Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing command and control of remote systems using low earth orbit satellite communications is disclosed. According to the present invention, a programmable transceiver apparatus provides a two-way communications path between a remote user and a control center via a low earth orbit satellite at frequencies below 1 GHz. The transceiver apparatus includes a transceiver for communicating with the low earth orbit satellite; an antenna coupled to the transceiver; at least one interface communicating signals between at least one external device located at the remote user, wherein the transceiver apparatus is programmed to transmit data related to the external device to the satellite in response to a signal communicated to the transceiver via the low earth orbit satellite, an internal program of the transceiver or an alarm or exception signal generated by any of the external devices or the user.

Abstract: A system located in a region to determine information about an unknown car relative to a moving train includes first and second satellite navigation receivers, first and second transceivers and first and second controllers. The moving train includes a first car, and the region includes the moving train and the unknown car. The region is defined by points at which radio communication with the first car is possible. The first satellite navigation receiver, located in the first car, provides first location data, and the second satellite navigation receiver, located in the unknown car, provides second location data. The first transceiver is located in the first car, and the second transceiver is located in the unknown car. The first controller, located in the first car, reads the first location data from the first satellite receiver at a first time and sends via the first transceiver a first request to the second transceiver at the first time.