Abstract: A method for integrating coverage areas of multiple transponder platforms includes the step of arranging a plurality of coverage areas in a cluster wherein each of the plurality of coverage areas is assigned a color that differs from that of every other coverage area in a same cluster and wherein each of the plurality of coverage areas overlaps at least one other coverage area in the same cluster for maximizing utilization of multiple system resources.

Abstract: A method for re-selecting control channels in a mobile station reduces the use of resources by limiting an evaluation of candidate control channels to those channels which satisfy certain criteria and are deemed to be eligible control channels. As a consequence, resources are not spent on attempting to re-select a control channel that is not compatible with the mobile station.

Abstract: A spot beam satellite communications system and method for delivering information to user terminals at a high data rate. In a hub, a high data rate serial data stream is separated into parallel data streams that are modulated onto respective uplink transponders. The uplink transponders are transmitted by the hub to an earth-orbiting satellite, which translates the uplink signals to downlink frequencies. The satellite broadcasts the transponders to user terminals located in the desired beam coverage areas on the earth. The user terminal separates the downlink transponders and demodulates each of the downlink transponder signals to regenerate the parallel data streams. The parallel data streams are combined to reproduce the original serial data stream. By dedicating multiple transponders to a particular data stream, data can be relayed at a very high data rate by a communications satellite that employs a standard transponder frequency assignment scheme.

Abstract: A wireless communications system and method provides wireless communications service for user equipment on board an aircraft. The aircraft includes on-board system equipment for supporting the wireless communications service with on-board user equipment. One or more ground stations are used for communicating with the aircraft using a plurality of feeder links for exchanging the wireless communications service's traffic and control information with the on-board system equipment, and for providing interfaces with a terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure. The on-board system equipment transitions connections by the on-board user equipment between the feeder links.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reducing mutual interference of a digital data transmission or broadcast from a satellite to terrestrial receivers and terrestrial network links using sub-bands each of specific and narrow frequency, belonging to an extended band, the sub-bands being assigned to different terrestrial zones wherein the links are provided. Therefor, the information from the satellite is converted in the form of digital symbols and the digital symbols are distributed over several carriers belonging to a group of carriers distributed in a channel assembly covering at least four of the frequency sub-bands, by spread spectrum.

Abstract: A method of generating a beam pattern (202) covering a region of interest (100) is disclosed. The method includes generating a first set of beams having a first size (204). Each beam occupies a portion of the frequency spectrum which need not be unique among the first set of beams. A second set of beams is also generated. Each of the second set of beams has a second size (206) and each of said second set of beams also occupies a portion of the frequency spectrum which need not be unique among the first or second set of beams. The first set of beams and said second set of beams are projected onto a region of interest to create a beam pattern (202). The projected beams need not fall on a regular grid or adhere to any other regular pattern. Each of the projected beams in the beam pattern is substantially non-interfering with any adjacent projected beam.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the efficiency of satellite constellation operations are disclosed. The steps of the present invention comprise calculating the maximum number of communications signals that each satellite in the satellite constellation can generate, determining an operational constraint on each satellite, the operational constraint limiting the number of communications signals that each satellite can radiate substantially simultaneously, determining an operational space for each satellite wherein the operational space is defined using the operational constraint and the calculated number of signals, and using the operational space for each satellite in the constellation to determine the operational point for the constellation.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes platforms that generate spot beams and wide-area beams. The system includes a network operations controller that receives signals from user terminals. User terminals determine the signal strengths of the spot beams and the wide-area beams and a ratio may therefore be calculated between the spot beam and the wide-area beams. Based upon the ratio of the spot beam strength and the wide-area beam strength, the network operations controller may adjust the orientation of the platforms relative to the earth to correct for pointing errors and, the network operation controller may compensate as is best possible depending on the type of antenna, a correction for distortion in the antenna.

Abstract: Satellite-based communication systems and methods that substantially collocate multibeam satellites and allow for incremental addition of network capacity by launching additional substantially collocated satellites. Exemplary systems and methods comprise a plurality of substantially collocated multi-beam satellites that are launched and that are configured to provide beam coverage using substantially the same multibeam pattern of beams so that the beam coverage of both satellites is available for simultaneous use. A processor onboard each of the satellites configures the multibeam pattern of beams. The processor assigns a frequency and polarization to each beam based upon frequency re-use, system performance and capacity requirements, assigns overlapping bandwidth allocations within a beam, assigns bandwidth and power per bandwidth, and selectively adjusts beam capacity and power based on network traffic requirements.

Abstract: Downlink signal bursts are transmitted from a plurality of visible satellites to a plurality of user terminals in a downlink region that is serviced by the plurality of visible satellites. A first downlink signal burst is sent from a first one of the visible satellites to a first user terminal in the downlink region. A second downlink signal burst is sent from a second one of the visible satellites to the first user terminal to be received at a time that is a function of a separation distance of the first user terminal in the downlink region from the Time Alignment Center (TAC) of the downlink region. First downlink signal bursts and second downlink signal bursts also are sent to other user terminals in the downlink region. The first and second downlink signal bursts preferably are sent over respective first and second carrier frequencies.

Abstract: A system is provided for securely registering a new user's personal mobility information in a communications terminal having existing registrations. The terminal owner provides information needed to verify the owner's identity and authorizes registration of a specific new user identified by the new user's IMSI. The new user also provides information needed to verify the new user's identity, and requests the registration. A user identity module verifies the identity information provided by the terminal owner and new user, and through intermediaries including a serving system, negotiates with the new user's home system (home location register) to obtain subscription information and appropriate security information for the new user to permit system access. Registration is accomplished by storing this information in the user identity module.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for assigning communication resources in a telecommunication system, in which the communications are relayed by satellites covering an area of land that is divided into zones. Each zone has a communication resource pattern formed, on the one hand, by the directions of the satellites seen from the zones and, on the other hand, by frequency sub-bands and/or polarization. These resources are distributed so that two adjacent zones comprise different resources. The patterns of two zones are distinguished only by the direction of the satellite(s) that are assigned to the zones having this pattern. In one embodiment, all of the frequency resources are assigned to all the zones and the patterns are only distinguished by the directions of the satellites that supply these resources.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an enhanced call waiting message to a customer when the customer is busy on a previous call and receives a current call. The call waiting message preferably includes a call waiting indicator and an audible representation of information associated with a current calling party. The call waiting message alerts the customer that a current call is waiting and provides the customer with information that assists the customer in deciding whether or not to take the current call. The call waiting indicator and the information associated with a current calling party are automatically transmitted to the customer without any customer commands.

Abstract: A novel potato cultivar of the genus and species Solanum tuberosum, designated FL1867, is disclosed. The invention relates to the tubers of potato variety FL1867, to the plants of potato variety FL1867, to the seeds of potato variety and to methods for producing hybrid potato variety. The invention further relates to potato variety tubers, seeds and plants produced by crossing the potato variety FL1867 with another potato plant.

Abstract: A mobile communications infrastructure platform includes a networking module that includes a plurality of inputs and outputs and a POTS line connection; a satellite module coupled to the networking module for uplinking and downlinking a satellite datastream with a communications satellite; a video module for providing a video datastream to the networking module; and a wireless telecommunications module bidirectionally coupled to the networking module for receiving telecom data from and transmitting telecom data to the networking module. The wireless telecommunications module includes a VOIP interface coupled to the networking module, a land mobile radio coupled to the VOIP interface, and a private cellular network. The mobile platform provides a bi-directional patch or link between disparate communications equipment and protocols at a site and to off-site wireless radio equipment.

Abstract: A mobile station in a satellite mobile telephone system predicts when it will move into another cell on the basis of one set of broadcast information thereby reducing the overall processing burden. The mobile station can predict with a useful degree of certainty which broadcast control channel (BCCH) frequencies it should listen on when it wakes up on the basis of a stored map of the relative positions of cells. The broadcast information includes information about the current cell's shape and translational and rotational motion.

Abstract: A communications system includes a single stage, turbocharged, piston-powered aircraft that is positioned to fly in the lower stratosphere (41,000 ft.). A first link for the system is established between the aircraft and a subscriber on the ground, and a second link is established between the aircraft and a telecommunications base station. With the aircraft in position, communications between the subscriber and another party is then established over the first and second links, and through the base station.

Abstract: An approach for performing congestion avoidance in a switching communication system is disclosed. An input port of the switching communication system receives a bandwidth request from a source. The switching communication system includes a bandwidth control processor that examines the bandwidth request, and multiple output ports. The output ports communicate with various destination sites. A congestion avoidance logic within the switching communication system generates multiple clusters based upon a transmission constraint associated with the output ports; each of the clusters corresponds to a portion of the destination sites. The congestion avoidance logic determines a cluster threshold that corresponds to traffic load distribution among the critical clusters. Additionally, the congestion avoidance logic selectively grants the bandwidth request based upon the determined cluster threshold.

Abstract: A system and method of providing scalable beam coverage for satellite communications to ground terminals. A single antenna being adapted to provide an adjustable range of narrow to wide area coverage is provided and a density of ground terminals in the coverage area is determined. A required total beam data rate is determined and the antenna is adjusted to generate single or multiple beams of variable beamwidths that correspond to the field of view required and the transmitted power and linearity are adjusted to the proper levels as determined from the density of ground terminals and required total beam data rate. The required total beam data rate capacity remains essentially constant over the adjustable range of narrow to wide area coverage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for extending the effective service regions of gateways and virtual gateways through a gateway-to-gateway diversity technique. The gateways are interconnected for providing user terminal traffic and signalling information between themselves at call setup and during a call.

Abstract: Wireless broadband data access is provided to and from a plurality of locations distributed randomly over a large geographic area. The network can be deployed one node at a time, with a new node incorporated into the network if within radio frequency range of any existing node in the network. The newly incorporated node can then be the attaching point for another new node that requires incorporation into the network. Data can be forwarded over multiple hops to reach its destination in the network, with the data-polling scheme self-synchronizing with minimal transmission overhead.

Abstract: The present invention integrates a direct-to-home satellite Internet service with a mobile broadcast service via a hand-held caching terminal that accesses multiple return-link paths through the available cellular infrastructure or through the satellite to the Internet and to a home-PC-based server.

Abstract: The present invention enables efficient communication of location identification of remote movable objects or vehicles over capacity-constrained wireless communications systems by transmitting only the truncated latitude and longitude coordinate data relative to a dynamically alterable and previously unknown coordinate reference anchor.

Abstract: A method for reducing call dropping rates in a multi-beam communication system. The multi-beam communication system includes a user terminal, a gateway, and a plurality of beam sources, where each beam source projects a plurality of beams, and where a communication link between the user terminal and the gateway is established on one or more beams. The method according to the present invention relies on a messaging protocol between the gateway and the user terminal. Based on messages sent from the user terminal to the gateway, preferably on a preselected periodic basis, the gateway can determine the more desirable beam(s) for transmitting data or information to the user terminal. The messages sent from the user terminal to the gateway contain values representing beam strengths as measured at the user terminal. The gateway uses the user terminal measured beam strengths to select the beams that should be used for transmitting data or information to the user terminal.

Abstract: A satellite-based communications system operating at high data rates includes a plurality of satellites each having uplink and downlink antennas for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals utilizing a plurality of spot beams to and from a plurality of coverage areas at a predetermined range of frequencies. The system can include, or be combined with, other systems to enable increased capacity over high population areas and ubiquitous coverage over lower population areas. A portable antenna assembly can be coupled to a user's portable or mobile electronic device for coupling the electronic device directly to a satellite. A routing switch provides routing and switching on-board the satellite and routes signals according to their desired destination.

Abstract: A payload design for a multi-spot-beam satellite communication system includes a plurality of uplink spot beam receivers and downlink spot beam transmitters, and a broadcast transmitting subsystem capable of transmitting a broadcast beam to an entire system geographical service area. An input filter-switch-matrix (IFSM) controllably selects input IF signal bands for routing to an on-board digital signal processor-router (DSPR). The DSPR subsequently routes all received point-to-point and broadcast data packets to the appropriate downlink spot or broadcast transmitting subsystems for transmission thereof. The broadcast downlink allows broadcast transmissions to occur at the highest efficiency possible, while also allowing for flexible provision of surge capacity for point-to-point transmissions on previously exhausted spot beams by selective use of the broadcast beam for such point-to-point transmissions.

Abstract: A satellite communications system having ground user terminals, hubs, and a geosynchronous satellite. The satellite generates a network of spot beam coverage areas on the earth. A hub and at least one ground terminal are located in each of at least two spot beams. A first user terminal transmits an uplink signal according to a first signal protocol to the hub through the satellite. A second user terminal receives a downlink signal according to a second signal protocol through the downlink spot beam from the hub through the satellite. The hub may be located in the same spot beam coverage area as the first or the second user terminal or may be located in an altogether different spot beam coverage area.

Abstract: A satellite communications system (10) provides for digital beamforming acquisition. The communications system (10) has an antenna configuration (20) for maintaining communications links with satellite networking equipment, and a signal processing system (30) for processing signals resulting from the communications links. A beamforming subsystem (40) dynamically forms traffic beams and overhead beams, wherein the overhead beams scan overhead areas of the satellite footprint. Overhead areas are defined by areas of the satellite footprint without active traffic channels. The beamforming subsystem (40) includes a channel database configuration (50) containing traffic channel input data and overhead channel input data. A beamforming processor (60) converts the input data contained in the channel database configuration (50) into traffic beams schedules and overhead beam schedules. An antenna management system (70) dynamically forms traffic beams and overhead beams based on the beam schedules.

Abstract: A communication line not affected by artificial structures and plants is established between mobile objects and stationary stations surrounded with skyscrapers, and economical artificial satellite service capable of efficiently performing satellite broadcast, mobile satellite communication, satellite-to-satellite communication and earth surveillance is provided using the communication line and by constructing the system with a small number of satellites. Six orbital elements 7-12 of a plurality of artificial satellites at reference time 5 are determined, and a plurality of elliptical orbits corresponding to the determined six orbital elements are combined, and then each of the satellites is appropriately arranged on each of the orbits to form a group of artificial satellites. Satellite communication or satellite broadcast is performed using the group of artificial satellites.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe terminal position location methods and systems. Relative powers of nearby spot beams which are generated by array antennas are determined. For example, powers from six neighboring spot beams relative to a center spot beam within which a mobile station is currently operating, can be measured relative to the power of the center spot beam. Using information from these measurements, the mobile stations position can be determined using, for example, an exponential model of the spot beam pattern.

Abstract: A method of coordinating communications between ground stations and fixed beam satellites is provided, wherein each beam of a satellite antenna is assigned a color to create a color pattern that matches a frequency reuse pattern for the antenna, thereby using the same frequencies in a different beam with the same color. In operation, a ground station requests a virtual channel number from a resource manager, which sends a virtual channel number that is not used by another ground station within a beam diameter of the requesting ground station. The ground station then determines the position of the satellite, the beam and beam color, and further computes the frequency, polarization, and time slot, among other information, to communicate with the satellite. A method is also provided for managing virtual channels that comprises a network manager that groups ground stations and limits the number of virtual channels per group.

Abstract: An elliptical satellite communication system including a constellation of satellites which orbit the earth at a height less than that necessary for geosynchronous orbits but which simulate the characteristics of geosynchronous orbits. The satellites' velocity near the apogee portion of their orbit approximates the rotational velocity of the earth, and during that period appear to hover over the earth. The ground stations on the earth always communicate with a satellite at or near its apogee, and hence that satellite appears to the ground station to hover over the earth. During the times when the satellite is outside the apogee portion, its communication is shut off to prevent any possibility of interfering with geosynchronous satellites and its power supply is used to charge a battery on the satellite. Thus, the power supply of the system can be reduced by an amount equivalent to the percentage of time the satellite is not used.

Abstract: A method and computer program to configure feeds on a satellite (300, 310, 320) to provide for redundant coverage when a satellite (300, 310, 320) fails. Further, this method and computer program can enable the switching of feeds from commands from a ground station (30) to activate certain feeds and deactivate other feeds when demand for service changes. In addition, this method and computer program allow for repositioning of satellites so that when one satellite fails another satellite may take over its area of coverage by switching active feeds without the need for placing another satellite in orbit.

Abstract: A satellite-based communications system operating at high data rates includes a plurality of satellites each having uplink and downlink antennas for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals utilizing a plurality of spot beams to and from a plurality of coverage areas at a predetermined range of frequencies. The system can include, or be combined with, other systems to enable increased capacity over high population areas and ubiquitous coverage over lower population areas. A portable antenna assembly can be coupled to a user's portable or mobile electronic device for coupling the electronic device directly to a satellite. A routing switch provides routing and switching on-board the satellite and routes signals according to their desired destination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for adjusting the gain characteristics of an antenna array in accordance with elevation angle with respect to a satellite for optimum signal reception. The antenna elements of the antenna array are electronically steered in accordance with stored antenna element control data. The antenna element control data is retrieved based on the location of a mobile unit transporting the antenna and a receiver connected thereto, and on stored satellite location data. The mobile unit location data may be provided manually by a user using an input device on the receiver, or automatically by means of a GPS receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating using satellites in a constellation in LEO, MEO or GEO orbits is disclosed. The system comprises a receive system, a downlink system, and a data processing system. The receive system receives an uplink signal comprising at least one data packet from at least one user in an uplink cell. The ground programmable downlink system transmits the data packet to a specific downlink cell and adjusts a power used to transmit the data packet to the specific downlink cell. The ground programmable data processing system processes and routes the data packet to an input of the downlink system such that the downlink system transmits the data packet to the specified downlink cell.

Abstract: A method for controlling a geosynchronous spacecraft. A yaw axis and a roll axis of the spacecraft are oriented parallel to the earth equatorial plane. A coordinate frame of a payload is rotated about a minus roll axis of the spacecraft at an angle equivalent to an orbit inclination of the spacecraft, thereby maintaining elements of a payload pointing toward a desired region on the earth. A spacecraft attitude is corrected to maintain the payload elements pointing at the desired region on the earth.

Abstract: Presented is a satellite communication system that allows aggregation of available transponder bandwidth. A channel signal is divided into subparts (e.g., data packets), formatted (e.g., encapsulated) and distributed among a plurality of subchannels according to bandwidth availability. Each subpart is encoded with information that facilitates proper reconstruction of the original channel data at the receiving station. The subchannels are transmitted to a receiving station, which synchronizes the subchannels and decapsulates the subparts. The receiving station includes a subchannel combiner which combines the decapsulated subparts in select subchannels to produce a reconstructed version of a user-selected channel signal. A controller in the receiving station identifies the subchannels to be combined in response to user selection and sends commands to a subchannel combiner.

Abstract: A dual-band multiple beam antenna system for a communications satellite sharing a set of reflector antennas for the transmit and receive frequencies. One set of reflectors is common to both the downlink and uplink frequencies. The feed horns are diplexed and exhibit frequency-dependent radiation patterns that separate the phase centers over the downlink and uplink frequency bands to obtain dual-band performance. The focal point of the reflector is in close proximity to the phase center corresponding to the downlink frequency band. The phase center for the uplink frequency band is spaced a predetermined distance from the phase center of the downlink frequency band. According to the present invention, the uplink frequencies are defocused and the downlink frequencies are focused thereby creating identical radiation patterns at both frequency bands and over the coverage region of the communications satellite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing contiguous spot beam communications coverage on the Earth's surface are disclosed. The apparatus comprises two contiguous beam patterns. The first contiguous beam pattern comprises a first set of cells and has a first set of frequencies. The second contiguous beam pattern comprises a second set of cells and has a second set of frequencies. The second contiguous beam pattern is spatially offset from the first contiguous beam pattern such that an edge of the first set of cells is offset from an edge of the second set of cells. Multiple two grid systems can maintain isolation performance of single grid system.

Abstract: A multi-beam satellite has an input section to receive uplink spot beams in a first range of frequencies and an output section to transmit downlink spot beams in a second range of frequencies. An IF section is coupled between the first antenna and second antenna. It down-converts the uplink spot beams in the first range of frequencies to intermediate signals in an intermediate range of frequencies, flexibly and selectively switches and filters the intermediate signals in the intermediate range of frequencies, and up-converts the intermediate signals in the intermediate range of frequencies to the downlink spot beams in the second range of frequencies.

Abstract: In a communication satellite constellation which uses CDMA and multiple spot beams for point-to-point communication, a system is provided for broadcasting regionally related information within a spot beam by establishing a Frequency/Walsh Code Tiling over the Earth's surface, and enabling a user terminal at a given position to tune to an appropriate frequency and Walsh Code to receive the information broadcast from a satellite over a forward beam downlink. The information, e.g. regional messages such as local weather or traffic, is transmitted to the satellite from a ground station or gateway that receives the information from a Broadcast Processing Center. In a preferred embodiment a dedicated Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) channel within each spot beam transmits the regional broadcast messages at the Tiles in accordance with the Walsh Code designations of the Tiles.

Abstract: A communications satellite method and are provided for controlling a configuration of spot beams produced by a communications satellite. A plurality of spot beams are generated by a communications satellite while maintained at a first orbital position with respect to a first portion of the earth. The plurality of spot beams are configured in a first cell pattern to substantially encompass a first portion of the Earth. The satellite is moved to a second orbital position with respect to a second portion of the earth. Once moved, the satellite is reconfigured such that a second plurality of spot beams form a second pattern 85 to substantially cover the new portion of the earth of interest. A network of switches allows the satellite 10 to be reconfigured for operation from multiple orbital positions. The switching network directs individual feeds to different signal paths having different bandwidth and power capabilities.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating uplink and downlink bandwidth in a communication system is presented. The communication system includes a communication platform, a plurality of spokes and at least one hub. The plurality of spokes and at least one hub communicate through the communication platform. Each spoke includes spoke uplink bandwidth and spoke downlink bandwidth and each hub includes hub uplink bandwidth and hub downlink bandwidth. The allocation of bandwidth among the spokes and hub may be dynamically adjusted based on the present user demands. Additionally, if the communication system is a packet switched system, empty packets may be discarded at the communication platform and the bandwidth that was previously allocated to the packets may be reallocated.

Abstract: Satellite audio broadcasting systems include orbital constellations for providing high elevation angle coverage of audio broadcast signals from the constellation's satellites to fixed and mobile receivers within service areas located at geographical latitudes well removed from the equator.

Abstract: Multiple-mode cellular radiotelephones use a wide bandwidth receiving mode while scanning for signals in a narrow bandwidth receiving mode. Thus, when it is desired to scan the received frequency band to search for the presence of narrowband signals, the wider receiver bandwidth is first selected. When significant signal energy is identified in the wider bandwidth, a further scan using the narrowband mode may then be provided in order to locate the narrow bandwidth channel containing the strongest signal. In another embodiment, the signals that are received in the wider bandwidth mode are digitized to obtain complex signal samples. The complex signal samples are then processed to determine energy in each of a plurality of narrower bandwidths corresponding to channels in the narrower bandwidth cellular radiotelephone standards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, for use in a satellite-based communications network, for positioning offset zones in a spot beam coverage area to maximize call duration. The apparatus and method employs a spot beam segregator and an offset zone arranger. The spot beam segregator segregates a coverage area of a spot beam generated by a satellite in the network into at least one offset zone based on respective propagation time periods required for signals to travel between the satellite and respective different locations in the coverage area. The offset zone arranger arranges each offset zone such that each respective center of each one offset zone overlaps a respective geographical location in the coverage area, with each respective geographic location having a respective access terminal density greater than any other geographical region within its respective offset zone.

Abstract: A satellite radiotelephone system includes a space-based component, an ancillary terrestrial network, a monitor and a controller. The space-based component is configured to wirelessly communicate with radiotelephones in a satellite footprint over a satellite radiotelephone frequency band. The satellite footprint is divided into satellite cells in which subsets of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band are spatially reused in a spatial reuse pattern. The ancillary terrestrial network is configured to wirelessly communicate with radiotelephones in the satellite footprint over at least some of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band, to thereby terrestrially reuse the at least some of the satellite radiotelephone frequency band.

Abstract: A communication system includes a set of non-geostationary satellites setting up communication links between ground stations and terminals, the links from a station terminating at associated terminals in a limited geographical area including the station. A communication link between a particular station and the associated terminals is set up by a satellite of the set of satellites. The satellite is commanded to set up for this purpose a steerable transmit beam and a steerable receive beam pointing at the limited area including the particular station and supporting the communication link.

Abstract: A multi-beam satellite (10) is provided including a first antenna (200) to receive a first plurality of beams, a second antenna (300) to transmit a second plurality of beams and an equipment compartment (100) coupled between the first antenna and the second antenna. The equipment compartment may include a testing unit (120) to test the first plurality of beams received at the first antenna and to stimulate signals to be transmitted by the second antenna as the second plurality of beams.