Abstract: A bi-static communication relay includes a receiver and transmitter carried by different platforms. In particular, the transmitter may be carried by a geosynchronous satellite forming a broadcast platform. The receiver is hidden on a low observable platform, such as an airborne or even a ground based platform forming a hidden platform. The location of the low observable platform is known only to legitimate users of the system. Communications between the hidden platform and broadcast platform are by way of a secure narrow beam uplink to reduce the risk of jamming. Physical separation of the receiver and transmitter essentially defeats the jammer's high power amplifier advantage since the receiver platform is hidden from the jammer. This forces the jammer to use a low gain antenna in order to cover as much sky as possible. System users, on the other hand, can use the gain advantage of a directional antenna, since they alone have knowledge of the hidden platform's location.

Abstract: A telecommunications satellite channeliser (170) is provided for mapping RF signals between feeder links (160-162) and mobile link beams (210-212) based on a predefined frequency plan (FIGS. 7 and 8). The mobile link beams (240) define a coverage area (242) of a satellite (10). Each feeder link and mobile link beam comprises a plurality of feeder subbands and mobile subbands grouped to form feeder link channels (216-238) and mobile link channels (244-255). The channeliser (170) includes at least one feeder lead carrying a feeder link signal (160-162) associated with a ground station (14 and 16). A feeder link distribution network (175) is connected to the feeder leads and maps RF signals in the feeder links (160-162) onto a plurality of distribution leads as divided feeder signals. Channel multiplexers (182-184) are connected to the distribution leads.

Abstract: A telecommunications satellite channelizer (170) is provided for mapping RF signals between feeder links (160-162) and mobile link beams (210-212) based on a predefined frequency plan (FIGS. 7 and 8). The mobile link beams (240) define a coverage area (242) of a satellite (10). Each feeder link and mobile link beam comprises a plurality of feeder subbands and mobile subbands grouped to form feeder link channels (216-238) and mobile link channels (244-255). The channelizer (170) includes at least one feeder lead carrying a feeder link signal (160-162) associated with a ground station (14 and 16). A feeder link distribution network (175) is connected to the feeder leads and maps RF signals in the feeder links (160-162) onto a plurality of distribution leads as divided feeder signals. Channel multiplexers (182-184) are connected to the distribution leads.

Abstract: A communication relay having a large number of free-flying, self-powered miniature spacecraft (10M) that cooperate to form a large antenna array with sufficient aperture and gain to focus transmit and receive beams much more accurately than in conventional satellite communication relays. The miniature spacecraft, or microsatellites, fly in a single constellation (10) but are allowed to drift in relative position because no rigid structure is provided to restrain their relative movement. Operation as a large phased-array antenna system is achieved by providing for accurate measurements of the microsatellite positions in real time. In one disclosed form of the array, a control satellite (20) conditions the microsatellites (10M) to form receive and transmit beams in desired directions.

Abstract: A waveguide lens antenna system is shown which includes a collapsible support structure and a collapsible waveguide lens array. The collapsible waveguide lens array includes a plurality of integrally connected tubular waveguide cells that form an array which focuses transmitted signals onto a satellite signal processing device. The array is coupled to a support structure that is affixed to a mounting surface, such as a satellite, and that correctly positions the array when the array is operationally deployed.

Abstract: An adaptive nulling communication system for nulling undesired signals from communication signals in multiple separate and distinct coverage areas is disclosed. The adaptive nulling communication system includes a phased array antenna having multiple receiving elements to form a single aperture for receiving multiple signals. A first set of beam forming networks coupled to the phased array antenna forms the multiple separate and distinct coverage areas. A distribution network coupled to the first set of beam forming networks distributes the signals received from these coverage areas. A nulling processor having a second beam forming network coupled to the distribution network weights and adjusts the second beam forming network in response to the undesired signals to null these undesired signals from the communication signals.