SATELLITE SYSTEMS FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATION AND METHODS OF OPERATING GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS

Abstract

The invention relates to the provision of satellite systems and methods for communication applications with global coverage. The invention proposes a preferred method for providing global broadband connectivity. This method uses two different Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations with inter-satellite links between satellites within each constellation, and inter-satellite links between these constellations. The first constellation is deployed in a polar LEO orbit with a preferred inclination of 99.5 degrees and a preferred altitude of 1000 km. The second constellation is deployed in an inclined LEO orbit with a preferred inclination of 37.4 degrees and a preferred altitude of 1250 km.