Patent ID: 6122596
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: B64G,H04B

Abstract:
A system including a plurality of artificial satellites orbiting the earth, said system comprising:a first group of communication satellites, respectively orbiting the earth in inclined orbits, each satellite of said first group communicating with a specified communication point on the earth, said orbits being inclined with respect to an equatorial plane, and which are at an altitude lower than that necessary for geosynchronous orbit, said first group of satellites orbiting with specified orbital parameters, said orbital parameters controlling said orbits in a way that allows continuous visibility of at least one satellite from at least said specified communication point on earth, each said communication satellite having a coverage element which covers a point on the earth; anda second group of satellites, each orbiting in an equatorial orbit which is not inclined relative to the equatorial plane, orbiting at a height lower than that necessary for geosynchronous orbit, and orbiting such that there is continuous visibility of, and coverage of, at least one satellite from any point situated above a given south latitude including at least said specified communication point.