Mobile satellite communication system including a dual-frequency, low-profile, self-steering antenna assembly

An antenna assembly mountable on a vehicle for use with a mobile satellite communication system, comprising:

• a first antenna for receiving video and imagery data signals from a direct broadcast satellite in the Ku band, said first antenna comprising a reflector that reflects said video and imagery data signals and a horn for receiving the reflected signals;
• a second antenna for transmitting and receiving two-way digital communication signals to and from an AMSC satellite in the L band, said second antenna being located behind said reflector, said reflector being fabricated of a material that passes said two-way digital communication signals;
• and
• a drive subassembly for rotating said first and second antennas relative to the vehicle in response to a control signal.

A method for satellite communication, comprising the steps of:

• mounting an antenna assembly on a vehicle, said antenna assembly including an antenna device and a drive subassembly for rotating said antenna device relative to the vehicle in response to a control signal;
• receiving video and imagery data signals from a direct broadcast satellite in the Ku band with said antenna device;
• transmitting and receiving two-way digital communication signals to and from an AMSC satellite in the L band with said antenna device;
• and
• providing said control signal to said drive subassembly so as to maintain said antenna device pointed at the direct broadcast satellite and the AMSC satellite as the vehicle moves.

A mobile satellite communication system for use in a vehicle, comprising:

• an antenna assembly mountable on the vehicle, including an antenna device for receiving video and imagery data signals from a direct broadcast satellite in the Ku band and for transmitting and receiving two-way digital communication signals to and from an AMSC satellite in the L band, and a drive subassembly for rotating said antenna device relative to the vehicle in response to a control signal;
• a satellite tracking assembly for determining the orientation of said antenna device and for providing said control signal to said drive subassembly so as to maintain said antenna device pointed at the direct broadcast satellite and the AMSC satellite as the vehicle moves;
• a receiver coupled to said antenna device for receiving said video and imagery data signals in the Ku band;
• and
• a transceiver coupled to said antenna device for transmitting and receiving said two-way digital communication signals in the L band.