Patent ID: 6678520
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A method of mitigating communication interference between a first satellite communicating with a first ground station and a second satellite communicating with a second ground station, wherein the second satellite is one of a plurality of satellites in a second satellite constellation having more than two satellites, comprising the steps of:evaluating a geometrical relationship between the second ground station and the satellites in the second satellite constellation by determining an elevation angle for each of the satellites in the second satellite constellation, wherein the elevation angle for each satellite is measured from a local horizon of the second ground station to the satellite; designating one of the plurality of satellites in the second satellite constellation disposed at a largest elevation angle as the handover satellite; and directing communications between the second ground station and the second satellites in the second constellation according to the evaluated geometrical relationship by handing over communications between the second ground station and the second satellite to the handover satellite.