Abstract: A satellite communication system includes a first satellite in a geostationary orbit and a plurality of second satellites. Each of the second satellites is in a separate orbit with time-dependent projection on ground. The first satellite is adapted to communicate with one or more user terminals and to communicate with each of the plurality of second satellites via a respective inter-satellite communication link. Further, each of the second satellites is adapted to communicate with one or more feeder link stations. Also disclosed is a method of communicating in a satellite communication system.

Abstract: A satellite communication system includes a first satellite in a geostationary orbit and a plurality of second satellites. Each of the second satellites is in a separate orbit with time-dependent projection on ground. The first satellite is adapted to communicate with one or more user terminals and to communicate with each of the plurality of second satellites via a respective inter-satellite communication link. Further, each of the second satellites is adapted to communicate with one or more feeder link stations. Also disclosed is a method of communicating in a satellite communication system.

Abstract: Satellite telecommunications system comprises a transmitting/receiving surface terminal associated with a user substantially on a surface of the Earth, a geostationary satellite configured to receive/transmit signals from/to a predefined coverage area with a line of sight to the geostationary satellite, and a traveling satellite moving above the surface of the Earth. The traveling satellite repeats signals received from the surface terminal towards the geostationary satellite and/or repeat signals received from the geostationary satellite towards the surface terminal. The same frequency band is used to communicate between the surface terminal and the traveling satellite and between the traveling satellite and the geostationary satellite. The tracking/telemetry and command signals of the traveling satellite are relayed by the geostationary satellite.

Abstract: A payload for a repeater satellite of a communication system. The repeater satellite being placed into drift orbit above the surface of a celestial body. The payload being configured to repeat data received from a stationary satellite above the surface of the celestial body towards a terminal substantially at the surface of the celestial body, and to repeat data received from the terminal towards the stationary satellite. The payload is further configured to use a single frequency band for repeating data towards the stationary satellite, referred to as uplink transmission, and for repeating data towards the terminal, referred to as downlink transmission, as well as to time-division multiplex the uplink transmissions and the downlink transmissions. Also, a telecommunication system includes a repeater satellite provided with aforesaid payload, and a satellite communication method for transferring data between the terminal and the stationary satellite.

Abstract: A method and telecommunications system for identifying uplink multiplexing resources of a multi-beam satellite that are usable in a land-based telecommunications system, e.g., a transmitting station for transmitting radio signals to a receiving station. The transmitting station or the receiving station being a base station having a range defining a coverage area. For a given uplink multiplexing resource, a maximum allowable interference level, with respect to the satellite, for radio-electric signals transmitted from the coverage area is estimated. A potential interference level of the transmitting station is estimated. The transmitting station determines the usability of the given uplink multiplexing resource by comparing the potential interference level with the maximum allowed interference level for the given uplink multiplexing resource.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for intermittent data transfer from and to at least one user located substantially on the surface of a celestial body. The system comprises at least one surface transmitter/receiver terminal associated with each user, one or more signal repeater means for the signals transmitted and/or received from the surface terminals. Each moving repeater means has at least one antenna oriented toward the surface of the celestial body, and adapted to allow communications from and to surface terminals. Each antenna produces a transmission/reception beam, the track of which on the surface of the celestial body forms the ground track, the progressive sweeping of the surface by this ground track forming a strip called a swath.

Abstract: Satellite telecommunications system comprises a transmitting/receiving surface terminal associated with a user substantially on a surface of the Earth, a geostationary satellite configured to receive/transmit signals from/to a predefined coverage area with a line of sight to the geostationary satellite, and a traveling satellite moving above the surface of the Earth. The traveling satellite repeats signals received from the surface terminal towards the geostationary satellite and/or repeat signals received from the geostationary satellite towards the surface terminal. The same frequency band is used to communicate between the surface terminal and the traveling satellite and between the traveling satellite and the geostationary satellite. The tracking/telemetry and command signals of the traveling satellite are relayed by the geostationary satellite.

Abstract: A multi-beam telecommunications satellite, intended to be placed in orbit around the earth, and adapted to relay data between terrestrial terminals and at least one ground station and to form beams on a user link between the satellite and terrestrial terminals, includes a module for forming beams on board in the satellite, a module for processing beams in the ground station, and a module for routing signals received from the ground station and/or from terrestrial terminals, signals of beams formed on board being routed towards the on-board beam forming module, and signals of ground-formed beams being routed towards the ground-formed beam processing module. A telecommunications system including the multi-beam satellite, a ground station and a beam management center adapted to divide the beams into one group of ground-formed beams and one group of beams formed on board, as well as a method for forming beams are disclosed.

Abstract: The remote communications system, intended for low-throughput data transfer between at least two users located substantially on the surface of a celestial body, includes: a plurality of transmitting/receiving surface terminals, each associated to a user, one or more geostationary element installed on board satellites placed in geostationary orbit around the celestial body, these geostationary elements being able to transmit data from and to a predefined coverage area on the surface of the celestial body with a line of sight to the geostationary satellite, and one or more signal repetition element for the signals transmitted and/or received from the geostationary elements to the surface terminals these traveling repetition elements being on board satellites moving in a traveling orbit; the same frequency band is used for communications between the surface terminals and the traveling elements and for communications between the traveling elements and the geostationary elements.

Abstract: A method and telecommunications system for identifying uplink multiplexing resources of a multi-beam satellite that are usable in a land-based telecommunications system, e.g., a transmitting station for transmitting radio signals to a receiving station. The transmitting station or the receiving station being a base station having a range defining a coverage area. For a given uplink multiplexing resource, a maximum allowable interference level, with respect to the satellite, for radio-electric signals transmitted from the coverage area is estimated. A potential interference level of the transmitting station is estimated. The transmitting station determines the usability of the given uplink multiplexing resource by comparing the potential interference level with the maximum allowed interference level for the given uplink multiplexing resource.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for intermittent data transfer from and to at least one user located substantially on the surface of a celestial body. The system comprises at least one surface transmitter/receiver terminal associated with each user, one or more signal repeater means for the signals transmitted and/or received from the surface terminals. Each moving repeater means has at least one antenna oriented toward the surface of the celestial body, and adapted to allow communications from and to surface terminals. Each antenna produces a transmission/reception beam, the track of which on the surface of the celestial body forms the ground track, the progressive sweeping of the surface by this ground track forming a strip called a swath.

Abstract: The remote communications system, intended for low-throughput data transfer between at least two users located substantially on the surface of a celestial body, includes: a plurality of transmitting/receiving surface terminals, each associated to a user, one or more geostationary element installed on board satellites placed in geostationary orbit around the celestial body, these geostationary elements being able to transmit data from and to a predefined coverage area on the surface of the celestial body with a line of sight to the geostationary satellite, and one or more signal repetition element for the signals transmitted and/or received from the geostationary elements to the surface terminals these traveling repetition elements being on board satellites moving in a traveling orbit; the same frequency band is used for communications between the surface terminals and the traveling elements and for communications between the traveling elements and the geostationary elements.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer program products that support inter-PLMN coordination in registration and handover operations are provided. Hysteresis is introduced in registration of radioterminals in a hybrid terrestrial/satellite mobile communications environment. Inter-PLMN handover techniques are provided, including techniques for coordination of communication of timing information and traffic channel controls.

Abstract: A multi-beam telecommunications satellite, intended to be placed in orbit around the earth, and adapted to relay data between terrestrial terminals and at least one ground station and to form beams on a user link between the satellite and terrestrial terminals, includes a module for forming beams on board in the satellite, a module for processing beams in the ground station, and a module for routing signals received from the ground station and/or from terrestrial terminals, signals of beams formed on board being routed towards the on-board beam forming module, and signals of ground-formed beams being routed towards the ground-formed beam processing module. A telecommunications system including the multi-beam satellite, a ground station and a beam management center adapted to divide the beams into one group of ground-formed beams and one group of beams formed on board, as well as a method for forming beams are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer program products that support inter-PLMN coordination in registration and handover operations are provided. Hysteresis is introduced in registration of radioterminals in a hybrid terrestrial/satellite mobile communications environment. Inter-PLMN handover techniques are provided, including techniques for coordination of communication of timing information and traffic channel controls.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer program products that support inter-PLMN coordination in registration and handover operations are provided. Hysteresis is introduced in registration of radioterminals in a hybrid terrestrial/satellite mobile communications environment. Inter-PLMN handover techniques are provided, including techniques for coordination of communication of timing information and traffic channel controls.