Broadband satellite communication system using optical feeder links

A method of transmitting information through a satellite of a satellite communications system, comprising:

• receiving a plurality of binary data streams within a beamformer, the binary data streams for transmission to a plurality of user beam coverage areas;
• generating a plurality of beam element signals, each beam element signal generated such that when transmitted from an antenna array in the satellite the beam element signals superpose with one another to form at least one user spot beam;
• and
• transmitting the beam element signals from the beamformer to a SAN;
• receiving beam element signals with the SAN;
• modulating the received beam element signals onto an optical carrier;
• transmitting the modulated optical carrier from the at least one SAN to the satellite;
• receiving the modulated optical carrier within a satellite;
• demultiplexing the modulated optical carrier and outputting a plurality of optical signals, each of the plurality of demultiplexed optical signals having a wavelength in a unique optical channel;
• generating a plurality of analog electrical signals, each having an amplitude determined in response to the optical intensity of one of the demultiplexed optical signals;
• applying the plurality of analog electrical signals to elements of an antenna array such that when the beam element signals are superposed with one another, they form at least one user spot beam.