Communications system including control means for designating communication between space nodes and surface nodes

A cellular communication system comprising:

• at least on space node having a multiple beam antenna positioned so as to establish a first set of cells, each antenna including means for transmitting and receiving radio signals;
• at least one surface node positioned so as to establish a second set of cells, each surface node including means for transmitting and receiving radio signals;
• a plurality of user units positioned within the first or second set of cells, each user unit including means for transmitting and receiving radio signals for communicating with at least one space node and at least one surface node and response means for establishing selective communication with at least one of said nodes;
• and
• said user units including link control means for designating communications between said user unit and said space nodes or said surface nodes, wherein said link control means permits the user of the user unit to designate communications between said user unit and said space node or said surface node.