Patent ID: 6442385
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A method for controlling first, second and third geosynchronous satellites in tundra orbits in three orbital planes in a time diversity system, the time diversity system providing both an early satellite signal and a late satellite signal to receivers, the late satellite signal corresponding to a delayed early satellite signal, the satellites each traversing a common ground track having a northern loop, a southern loop, and a crossover point between the northern and southern loops, the southern loop being intersected via the equator, the method comprising the steps of:powering on a first satellite that is ascending said southern loop from the equator; operating a second satellite at apogee as a late satellite to provide said late satellite signal to said receivers; powering down a third satellite after descending the southern loop below the equator, said third satellite having operated as an early satellite to provide said early signal to said receivers prior to reaching an orbital position near the equator; operating said first satellite as said late satellite when said first satellite reaches said crossover point, said first satellite operating as said late satellite while said first satellite traverses said northern loop; and switching operation of said second satellite from operation as said late satellite to operation as said early satellite when said second satellite traverses said crossover point to commence its descent of said southern loop.