Abstract: The throughput between a satellite and a plurality of users is controlled by adjusting resources among the users depending on the signal degradation (such as rain fade) experienced by the users. A plurality of time division multiplex (TDM) channels (also called bands) each have a plurality of TDM subchannels corresponding to the users. The channels have different signal fade ranges and the users are assigned to channels based on their signal degradations. Users with signal degradations within a range of each other are assigned to different subchannels within a common channel. Those users with downlinks having substantial signal degradation are given a greater packet length or duration for the data packets of their corresponding subchannels. Additionally, the forward error correction (FEC) code rate is adjusted depending on signal degradation. If some downlinks are experiencing extreme signal degradation, their packet lengths can be reduced to zero and the length (i.e.

Abstract: The footprint of a first satellite is reconfigurable in orbit by ground control to switch on and off different transponders. Each transponder is connected to a corresponding downlink antenna feed, each of which transmits a downlink beam independent of the others. The satellite can be moved into different orbits or otherwise changed to service new geographic areas by using different combinations of the transponders. In one embodiment, the satellite includes an antenna and components for an uplink beam corresponding to each downlink beam. Various subsets of the downlink antenna feeds are mechanically linked to move in unison using gimbals, each subset using a corresponding gimbal and mechanical driver. The first satellite is sufficiently reconfigurable that it may serve as a back up satellite to a plurality of other satellites in a constellation of satellites.

Abstract: The throughput between a satellite and a plurality of users is controlled by adjusting resources among the users depending on the signal degradation (such as rain fade) experienced by the users. A plurality of time division multiplex (TDM) channels (also called bands) each have a plurality of TDM subchannels corresponding to the users. The channels have different signal fade ranges and the users are assigned to channels based on their signal degradations. Users with signal degradations within a range of each other are assigned to different subchannels within a common channel. Those users with downlinks having substantial signal degradation are given a greater packet length or duration for the data packets of their corresponding subchannels. Additionally, the forward error correction (FEC) code rate is adjusted depending on signal degradation. If some downlinks are experiencing extreme signal degradation, their packet lengths can be reduced to zero and the length (i.e.