US 2024/0176029 A1 · Repeating Ground Track Optimization

Abstract

Methods and systems for providing voice, video, or data services using optimized ground track satellites and ground tracking antennas are disclosed herein. An example system includes first satellites in a first constellation, the first set of satellites having a first fixed ground track relative to Earth's surface, and an antenna being located at a location on the first fixed ground track, the antenna being configured to steer in a single axis to track the first satellites, wherein each of the first satellites reach the location, after an integer number of days that include a period of two or more sidereal days with an adjustment to account for nodal precession of the first satellites.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A system comprising:

first satellites in a first constellation, the first satellites each having a first fixed ground track relative to Earth's surface, wherein an orbit of the first satellites having been determined such that the first fixed ground track remains fixed relative to a location on the surface of Earth, taking account of J2-induced nodal precession, the orbit of the first satellites taking the form of integer n orbits reaching a same nadir point over the surface of the Earth after integer m rotations of Earth;
and
a VSAT having an antenna in a location designated by a service operator as being in a service region, wherein a segment of sky track that corresponds to an orbital trajectory that is above the first fixed ground track is visible, the antenna being configured to steer in a single axis to track the first satellites as they move along the segment of the sky track.

A method comprising:

placing first satellites in a first constellation, the first satellites each having a first fixed ground track relative to Earth's surface;
setting a period and orbit of the first satellites such that each of the first satellites repeatedly follows the same ground track over an integer number of orbits in approximately an integer number of days, such that the precise time of the repeat pattern has been adjusted to account for the nodal precession.
establishing a link between the antenna located at the location associated with the first fixed ground track;
steering the antenna in a single axis to track the first satellites and transmit or receive data on the link.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Repeating Ground Track Optimization

Life of this patent

Repeating Ground Track Optimization

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19