System of inclined eccentric geosynchronous orbiting satellites

摘要

A system of inclined geosynchronous satellite orbits (12; 12') has a service are a defined on a surface of the earth (10). The service area has elevation angles (51) greater than a predetermined minimum elevation angle from the horizon (53). A satellite (14; 14'; A; B) has an orbit with respect to the earth (10) and has a sky track (46; 58) when viewed from within said service area. An operating arc (44; 62) is defined by a subset of points on the sky track (46; 58) within the service area. The satellites (14; 14'; A; B) operate consecutively on the operating arc (44; 62).