Communication system for terrestrial stations using satellite links

摘要

The system uses a chain of satellites to provide the complete communications link. The procedure for communication between terrestrial stations uses a link via satellites, turning about the earth and forming part of a constellation orbiting above a major fraction of the globe. Each terrestrial station communicates in a given time period with a given satellite within the constellation. The two stations (16,18) may communicate via the intermediary of two given satellites (20,22) with which the two satellites are in communication. To minimize the management systems on board the satellites, the communication between these two satellites (20,22) is effected via the intermediary of a predetermined chain of satellites (24,26). Such a chain may comprises several specific satellites in sequence.