Abstract: The invention relates to methods, systems, and satellites that employ an off-set pattern of spot-beams to transmit signals or television signals over a desired area of the earth. In one example, a heavily populated metropolitan area in the continental United States is covered by at least two patterns of spot-beams, where the patterns are off-set to one another by a lateral or translational displacement, rotation, or both. The off-set patterns can be used in conjunction with existing satellites and systems and incorporated into new satellites and systems. The methods reduce problems associated with the straddling of subscriber areas caused by local-into-local requirements, and advantageously allow increased spot-beam capacity, and the reduction in earth uplink stations.

Abstract: The invention provides for the design of a single beam communication satellite system covering a single service area, either uplink, downlink or both, by which rain fade effects are totally compensated. The rain fades, characterized by fixed margins, are not exceeded for a certain percentages of time. The service area must be large enough so that the statistical rain fades (in decibels) vary significantly over the service area. The single beam antenna must be electrically large enough and must have a beam forming network capable of multiple component beams so that a gain profile can be established for the antenna which compensates for the fixed margins established over the service area. Since no subscriber has excess fixed margin this results in a minimum power system. Other significant effects such as differences in slant range and other systemic variations over the service area also can be compensated.