SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM UTILIZING A RATCHETING FOOTPRINT

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for allocating beams transmitted from and received at positions in Earth orbit to portable, mobile, and fixed terminals and gateways. The method includes the steps of forming a plurality of footprints using antenna elements which generate a plurality of beams. The antenna elements are carried on board a plurality of satellites flying in orbits below geosynchronous altitude and each of the footprints is electronically steered along azimuth and elevation by a two-dimensional phased array front end. One of the plurality of satellites, including a first-serving satellite and a second satellite, is positioned next to said first serving satellite. The footprints illuminate portions of the Earth's surface with a plurality of beams, wherein at least one temporary Earth-fixed cell falls within one of the plurality of the footprints.