Abstract: A method for shifting communications of a terminal located on a moving platform from a first satellite beam to a second satellite beam comprises determining a time for initiation of a beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam; executing a first beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam; and executing a second beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam, wherein the first and second beam shifts are performed using a switch matrix.

Abstract: A satellite communications apparatus including an antenna assembly having: a directional antenna arranged to receive signals from and transmit signals to a satellite, an electronic motor arranged to adjust at least one of a position and orientation of the directional antenna; and a sensor arranged to detect the position and orientation of the directional antenna. An RF interface, in communication with the antenna, is arranged to receive the received signals from the directional antenna. A controller, in communication with the RF interface, is arranged to: i) measure a gain associated with the received signals during a first time interval, ii) receive the detected position and orientation of the directional antenna during the first time interval, and iii) send a control signal to the electronic motor to adjust the position and orientation of the directional antenna to limit a decrease in the measured gain to less than a threshold.

Abstract: A satellite communications apparatus including an antenna assembly having: a directional antenna arranged to receive signals from and transmit signals to a satellite, an electronic motor arranged to adjust at least one of a position and orientation of the directional antenna; and a sensor arranged to detect the position and orientation of the directional antenna. An RF interface, in communication with the antenna, is arranged to receive the received signals from the directional antenna. A controller, in communication with the RF interface, is arranged to: i) measure a gain associated with the received signals during a first time interval, ii) receive the detected position and orientation of the directional antenna during the first time interval, and iii) send a control signal to the electronic motor to adjust the position and orientation of the directional antenna to limit a decrease in the measured gain to less than a threshold.

Abstract: A method for shifting communications of a terminal located on a moving platform from a first satellite beam to a second satellite beam comprises determining a time for initiation of a beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam; executing a first beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam; and executing a second beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam, wherein the first and second beam shifts are performed using a switch matrix.

Abstract: A method for shifting communications of a terminal located on a moving platform from a first satellite beam to a second satellite beam comprises determining a time for initiation of a beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam; executing a first beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam; and executing a second beam shift from the first satellite beam to the second satellite beam, wherein the first and second beam shifts are performed using a switch matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods of satellite communications for moving terminals, including but not limited to on-the-move and mobile terminals (e.g., on-the-pause terminals), are implemented in certain embodiments using smaller antennas (e.g., aperture area with diameter less than 50 cm), open standard waveforms to secure availability from several suppliers, payment for service only when using the terminal, interference avoidance to adjacent satellites, and low cost. Low cost is achieved in part by operating at frequency bands that are currently operated by terrestrial microwave links so that existing low cost microwave components are utilized. The system also includes an interference elimination system that continuously monitors for interference to adjacent satellites from a user terminal's uplink signal.

Abstract: System and methods provide tracking capabilities by one or a plurality of satellites for a mobile terrestrial terminal. A user requests that a satellite track a particular mobile terrestrial terminal. If the user privilege level allows for this level of control, the satellite adjusts to track the identified terminal. One method for tracking involves the use of a steerable antenna in which the antenna steers to maintain a footprint over the identified mobile terminal. Another method for tracking involves moving the satellite itself to maintain a footprint over the identified mobile terminal. The tracking functionality may utilize a closed loop tracking method.

Abstract: A system of satellite communications provides high throughput data transmission rates for mobile terrestrial terminals. The system may allow point to point communication between two terrestrial terminals. Further, the system may allow point to multipoint communication from an initiating terrestrial terminal to a plurality of target terrestrial terminals. Still further, the system may allow multipoint to multipoint communication from a plurality of initiating terrestrial terminals to a plurality of target terrestrial terminals. The satellites in the system may utilizes on-board functionality such as routing, network management and other data handling functionality. Further, the satellites in the system may communicate amongst each other and route signals through in-box and inter-box communication.

Abstract: A small antenna system for communications on-the-move (“COTM”) with a geostationary or geosynchronous satellite to and from a land mobile, maritime or airborne vehicle is disclosed. The antenna system provides a robust and simple means of establishing communications with a satellite or remote computer device. Further embodiments of systems and methods of the various aspects of the present invention mitigate RF losses customary in existing horn antennas. Embodiments also facilitate COTM by utilizing novel antenna configurations that tightly integrate RF electronics while dissipating generated heat via an antenna compartment that may be designed to function as or be used in conjunction with a heat sink.

Abstract: A system and method provide the ability to collect, store and transmit information statements concerning satellite communication system use. The satellite system may collect billing information, such as roaming data, network use in terms of both total time and total bandwidth and functionality utilized on a user by user basis. Further, the satellite system may collect network usage information from the totality of users of a satellite system. The billing information and network usage information may be collected and stored on-board satellite(s) in a network in a data structure including a database. This information may then be collected, organized and transmitted to a variety of users in the earth segment of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to embodiment of the present invention prevent or otherwise mitigate data corruption and interference that may result when a communications on-the-move transmission is blocked by a radio relay link antenna transmitting on a shared frequency band. Harmful radiation that could affect persons blocking the line-of-sight of a COTM transmission is also prevented or mitigated. According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a building or other obstruction blocks the line-of-sight between a COTM antenna and a target satellite, the transmission will automatically cease, preventing or minimizing any potential interference that can occur, such as the interference to a radio relay link antenna operating atop a building. Similarly, persons who may have been in the line-of-sight will not be subjected to harmful radiation. COTM transmission remains offline until free line-of-sight is re-established.

Abstract: A system and method allow end users the ability to operate using non-compliant antennas. A coordination database may be continually updated with respect to geographic coordinates, time planning, frequency and orbital positions. Further, the system and method may utilize a tool for easily calculating interference resulting from the use of non-compliant antennas. These components, amongst others, spot possible slots in the frequency spectrum for non-compliance operations. A device may be integrated into terrestrial terminals to perform a sound, realistic and up-to-date interference calculation for equipment in a particular environment. The device may determine the level and extent of safety for operating the equipment in the particular environment.

Abstract: A system and method allow end users the ability to operate using non-compliant antennas. A coordination database may be continually updated with respect to geographic coordinates, time planning, frequency and orbital positions. Further, the system and method may utilize a tool for easily calculating interference resulting from the use of non-compliant antennas. These components, amongst others, spot possible slots in the frequency spectrum for non-compliance operations. A device may be integrated into terrestrial terminals to perform a sound, realistic and up-to-date interference calculation for equipment in a particular environment. The device may determine the level and extent of safety for operating the equipment in the particular environment.

Abstract: A small antenna system for communications on-the-move (“COTM”) with a geostationary or geosynchronous satellite to and from a land mobile, maritime or airborne vehicle is disclosed. The antenna system provides a robust and simple means of establishing communications with a satellite or remote computer device. Further embodiments of systems and methods of the various aspects of the present invention mitigate RF losses customary in existing horn antennas. Embodiments also facilitate COTM by utilizing novel antenna configurations that tightly integrate RF electronics while dissipating generated heat via an antenna compartment that may be designed to function as or be used in conjunction with a heat sink.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to embodiment of the present invention prevent or otherwise mitigate data corruption and interference that may result when a communications on-the-move transmission is blocked by a radio relay link antenna transmitting on a shared frequency band. Harmful radiation that could affect persons blocking the line-of-sight of a COTM transmission is also prevented or mitigated. According to one embodiment of the present invention, if a building or other obstruction blocks the line-of-sight between a COTM antenna and a target satellite, the transmission will automatically cease, preventing or minimizing any potential interference that can occur, such as the interference to a radio relay link antenna operating atop a building. Similarly, persons who may have been in the line-of-sight will not be subjected to harmful radiation. COTM transmission remains offline until free line-of-sight is re-established.

Abstract: Systems and methods of satellite communications for moving terminals, including but not limited to on-the-move and mobile terminals (e.g., on-the-pause terminals), are implemented in certain embodiments using smaller antennas (e.g., aperture area with diameter less than 50 cm), open standard waveforms to secure availability from several suppliers, payment for service only when using the terminal, interference avoidance to adjacent satellites, and low cost. Low cost is achieved in part by operating at frequency bands that are currently operated by terrestrial microwave links so that existing low cost microwave components are utilized. The system also includes an interference elimination system that continuously monitors for interference to adjacent satellites from a user terminal's uplink signal.

Abstract: A system and method of building a satellite communications network provides a customer-driven, modular and flexible approach to providing satellite communications services. The satellite network provider carves out a solution for a customer problem from a design space constrained by satellite size, lifetime and payload given a set of specifications from a customer. The satellite network provider may continually gauge the needs of the users of the system in order to adapt the network to the current and future needs of the customer(s). Further, the use of small satellites utilizing on-board functionality provides modularity while maintaining economic feasibility.

Abstract: A system of satellite communications provides high throughput data transmission rates for mobile terrestrial terminals. The system may allow point to point communication between two terrestrial terminals. Further, the system may allow point to multipoint communication from an initiating terrestrial terminal to a plurality of target terrestrial terminals. Still further, the system may allow multipoint to multipoint communication from a plurality of initiating terrestrial terminals to a plurality of target terrestrial terminals. The satellites in the system may utilizes on-board functionality such as routing, network management and other data handling functionality. Further, the satellites in the system may communicate amongst each other and route signals through in-box and inter-box communication.

Abstract: A system and method allow end users the ability to operate using non-compliant antennas. A coordination database may be continually updated with respect to geographic coordinates, time planning, frequency and orbital positions. Further, the system and method may utilize a tool for easily calculating interference resulting from the use of non-compliant antennas. These components, amongst others, spot possible slots in the frequency spectrum for non-compliance operations. A device may be integrated into terrestrial terminals to perform a sound, realistic and up-to-date interference calculation for equipment in a particular environment. The device may determine the level and extent of safety for operating the equipment in the particular environment.

Abstract: System and methods provide tracking capabilities by one or a plurality of satellites for a mobile terrestrial terminal. A user requests that a satellite track a particular mobile terrestrial terminal. If the user privilege level allows for this level of control, the satellite adjusts to track the identified terminal. One method for tracking involves the use of a steerable antenna in which the antenna steers to maintain a footprint over the identified mobile terminal. Another method for tracking involves moving the satellite itself to maintain a footprint over the identified mobile terminal. The tracking functionality may utilize a closed loop tracking method.