Patents Assigned to NASA and Laser Data Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5218467
    Abstract: A satellite system for optical communications such as a multi-access laser transceiver system. Up to six low Earth orbiting satellites send satellite data to a geosynchronous satellite. The data is relayed to a ground station at the Earth's surface. The earth pointing geosynchronous satellite terminal has no gimbal but has a separate tracking mechanism for tracking each low Earth orbiting satellite. The tracking mechanism has a ring assembly rotatable about an axis coaxial with the axis of the field of view of the geosynchronous satellite and a pivotable arm mounted for pivotal movement on the ring assembly. An optical pickup mechanism at the end of each arm is positioned for optical communication with one of the orbiting satellites by rotation of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: NASA and Laser Data Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Monte Ross, Donald C. Lokerson, Michael W. Fitzmaurice, Daniel D. Meyer