Abstract: An approach for optimizing power utilization of a satellite transponder, and thereby optimizing achievable modulation/coding schemes and data rates for terminals across the transponder beam, is provided. A signal power level is allocated to each of a plurality of carriers. The plurality of carriers are to be transmitted within a downlink beam via a transponder, each of the carriers is associated with a region of the beam, and the total power allocated to the carriers does not exceed a desired aggregate power level for the transponder. The signal power allocated to each carrier is determined relative to a gain realizable by satellite terminals within the respective beam region and assigned to receive the respective carrier, and the realizable gain of the terminals is based on locations within the beam. The signal power level allocated to each carrier is different from the power allocated to the other carriers.

Abstract: An approach for optimizing power utilization of a satellite transponder, and thereby optimizing achievable modulation/coding schemes and data rates for terminals across the transponder beam, is provided. A signal power level is allocated to each of a plurality of carriers. The plurality of carriers are to be transmitted within a downlink beam via a transponder, each of the carriers is associated with a region of the beam, and the total power allocated to the carriers does not exceed a desired aggregate power level for the transponder. The signal power allocated to each carrier is determined relative to a gain realizable by satellite terminals within the respective beam region and assigned to receive the respective carrier, and the realizable gain of the terminals is based on locations within the beam. The signal power level allocated to each carrier is different from the power allocated to the other carriers.

Abstract: A transmission and reception spot beam antenna is provided. A first transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a first receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a first transmit spot beam. A second transponder is configured to receive reach-back signals within a second receive spot beam and to process the reach-back signals. A link between the second transponder and the first transponder passes the reach-back signals to the first transponder for transmission within the first transmit spot beam. A third transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a third receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a third transmit spot beam. A link between the first transponder and the third transponder passes the communications signals to the third transponder, wherein the third transponder is configured to process the communications signals for transmission within the third transmit spot beam.

Abstract: A spread scrambled multiple access (SSCMA) scheme is described. A first encoded bit stream of a first terminal is scrambled according to a first scrambling signature. A second encoded bit stream of a second terminal is scrambled according to a second scrambling signature. The first scrambled bit stream is spread to match a communication channel bandwidth. The second scrambled bit stream is spread to match the communication channel bandwidth.

Abstract: A transmission and reception spot beam antenna is provided. A first transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a first receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a first transmit spot beam. A second transponder is configured to receive reach-back signals within a second receive spot beam and to process the reach-back signals. A link between the second transponder and the first transponder passes the reach-back signals to the first transponder for transmission within the first transmit spot beam. A third transponder is configured to receive communications signals within a third receive spot beam and to transmit the communications signals within a third transmit spot beam. A link between the first transponder and the third transponder passes the communications signals to the third transponder, wherein the third transponder is configured to process the communications signals for transmission within the third transmit spot beam.

Abstract: A spread scrambled multiple access (SSCMA) scheme is described. A first encoded bit stream of a first terminal is scrambled according to a first scrambling signature. A second encoded bit stream of a second terminal is scrambled according to a second scrambling signature. The first scrambled bit stream is spread to match a communication channel bandwidth. The second scrambled bit stream is spread to match the communication channel bandwidth.

Abstract: A device for generating a reference value that represents a clear sky condition includes a receiver that receives beacon signals transmitted from a satellite. The device also includes logic that estimates carrier-to-noise levels associated with the beacon signals and uses the estimated carrier-to-noise levels to identify non-clear sky conditions. The logic also calculates the clear sky reference value using a portion of the estimated carrier-to-noise values, where the portion that is used excludes the estimated carrier-to-noise values taken during non-clear sky conditions.

Abstract: An antenna of an earth station is adjusted at a predetermined interval for calibration purposes. A notification of clear sky is received. Signals from a satellite are received upon the receiving of the notification of clear sky. The antenna of the earth station is adjusted to point in various directions while receiving the signals from the satellite. A direction is determined where the antenna of the earth station is pointing where the strongest signal is received from the satellite. The antenna of the earth station is positioned to point in the direction where the strongest signal is received by the satellite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of using ephemeris data for positioning of an antenna of an earth station. Ephemeris data is transmitted from the satellite to the earth station, wherein the ephemeris data comprises positioning data of a satellite. The ephemeris data is received by the earth station and is used to realize the location of the satellite. The antenna of the earth station is adjusted to point toward the satellite, using the received ephemeris data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring a non-tracking satellite antenna terminal's pointing accuracy in three situations. First, the pointing accuracy is monitored after initial installation of the antenna within a geo-synchronous satellite communications system. Secondly, the method is employed to determine mis-pointing of the antenna terminal as a result of a long term event such as building settlement. Lastly, the method is employed to detect mis-pointing of the non-tracking antenna terminal due to a short term event, such as an earthquake, wind storm, or hurricane.

Abstract: A system and method for pointing a non-tracking antenna in a geo-synchronous satellite-based communication system is provided. A satellite terminal antenna is initially pointed towards the target satellite by any desired method. The antenna bore sight is then aligned towards the center of a satellite station-keeping box for operational use. By pointing the antenna bore sight towards the center of the satellite station-keeping box, the largest excursion between the antenna's bore sight and the actual satellite position is no greater than half the diagonal of the satellite station-keeping box despite the fact that satellite will move within the satellite station-keeping box's outer limits after the installation of the non-tracking antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring a non-tracking satellite antenna terminal's pointing accuracy in three situations. First, the pointing accuracy is monitored after initial installation of the antenna within a geo-synchronous satellite communications system. Secondly, the method is employed to determine mis-pointing of the antenna terminal as a result of a long term event such as building settlement. Lastly, the method is employed to detect mis-pointing of the non-tracking antenna terminal due to a short term event, such as an earthquake, wind storm, or hurricane.