Abstract: A method of managing inter-satellite links (ISLs) in a LEOS system. Intra-plane ISLs are established between a subject satellite and adjacent satellites in the same orbital plane. These intra-plane ISLs are generally fixed during all operations and will not be severed or reestablished once they have been initially established. Neighbor ISLs are established to minimize offset between a subject satellite and the neighboring satellites with which it has neighbor ISLs. However, satellites in the neighbor plane may be selected for neighbor ISLs which do no currently provide the minimal offset position but soon will based upon the continuing relative motion between the planes. Altering neighbor ISLs for an orbital plane is coordinated within a plane to eliminate loops and inefficient routing paths. Seam ISLs are also managed. When a satellite operates in a teardrop area (area in which the satellite provides some coverage), the satellite establishes seam ISLs to up to two seam satellites in a seam orbital plane.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the performance of a LEOS system. The evaluation may determine the minimum and maximum number of hops or delay time required to service a particular source and destination pair or may evaluate the LEOS system as a whole. The evaluation may be used in the design of LEOS systems or to evaluate the performance of an existing LEOS system. This evaluation may then be employed to determine how and when the LEOS system should be employed in servicing communications. A LEOS system constellation is received that is to be considered. Then, a mathematical model for the LEOS system is determined. A source/destination location pair is then selected for consideration. Shortest, longest and intermediate path lengths are then determined for the source/destination location pair for the LEOS system. For each of these path lengths, the probability of occurrence of each of these path lengths as well as a corresponding delay is then determined.