Abstract: A system and method for increasing the performance of a satellite communication system by using a multivariate analysis approach to optimize the pointing of the boresight of a satellite-mounted antenna. Optimizing the pointing of the boresight of the antenna minimizes sidelobe generation, and thus Co-Channel Interference (CCI) in geographic areas served by the system. By minimizing CCI, the overall system performance of the communication system is optimized. To optimize the pointing of the boresight of the antenna, the overall performance of the satellite communication system is determined, and the boresight of the antenna is iteratively repointed in the direction of increasing system performance until the optimized boresight pointing is determined. Alternatively, the frequency re-use plan of the satellite communication system may be analyzed to determine a high density cell region and the boresight may be pointed to the high density cell region.

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 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 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 wideband matching surface (600) for a dielectric lens antenna (100) is formed from a first dielectric layer (602) (e.g., Rexolite™) characterized by a first refractive index and a second dielectric layer (604) characterized by a second refractive index supporting the first dielectric layer (602).

Abstract: A wideband matching surface (600) for a dielectric lens antenna (100) is formed from a first dielectric layer (602) (e.g., Rexolite™) characterized by a first refractive index and a second dielectric layer (604) characterized by a second refractive index supporting the first dielectric layer (602).

Abstract: An antenna system comprising a feed array, a subreflector and a main reflector which are oriented to define a folded optics antenna geometry. The feed array is comprised of a plurality of separate feeds which are aligned on a predetermined contour. Each feed is coupled to a feed network which acts to combine the illumination beams of a preselected number of feeds to produce a plurality of composite illumination beams. Each composite illumination beam is directed to be incident upon a separate predetermined location on the subreflector which directs the illumination beams towards the main reflector. Each composite illumination beam is reflected by the main reflector in a preselected direction so that each composite illumination beam forms an antenna beam that impinges a predetermined coverage area on the Earth.

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: An antenna system and method for transmitting or receiving a plurality of pixel beams of satellite communication signals. A focusing device (770) focuses pixel beams on individual antenna elements or horns (708 or 808) of the transmitter (700) or receiver (800). In the transmitter, each antenna element transmits a pixel beam, and in the receiver, each antenna element has focused on it an individual pixel beam.