Method and apparatus for loading satellite software while moving a satellite to a new orbit

Abstract

A method and system for increasing the availability of a satellite communications system is provided. A spare satellite is brought online by loading updated software in the satellite while the satellite is moving toward a new orbital position. The time required to bring the spare satellite into operation, and therefore restore service in the communication system, is thereby reduced.

What is claimed is  
     
         1 . A method of transmitting software to a satellite comprising the steps of: 
 transmitting commands to the satellite to cause the satellite to begin moving toward a new orbital position selected from the group consisting of a different orbit and a different orbital slot,    transmitting software to the satellite over an available communications link while the satellite is moving toward said new orbital position, and    transmitting commands to cause the satellite to substantially stop moving toward said new orbital position.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said available communications link is a TT&C link.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said software comprises all of the information necessary to bring the satellite into an operational state.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said new orbital position is a substantially geosynchronous orbit.  
     
     
         5 . A method of moving a satellite to a new orbit comprising the steps of: 
 transmitting commands to the satellite to cause the satellite to begin moving toward a new orbital position selected from the group consisting of a different orbit and a different orbital slot,    transmitting software to the satellite over an available communications link while the satellite is moving toward said new orbital position, and    transmitting commands to cause the satellite to substantially stop moving toward said new orbital position.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said available communications link is a TT&C link.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said software comprises substantially all of the information necessary to bring the satellite into an operational state.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said new orbital position is a substantially geosynchronous orbit.  
     
     
         9 . A system for moving a satellite to a new orbit comprising: 
 a satellite adapted to receive control signals over a communications link, and    a transmitter for transmitting control signals to the satellite, whereby said transmitter transmits control signals that cause the satellite to begin moving toward a new orbital position selected from the group consisting of a different orbit and a different orbital slot, and further transmits information necessary to bring the satellite into an operational state via the communications link while the satellite is moving to the new orbital position.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said transmitter transmits control signals that cause the satellite to substantially stop moving once said satellite has reached said new orbital position after substantially all of said information has been received by the satellite.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said new orbital position is a substantially geosynchronous orbit.