Satellite System and Method for Global Coverage

摘要

The present invention relates to satellite systems and more particularly, to the provision of a novel, non-geostationary satellite system and method for weather and climate monitoring, communications applications, scientific research and similar tasks, with global coverage. Contrary to the teachings in the art it has been discovered that global coverage may be obtained using a constellation of six satellites in two orthogonal, 24 sidereal hour orbits (geosynchronous) with inclinations of 70° to 90°, and eccentricities of 0.275-0.45. By placing three of the satellites in a first orbit with an apogee over the north pole, and three of the satellites in a second, orthogonal orbit with an apogee over the south pole, global coverage may be obtained. As well, the satellites in these orbits avoid most of the Van Allen Belts.

主权项

1. A satellite system comprising:
a constellation of six satellites, three of said satellites orbiting in a first orbit and the other three of said satellites orbiting in a second orbit; the first orbit having an orbital inclination approximately between 70° and 90° and an apogee over the northern hemisphere, and an orbital eccentricity approximately between 0.275 and 0.45; the second orbit having an orbital inclination approximately between 70° and 90° and an apogee over the southern hemisphere, and an orbital eccentricity approximately between 0.275 and 0.45; planes of the first orbit and the second orbit being substantially orthogonal to one another; and at least one base station being configured to transmit to, and receive signals from, said constellation of six satellites.