Patent ID: 6452538
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: B64G,H01Q,H04B

Abstract:
A method of utilizing a telecommunications satellite in orbit around a planet for monitoring and collecting astronomical and space-environmental information and transmitting said astronomical and space-environmental information to the planet which comprises:a. modifying the telecommunications satellite by providing: i. monitoring means including observation and detection means and collecting means, and disposing same on the outboard side of the satellite, and ii. communications, command, and control means for said monitoring and collecting means; b. launching said modified telecommunications satellite into an orbit around said planet; c. orienting said modified telecommunications satellite in such a manner that the communications means faces the orbited planet and the monitoring and collecting means are exposed to space and its environment; d. collecting astronomical and space-environmental information via collecting means and providing an electronic output containing said astronomical and space-environmental information; e. transmitting said astronomical and space-environmental information via electronic output and communications means to at least one planet-based station having means for receiving said astronomical and space-environmental information, said planet-based station comprising: i. display means, ii. retransmission means, iii. signal processing, and interpretation means, and iv. communications, command and control means.