Electronic Device and Case with Satellite Communication Capabilities

A removable case for an electronic device, comprising:

• a body having a first portion configured to receive the electronic device, a second portion coupled to the first portion and extending parallel to the first portion, and a third portion coupled to the second portion, wherein the third portion is configured to rotate relative to the second portion about an axis between a closed position and an open position;
• a radio-frequency connector on the first portion, overlapping the second portion of the body, and configured to receive a radio-frequency signal from the electronic device;
• an array of antennas on the third portion of the body;
• and
• a transmission line path that extends from the second portion to the third portion of the body and that couples the radio-frequency connector to the array of antennas, the array of antennas being configured to transmit the radio-frequency signal.

A removable case for an electronic device, comprising:

• a housing that includes a main body portion configured to receive the electronic device and that includes a cover coupled to the main body portion, the cover being configured to rotate relative to the main body portion between a closed position and an open position;
• beamforming circuitry on the cover and configured to receive a control signal from the electronic device;
• and
• a phased antenna array on the cover and coupled to the beamforming circuitry, wherein the beamforming circuitry is configured to control the phased antenna array to form a signal beam based on the control signal, the phased antenna array being configured to transmit, over the signal beam, wireless data received from the electronic device while the signal beam is oriented towards a satellite in orbit above Earth and while the cover is in the open position.