Method and system of frame timing synchronization in TDMA based mobile satellite communication system

A method of synchronizing a transmitted frame timing in a mobile satellite communication system comprising the steps of:

• broadcasting a frame timing offset from a satellite to mobile terminal having a timer;
• receiving said frame timing offset information transmitted by said satellite in said mobile terminal;
• and
• adjusting said timer in said mobile terminal based on said timing offset information and satellite ephemeris information stored in said mobile terminal.

A method of synchronizing a transmitted frame timing in a mobile satellite communication system comprising the steps of:

• broadcasting a frame timing offset from a gateway terminal to a mobile terminal having a timer;
• receiving said frame timing offset information transmitted by said gateway in said mobile terminal;
• and
• adjusting said timer in said mobile terminal based on said timing offset information and satellite ephemeris information stored in said mobile terminal.

A mobile satellite communication system comprising:

• a plurality of mobile terminals;
• a satellite adapted to communicate with each of said mobile terminals, said satellite having a satellite reference frame timing;
• at least one gateway in communication with said satellite, said gateway having a digital processor, said digital processor including a routine for calculating a frame timing offset;
• said gateway transmitting said timing offset to at least one of said mobile terminals, said at least one mobile terminal receiving said timing offset and adjusting a mobile terminal transmit frame timing to compensate for said timing offset.