Patent ID: 8355359
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: B64G,H04B

Abstract:
1. A secondary payload interface for secondary payload communications using a primary payload communications channel for a primary payload of a communications satellite configured to communicate data to and from a ground location, the secondary payload interface comprising: a plurality of input/output couplers for connecting the secondary payload to the primary payload communications channel for the primary payload of the communications satellite; wherein the primary payload of the communications satellite performs a first service associated with the communications satellite, and communicates data for the first service from the primary payload to a first ground station using the primary payload communications channel, and wherein the secondary payload provides a second service, the second service different from the first service; circuitry for allowing the secondary payload to communicate with the ground station or a second ground station using the primary payload communications channel; and wherein the plurality of input/output couplers allow some or all of the primary payload communications channel to be restored to the primary payload when the secondary payload is not communicating with the ground station.