Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Aeronautical vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2005-03-15
2005-03-15
Marc-Coleman, Marthe Y. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Aeronautical vehicle
C244S171000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06868316
ABSTRACT:
A satellite constellation system, including a plurality of satellites in relatively close proximity to each other so that line-of-sight communications can be maintained at all times between adjacent satellites. The satellites are in closely-spaced orbits with incremental offsets in their starting true anomalies to create a pattern of the satellites which is serpentine in nature, moving north and south through latitudes covered as a result of the selected inclination angle while moving also in a longitudinal direction so that the serpentine pattern moves across most ground regions of interest. The constellation is asymmetric in nature in order to maximize the continuous access time. It is also possible to have multiple symmetrically-located constellations of this type.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
Marc-Coleman Marthe Y.
Marsh & Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP
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