Virtually geostationary satellite array with optimized parameters

Abstract

A plurality of satellites are placed into a virtually geosynchronous orbit, in which a first part of the orbit, that is near apogee, has a similar movement to the rotation of the earth, and therefore the orbit appears virtually stationary relative to the earth. Different satellites in the orbit are caused to have specified standardized parameters, and also defined according to an orbital position at a date certain. The different satellites and therefore be assigned to different owners according to these parameters.

1 . A method, comprising: setting a plurality of standardized parameters for a satellite which is in a non geosynchronous orbit and which communicates with different positions on the earth at different times; placing limits on in-track and cross-track offsets applicable at all times within active arcs, in which the satellite is actively communicating with points on the earth; and defining said limits as not applying during times when the satellite is actually active.  
   
   
       2 . A method as in claims  1 , further comprising defining a specified satellite in the orbit based on its position at a specified date.  
   
   
       3 . A method as in claims  2 , wherein said position on said specified date comprises a specified mean anomaly on a specified date.  
   
   
       4 . A method as in  claim 3 , further comprising enabling licensing one of said satellites in said orbit to a different owner then another of said satellites in said orbit based on said standardized parameters and said position.