Patent ID: 6545998
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
In a satellite communication system, improved apparatus for enhancing the processing capabilities of said system comprising in combination:an uplink receiver deployable with a first satellite suitable for launching into an orbital slot and capable of receiving communication signals from a ground-based communication station; a first processor deployable with said first satellite and capable of processing signals from said uplink receiver; a first intersatellite communication link terminal deployable with said first satellite and capable of transmitting signals to a second processor deployable with a second satellite launched after said first satellite and capable of receiving signals processed by said second processor from a second intersatellite communication link terminal deployable with said second satellite; a first switch deployable with said first satellite and enabling signals from said uplink receiver to be utilized by said first intersatellite communication link terminal or said first processor; a downlink transmitter deployable with said first satellite capable of transmitting said signals to a ground-based communication station; and a second switch deployable with said first satellite and enabling signals from said first intersatellite communication link terminal or said first processor to be utilized by said downlink transmitter, whereby the processing capabilities of said first satellite can be enhanced by launching said second satellite after said first satellite is in said first orbital slot.