Gregory Less - Hermosa Beach CA, US James Gruver - Hermosa Beach CA, US Scott Keller - Manhattan Beach CA, US Oliver Saunders - Los Angeles CA, US Stuart Linsky - Rancho Palos Verdes CA, US Michael Fashano - Canyon Lake CA, US Peter Cress - Manhattan Beach CA, US
International Classification:
B64G001/22 B64G001/00
US Classification:
244/15800R
Abstract:
Satellite communication systems are provided that employ highly inclined, highly elliptical orbits. The satellite communication systems have a satellite constellation phased to provide a ground trace with respect to the earth that is repeated by each of the satellites in the constellation such that the satellites appear to follow one another over similar paths over the earth. Due to the path of the ground trace provided, ground stations can employ a single axis tracking device since the satellites appear to move along similar overlapping paths in opposing directions relative to a user on the ground during communication control handoffs.