

Abstract: A telecommunications system and method for rapid start-up of a Global Position System (GPS) receiver integrated with a mobile terminal is disclosed. The location of a reference GPS receiver associated with a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) within the cell that the mobile terminal is currently located is used as the local position estimate for that mobile terminal. The GSM TDMA frame numbers are first correlated with the GPS clock signal. Optionally, this correlation is adjusted using the adaptive frame alignment mechanism. This local position estimate is used to ascertain the location of the GPS receiver. The correlation data is then sent to the GPS-capable mobile terminal through the Short Messaging Service (SMS) cell broadcast facility or the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) facility of the GSM network to enable the built-in GPS receiver to calculate its position relatively quickly.

Abstract: A communications system includes an antenna that produces a series of beams which divide a service region into a plurality of contiguous cells, and dynamically modifies cell boundaries so that the system's allocated communication spectrum is efficiently utilized.

Abstract: In a wireless communications system, transceivers transmit short bursts to a base station, which determines timing corrections from the time of receipt of the burst and transmits the timing corrections to the respective transceivers. In one aspect, the base station indicates to the transceivers a plurality of time slots, each transceiver selects one of the time slots at random, formats a burst including an indicator of the selected time slot and transmits the burst in that slot. In another aspect, the base station transmits to each transceiver a timing uncertainty value, which determines how the timing correction will be modified by the tranceiver as the interval since last receiving a timing correction increases. Data bursts are transmitted in a format comprising a first unique word, a content field and a second unique word, in that order. The bursts are transmitted in a TDMA channel format which can accommodate both short and long bursts in a block format of constant periodicity.

Abstract: A communication satellite facility and a satellite communication system adapted to respond flexibly to development and change of communication technologies occurring on the ground even after satellites have been launched. The system includes a first satellite having an antenna function, a second satellite having a modem function and a third satellite having a server function all of which are launched into one and same slot of geosynchronous orbit and connected one to another by wideband intersatellite communication. A ground station connected to a ground network communicates with the first satellite.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes multiple wireless communication platforms carrying reflectors for providing spot beams. By using multiple platforms, the payload can be split. Each platform carries only a part of the reflectors needed to provide coverage for a certain geographic area. That allows the reflectors to be of larger size providing smaller spot beams. The multiple platforms of the wireless communication system are designed to be interchangeable. Therefore, only one standby platform is necessary for backup. By further providing an closed-loop pointing control method it is possible to keep multiple platforms pointed accurately relative to each other and relative to the user coverage area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing accurately synchronized timing signals at mutually distant locations employs a GPS or similar receiver at each location. These receivers are interconnected by a communications network, and exchange data over the network to agree a common timing reference.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for deriving accurate global positioning satellite (GPS) timing by calibrating frame boundaries to GPS timing. Time calibration is achieved by determining a time difference ?t between a reference GPS time (or pulse) and an nth frame boundary. The time difference ?t and a frame boundary identifier specifying the nth frame boundary are provided to a device equipped with a full or partial GPS receiver so that the GPS equipped device may synchronize itself to GPS timing. Upon synchronizing itself to GPS timing, the GPS equipped device may search for GPS signals using information provided by a geographical location server, e.g., WAG server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving diverse signals across regions using a minimum of frequency capacity and maintaining compatibility with the heritage system. A system of the invention comprises at least one broadcast transmitter for transmitting a broadcast signal in a first frequency band to a receiver, at least one gapfiller transmitter for transmitting a gapfiller signal in a second frequency band to the receiver and at least one set of reuse transmitters for transmitting a plurality of spotbeam signals in the first frequency band to define coverage regions and at least one coverage gap where the spotbeam signals are not transmitted. A method of the invention comprises receiving a first signal, receiving a second signal, generating a first intermediate frequency (IF) signal from the first signal, generating a second IF signal from the second signal, filtering the second IF signal to produce a filtered second IF signal and combining the filtered second IF signal and the first IF signal.

Abstract: The pseudolite includes a communication (COM) satellite receiver for receiving a communication satellite specific RF signal from a communication satellite and providing communication satellite navigation and position data. A GNSS receiver receives a GNSS signal from a GNSS satellite and provides GNSS timing information. A pseudolite transmitter receives the communication satellite navigation and position data and the GNSS timing information. The pseudolite transmitter includes at least one digital signal generator for utilizing the communication satellite navigation and position data and the GNSS timing information for providing a digital signal generator output having an intermediate frequency and navigation message data which are suitable for up-conversion to a desired communication channel RF frequency.

Abstract: A two-way satellite communications system includes an Earth station communicating with a plurality of remote terminals using a network access protocol that facilitates low power consumption by the terminals. The earth station generates forward link TDM packet data transmissions on one or-more satellite channels, and detects, despreads and decodes multiple concurrent return link slotted CDMA packet transmissions on one or more satellite channels. It communicates through a wired connection with a packet processing center which ultimately both delivers return link packet data to end-customers and receives forward link packet data from end-customers. The remote terminals receive, process and act upon forward link TDM transmissions on one or more satellite channels, and generate slotted spread spectrum CDMA transmissions on the return link on one or more satellite channels.

Abstract: In a satellite system, a time frame to be used for establishing a time correlation between the satellite system and a ground station is inserted between the transmission frames at an arbitrary timing. The ground station computes the time at which the data was generated in the satellite system from this time frame and establishes a time correlation with the satellite time by using only this time frame.

Abstract: A system and method for managing access to a satellite-based transponder by a plurality of aircraft each having a mobile radio frequency (RF) system. The system employs a ground-based, central control system for managing access to the satellite-based transponder so that the aggregate power spectral density (PSD) of the RF signals of all the mobile systems does not exceed, at any time, limits established by regulatory agencies to prevent interference between satellite systems. This is accomplished by a dual control loop arrangement for monitoring the signal-to-noise ratio (Eb/No) of the RF signal transmitted by the satellite-based transponder. A ground-based control loop is used whereby a ground-based central controller monitors the Eb/No and transmits commands to the aircraft (via the satellite transponder) to maintain the Eb/No of the transmitted signal within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A low profile, vehicle mounted, in-motion tracking, satellite antenna includes a pair of antenna assemblies mounted in parallel on a rotatable platform. Each antenna assembly includes two subreflectors with a plastic matching element. The outputs of the two antenna assemblies are coupled with a single phase shifter. The combined outputs are retransmitted to a receiver inside the vehicle. The satellite antenna also includes a receiver for receiving channel selection data and/or for providing two-way communication with equipment inside the vehicle. The antennae, transmitter and receiver are self-powered by a storage device which is charged by a wind driven generator. A retractable radome lowers to a lower profile when the antenna is not in use.

Abstract: Two satellite communications systems can use the same frequency or frequencies in geographically overlapping footprints, without creating undue interference in a given system that is caused by the same frequency signal(s) that is/are used by the other system. In particular, an aggregate Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of the radioterminals and/or ancillary terrestrial components of a second satellite communications system in the common footprint is sufficiently low, and/or the receive antenna gain of a first satellite communications system is sufficiently low compared to the receive antenna gain of the second satellite communications system, so as to increase an aggregate receiver noise that is seen by the first satellite system receivers by an amount that does not substantially change a Quality of Service (QoS) of the first satellite communications system.

Abstract: The transportation system, such a airplane, which comprises the cabin, the internal antenna system, and the external antenna system. The voice data and the non-voice data of a plurality of passengers located in the cabin are received via the internal antenna system and transferred via the external antenna system. The TV data received via the external antenna system is distributed in the cabin.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for determining the appropriate or desired geographical correction source for SBAS corrections. One aspect provided herein is a method. According to one method embodiment, a Space Based Augmentation System (SBAS) correction message is received from a selected SBAS satellite. It is determined whether at least one criterion is satisfied for using the selected SBAS satellite as a correction source and then processing the correction message received therefrom. A second SBAS satellite is selected from which to receive SBAS correction messages upon determining that at least one criterion is not satisfied for using the selected SBAS satellite as a correction source. One example of SBAS is the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) used in North America. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A wireless digital telephone system containing at least one emulated base station plus one or more subscriber stations, the emulated base station comprising a station similar to the subscriber station but having the capability of initiating a synchronization process whereby it is enabled to assign time slots to the subscriber station within the frame pattern of an amplitude signal by means of monitoring for positive edges in the signal.

Abstract: A resource manager for a satellite telecommunication system including user terminals sending data to spots via a satellite, all data streams from a given terminal to the same given destination spot constituting a virtual path comprising a set of uplinks from the terminal to the satellite and a set of downlinks from the satellite to the spot, includes a central entity associated with each satellite for receiving requests sent by the user terminals and each expressing a requirement to use resources of the satellite corresponding to the virtual path. The central entity groups the requests into request groups each associated with a set of uplinks from the same spot to the destination spot, the set of uplinks constituting a virtual link, and determines authorized resources for each request group.

Abstract: The capacity of a terrestrial wireless communications system that uses a terrestrial frequency band for communications with wireless terminals is expanded by utilizing a satellite frequency band for terrestrially receiving terrestrial communications from the wireless terminals. Since the wireless terminals are configured to transmit communications to a space-based component such as a satellite via a satellite frequency band, these transmissions also may be picked up (received) terrestrially. Thus, terrestrial base stations can be equipped with satellite frequency band receivers that can receive communications from the wireless terminals over a satellite frequency band. By using the satellite frequency band receiver in a terrestrial base station, additional capacity and/or quality of service may be provided for a terrestrial and/or satellite communications system.

Abstract: A method of incrementally increasing a revenue stream generated by an incrementally built satellite communication system comprising the following steps: (A) planning an initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system to cover an initial predetermined coverage area; (B) building the initial number of satellites for the initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system; (C) launching each satellite to fill the initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system; and (D) collecting an initial revenue stream generated by the initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system. The initial constellation phase of the satellite communication system comprises an initial number of satellites and is substantially completed to carry an initial communication traffic for the initial predetermined coverage area. The initial revenue stream can be used for building the subsequent phase of the planned satellite communication system.

Abstract: A mobile communications device using a common oscillator for communication and global positioning system (GPS) functions. In one embodiment, a communications unit receives a precision carrier frequency signal from a source and generates a reference signal that is used to calibrate a common oscillator.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting a wireless communication network to provide at least a portion of digital data to a user is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving the portion of the digital data in a satellite receiver, providing the received portion of the digital data to at least one of a plurality of terrestrial receivers which form the wireless communication network, and transmitting the received portion of the digital data to a user within a service region using the terrestrial transmitter. The apparatus comprises a satellite antenna, for receiving a signal having at least a portion of the data from a satellite, and a satellite receiver, communicatively coupled to the satellite antenna for detecting and demodulating the signal to produce a portion of the digital data, the satellite receiver communicatively coupled to a terrestrial transmitter in a terrestrial wireless communication network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter and receiver device (1) for a cellular radio network, comprising a transmitter installation (6a) and a receiver installation (8a) located at a spatial distance to said transmitter installation (6areceiver (7) is connected to said transmitter installation (6a) and time-controls the transmission of transmission blocks by the installation (6a). The receiver installation (8a) is not provided with a time standard receiver. Instead, the receiver instal (8a), by intercepting the transmission signal emitted by the transmitter installation (6a) located in the same cell, generate signal for synchronizing the time of a timer of the receiver installation (8a).

Abstract: A state transition diagram is presented for a user's access terminal for a satellite telecommunication system, showing the state of the access terminal's mobility management software layer, in response to various stimuli and conditions as the user enters into and out of various modes of operations, including deactivation, activation and illumination of a dark beam of a spot beam that is a shared resource.

Abstract: A system and method for managing access to a satellite-based transponder by a plurality of aircraft each having a mobile radio frequency (RF) system. The system employs a ground-based, central control system for managing access to the satellite-based transponder so that the aggregate power spectral density (PSD) of the RF signals of all the mobile systems does not exceed, at any time, limits established by regulatory agencies to prevent interference between satellite systems. This is accomplished by a dual control loop arrangement for monitoring the signal-to-noise ratio (Eb/No) of the RF signal transmitted by the satellite-based transponder. A ground-based control loop is used whereby a ground-based central controller monitors the Eb/No and transmits commands to the aircraft (via the satellite transponder) to maintain the Eb/No of the transmitted signal within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A mobile telephony handset has a wireless communications transceiver for exchanging signals with a base station, and a positioning receiver for receiving coded ranging signals from a satellite-based positioning system. The handset is configured such that the positioning receiver is activated only periodically to perform a position fix using the ranging signals and between such active periods is in a power-saving condition. Each position fix includes a respective time measurement in which a precision time indication referenced to the positioning system reference time source is recorded and saved. The handset includes calibration means, which generates a calibrated time reference for performing each of a plurality of new such position fixes.

Abstract: A method of random access communication uses subbanding and variable length messages to provide efficient communication between a plurality of mobile earth terminals and a plurality of satellites. The subbanding allows each satellite to more efficiently process communications from mobile earth terminals operating under a variety of different rules or regulations. The satellite receivers can be dynamically reconfigured such that they can receive messages of different lengths at different times. The mobile earth terminals can change the size of the messages that they send to take advantage of the newly reconfigured satellite receiver(s). The method can reduce or eliminate errors or delays that occur in prior methods of random access communication.

Abstract: Before the phase of a frame signal is adjusted according to a PPS signal, internal clocks operating according to a line clock are adjusted by absolute base stations based on a time matching signal transmitted from a maintenance terminal.

Abstract: In a satellite navigation system receiver co-located with a wireless communication system mobile terminal, periodic interference from the mobile terminal preventing bit-edge synchronization with one or more satellite signals is overcome by using Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) values associated with the satellite signals. Either a satellite signal free of periodic interference is chosen by inspection of the TDOA values, or the TDOA values are ranked and synchronization is attempted iteratively. Once a satellite signal is synchronized, the TDOA values are used to calculate synchronization for the remaining signals. The TDOA values may be transmitted to the mobile terminal by a satellite navigation signal information server connected to the wireless communication system, either individually or in broadcast mode to one or more cells. Alternatively, the mobile terminal may acquire the TDOA values from memory or from another data interface.

Abstract: A space-based network for a satellite radiotelephone system includes at least one receive-only satellite and at least one transmit satellite. The transmit satellite can be a transmit-only satellite or a transmit and receive satellite. The receive-only satellite(s) are configured to receive wireless communications from a radiotelephone at a location over a satellite frequency band. The transmit satellite(s) are configured to transmit wireless communications to the radiotelephone at the location over the satellite frequency band. By providing at least one receive-only satellite and at least one transmit satellite, space-based networks can offer a significant link margin, without the need to undesirably burden the radiotelephones themselves to achieve this link margin.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a satellite constellation consisting of a plurality of satellites. Each of the plurality of satellites is in an orbit whose eccentricity and inclination are perturbed relative to the same geosynchronous orbit. Each of the satellites in the constellation is capable of relaying signals in either direction between a central ground hub and a plurality of mobile user terminals. The plurality of satellites are configured such that the period of their geosynchronous orbit remains substantially constant at one sidereal day.

Abstract: A system for managing return channel bandwidth in a two-way satellite communication network is disclosed. A plurality of transceivers transmit backlog information over a return channel via a satellite, wherein the backlog information specify an amount of queued traffic for the respective transceivers. A hub receives the backlog information and allocates a minimal amount of return channel bandwidth to each of the transceivers. The hub selectively sets a bandwidth level associated with the return channel bandwidth that is available based upon one of a plurality of predetermined bandwidth levels according to a predetermined criteria. The hub selectively allocates additional return channel bandwidth based upon the bandwidth level to the transceivers that require additional return channel bandwidth in excess of the allocated minimal amounts.

Abstract: To address the need for an apparatus and method of economically synchronizing base sites (110–113) in wireless communication systems, the present invention provides a GPS-based solution for synchronizing slave sites (111–113) to a regional master site (110). In general, the master site reports to the slave sites information indicating the timing variance of GPS satellites (101–105). The slave sites then use this information in combination with information they collect from the same satellites to periodically resynchronize their clocks to the master clock.

Abstract: A space-based server network architecture (1) which permits on demand transfer of mission and control data between client satellites (14) in an orbit about earth and an earth station (20, 22, 24, 26) irrespective of the location of the client satellite (14) relative to the earth station (20, 22, 24, 26). The architecture includes a plurality of server satellites (10) located spaced apart in a earth orbit above the orbit of the client satellites (14). The server satellites (10) provide substantially total world-wide communications coverage to and connectivity with designated and authorized earth stations (20, 22, 24, 26) and the plurality of client satellites (14).