Space-based server network architecture

Abstract

A space-based server network architecture ( 1 ) which permits on demand transfer of mission and control data between client satellites ( 14 ) in an orbit about earth and an earth station ( 20, 22, 24, 26 ) irrespective of the location of the client satellite ( 14 ) relative to the earth station ( 20, 22, 24, 26 ). The architecture includes a plurality of server satellites ( 10 ) located spaced apart in a earth orbit above the orbit of the client satellites ( 14 ). The server satellites ( 10 ) provide substantially total world-wide communications coverage to and connectivity with designated and authorized earth stations ( 20, 22, 24, 26 ) and the plurality of client satellites ( 14 ). Each server satellite ( 10 ) includes: a communications downlink ( 18, 18 a, 18 b) for providing intercommunication with designated and authorized earth stations within its field of view; communications crosslinks ( 12, 12 a, 12 b) for providing intercommunications with other server satellites within its field of view; and communications links ( 16, 16 a, 16 b) for providing intercommunication with a client satellite within its field of view. Client satellite control data originating from an earth station is passed directly to an accessible server satellite, which then passes the control data either directly to the intended client satellite if within its communications field of view, or forwards the control data to a server satellite having direct communications access to the intended client satellite. Mission data from a client satellite can at any time be transmitted to a designated earth station, irrespective of its location on earth, by transmitting first to a server satellite within its communication field of view, where the mission data is then either downlinked directly to the designated earth station if within its communications field of view, or transmitting to a server satellite having communications downlink access to the designated earth station.

1. A space-based server network architecture which permits on demand transfer of data between a client satellite in an orbit about earth and an earth station irrespective of the location of the client satellite relative to the earth station, the space-based server architecture comprising:
 a) a plurality of client satellites located in one or more earth orbits;  
 b) a plurality of server satellites located spaced apart in at least one earth orbit and being sufficient in number to provide substantially total world-wide communications coverage to and connectivity with designated and authorized earth stations and said plurality of client satellites, said at least one earth orbit of said server satellites being higher than said one or more earth orbits of said client satellites, each of said server satellites including: 
 i) communications downlink means for providing intercommunication with designated and authorized earth stations within its field of view;  
 ii) communications crosslink means for providing intercommunications with other server satellites within its field of view;  
 iii) communications link means for providing intercommunication with a client satellite within its field of view; and  
 iv)  a processor configured to  1   )  determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more server satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between a client satellite and an earth station, and  2   )  generate pre - processed data and processed data and forward one of the pre - processed data, the processed data and unprocessed data to one of the designated and authorized earth stations; and    
   v )  a memory configured to store the pre - processed data, the processed data and the unprocessed data; and    
 
 c) whereby  wherein when control data for a particular client satellite originating from an  a corresponding earth station is passed directly from the corresponding earth station to an accessible server satellite within its terrestrial communications link field of view and  view, the processor associated with said accessible server satellite determines the appropriate data routing and management information and, based on such data routing and management information, in turn,  either passes said control data either  directly to said particular client satellite over said communications link means if within its communications field of view, or transmits said control data over said communications crosslink means to a server satellite having direct communications access to either said particular client satellite or another server satellite that is capable of communicating with said particular client satellite; and  
 d) whereby each  wherein when the particular client satellite can at any time  transmits its mission data to a designated  corresponding earth station, irrespective of its location on earth, by transmitting said mission data  over said communications link means to a  the accessible server satellite within its communication field of view which, in turn,  view, the processor associated with the accessible server satellite determines the appropriate data routing and management information and, based on such data routing and management information, either passes said mission data either  directly to the designated  corresponding earth station over said communications downlink means if within its communications field of view, or transmits said mission data over said communications crosslink means to a server satellite having communications downlink access to either the designated  corresponding earth station or another server satellite that is capable of communicating with said corresponding earth station.  
 
     
     
       2. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 1 , wherein said communications downlink means comprise a high frequency band spot bean antenna sufficient to provide jam-resistant communications. 
     
     
       3. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 1 , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a wide-band optical laser communications link. 
     
     
       4. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 1 , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a radio frequency communications link. 
     
     
       5. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 1 , wherein said communications link means comprises a W-band communications link. 
     
     
       6. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 5 , wherein said communications link means further includes an omni RF communications link to ensure tracking capability and connectivity between a server satellite and a client satellite during initial launch and orbit insertion of said client satellite and in the event of tumbling or partial loss of attitude stabilization of said client satellite. 
     
     
       7. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 1 , wherein each of said server satellites includes high capacity onboard memory sufficient for cache storage or longer term storage of earth station generated communications data. 
     
     
       8. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 1 , wherein said server satellites include communications links oriented pointed upwards towards said server satellites. 
     
     
       9. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 a) said server satellites are placed in geosynchronous orbit; and  
 b) said client satellites are placed in either one of a low or medium earth orbit.  
 
     
     
       10. A space-based server network architecture which permits on demand transfer of data between a client satellite in an orbit about earth and an earth station irrespective of the location of the client satellite relative to the earth station, the space-based server architecture comprising:
 a) at least one earth station;  
 b) a plurality of client satellites located in one or more earth orbits;  
 c) a plurality of server satellites located spaced apart in at least one earth orbit and being sufficient in number to provide substantially total world-wide communications coverage to and connectivity with designated and authorized earth stations and said plurality of client satellites, said at least one earth orbit of said server satellites being higher than said one or more earth orbits of said client satellites, each of said server satellites including: 
 i) communications downlink means for providing intercommunications with said at least one earth station;  
 ii) communications crosslink means for providing intercommunications with other server satellites within its field of view;  
 iii) communications link means for providing intercommunications with a client satellite within its field of view; and  
 iv)  a processor configured to  1   )  determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more server satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between a client satellite and said at least one earth station, and  2   )  generate pre - processed data and processed data and forward one of the pre - processed data, the processed data and unprocessed data to said at least one earth station; and    
   v )  a memory configured to store the pre - processed data, the processed data and the unprocessed data; and    
 
 d) whereby  wherein when control data for a particular client satellite originating from said at least one earth station is passed directly from said at least one earth station to an accessible server satellite within its terrestrial communications link field of view and  view, the processor associated with said accessible server satellite determines the appropriate data routing and management information and, based on such data routing and management information, in turn,  either passes said control data either  directly to said particular client satellite over said communications link means if within its communications field of view, or transmits said control data over said communications crosslink means to a server satellite having direct communications access to either said particular client satellite or another server satellite that is capable of communicating with said particular client satellite; and  
 e) whereby each  wherein when the particular client satellite can at any time  transmits its mission data to said at least one earth station, irrespective of its location on earth, by transmitting said mission data  over said communications link means to a  the accessible server satellite within its communication field of view, which, in turn,  view, the processor associated with the accessible server satellite determines the appropriate data routing and management information and, based on such data routing and management information, either passes said mission data either  directly to said at least one earth station over said communications downlink means if within its communications field of view, or transmits said mission data over said communications crosslink means to a server satellite having communications downlink access to the designated  either said at least one earth station or another server satellite that is capable of communicating with said at least one earth station.  
 
     
     
       11. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 10 , wherein said communications downlink means comprise a high frequency band spot bean antenna sufficient to provide jam-resistant communications. 
     
     
       12. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 10 , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a wide-band optical laser communications link. 
     
     
       13. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 10 , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a radio frequency communications link. 
     
     
       14. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 10 , wherein said communications link means comprises a W-band communications link. 
     
     
       15. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 14 , wherein said communications link means further includes an omni RF communications link to ensure tracking capability and connectivity between a server satellite and a client satellite during initial launch and orbit insertion of said client satellite and in the event of tumbling or partial loss of attitude stabilization of said client satellite. 
     
     
       16. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 10 , wherein said server satellites include communications links oriented pointed upwards towards said server satellites. 
     
     
       17. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 10 , wherein:
 a) said server satellites are placed in geosynchronous orbit; and  
 b) said client satellites are placed in either one of a low or medium earth orbit.  
 
     
     
       18. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 10 , wherein said at least one earth station comprises land-based, sea-based and airborne platforms. 
     
     
       19. A space- based server network architecture comprising:    ( a )  a client;      ( b )  a server satellite system located in earth orbit, said server satellite system comprising a plurality of satellites, each satellite including:  
 ( i )  communications downlink means for providing intercommunication with designated and authorized earth stations within its field of view;    
 ( ii )  communications link means for providing intercommunication with a client within its field of view;    
 ( iii )  a processor configured to  (   1   )  determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between the client and an earth station, and  (   2   )  generate pre - processed data and processed data and forward one of the pre - processed data, the processed data and unprocessed data to one of the designated and authorized earth stations; and    
 ( iv )  a memory configured to store the pre - processed data, the processed data and the unprocessed data; and    
   ( c )  wherein when said client transmits mission data to or receives mission data from a designated earth station, irrespective of its location on earth, over said communications link means with at least one of the satellites of the server satellite system within the client's communication field of view, the processor associated with the at least one of the satellites of the server satellite system determines the appropriate data routing and management information, and based on such data routing and management information, communicates with either the designated earth station over said communications downlink means for another satellite that is capable of communicating with the client.     
     
     
       20. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 19   , wherein said communications downlink means comprise a high frequency band spot beam antenna sufficient to provide jam - resistant communications.   
     
     
       21. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 19   , wherein said communications link means comprises a radio frequency communications link.   
     
     
       22. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 19   , wherein said communications link means comprises a W - band communications link.   
     
     
       23. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 19   , wherein said client comprises is a client satellite in earth orbit.   
     
     
       24. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 23   , wherein said communications link means further includes an omni RF communications link to ensure tracking capability and connectivity between said server satellite system and said client satellite during initial launch and orbit insertion of said client satellite and in the event of tumbling or partial loss of attitude stabilization of said client satellite.   
     
     
       25. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 23   , wherein:    ( a )  said server satellite system is located placed in geosynchronous orbit; and      ( b )  said client satellite is located placed in either one of a low or a medium earth orbit.     
     
     
       26. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 19   , wherein said memory includes high capacity onboard memory sufficient for cache storage or longer term storage of earth station generated or client generated communications data.   
     
     
       27. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 19   , wherein said client includes communications links oriented pointed upwards towards said server satellite system.   
     
     
       28. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the client comprises an airborne platform.   
     
     
       29. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the client comprises an exo - atmospheric platform.   
     
     
       30. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the earth station comprises a fixed - location ground station.   
     
     
       31. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the earth station comprises a mobile ground station.   
     
     
       32. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the earth station comprises a sea - based sea platform.   
     
     
       33. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the earth station comprises an airborne platform.   
     
     
       34. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the architecture can be used for commercial or military applications.   
     
     
       35. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the server satellite system is located in medium earth orbit.   
     
     
       36. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the communications downlink means and the communications link means utilize the TCP/IP protocol.   
     
     
       37. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein the communications downlink means and the communications link means utilize a modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol format.   
     
     
       38. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 37   , wherein modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol format comprises a form of Space Communications Protocol Standards - Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP).   
     
     
       39. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 19   , wherein at least one of the satellites of the server satellite system is placed in geosynchronous orbit over a protected location.   
     
     
       40. A space- based server network architecture comprising:    ( a )  a plurality of clients;      ( b )  a plurality of server satellites located in one or more earth orbits, each of said server satellites including:  
 ( i )  communications downlink means for providing intercommunication with designated and authorized earth stations within its field of view;    
 ( ii )  communications crosslink means for providing intercommunication with other server satellites within its field of view;    
 ( iii )  communications link means for providing intercommunication with a client within its field of view;    
 ( iv )  a processor configured to  (   1   )  determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more server satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between a client and an earth station, and  (   2   )  generate pre - processed data and processed data and forward one of the pre - processed data, the processed data and unprocessed data to one of the designated and authorized earth stations; and    
 ( iv )  a memory configured to store the pre - processed data, the processed data and the unprocessed data; and    
   ( c )  wherein when each of the plurality of clients transmits its mission data to or receives data from a designated earth station, irrespective of its location on earth, by communicating over said communications link means with at least one of the plurality of server satellites within its communication field of view, the processor associated with the at least one of the plurality of server satellites determines the appropriate data routing and management information and, based on such data routing and management information, communicates with either the designated earth station over said communications downlink means if the designated earth station is in the field of view of the at least one of the plurality of server satellites or another server satellite that is capable of communicating with the designated earth station.     
     
     
       41. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein said communications downlink means comprise a high frequency band spot beam antenna sufficient to provide jam - resistant communications.   
     
     
       42. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a wide - band optical laser communications link.   
     
     
       43. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a radio frequency communications link.   
     
     
       44. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein said communications link means comprises a W - band communications link.   
     
     
       45. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein the plurality of clients comprise one or more client satellites in one or more earth orbits.   
     
     
       46. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 45   , wherein said communications link means further includes an omni RF communications link to ensure tracking capability and connectivity between said server satellites and the one or more client satellites during initial launch and orbit insertion of the one or more client satellites and in the event of tumbling or partial loss of attitude stabilization of the one or more client satellites.   
     
     
       47. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 45   , wherein:    ( a )  each of the plurality of server satellites is placed in geosynchronous orbit; and      ( b )  each of the one or more client satellites is placed in either one of a low or medium earth orbit.     
     
     
       48. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein the memory of each of the plurality of server satellites includes onboard memory sufficient for cache storage or longer term storage of earth station generated or client generated communications data.   
     
     
       49. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein at least one of the plurality of clients includes communications links oriented painted upwards towards one or more of the plurality of server satellites.   
     
     
       50. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 40   , wherein each of the plurality of clients include communications links oriented towards one or more of the plurality of server satellites.   
     
     
       51. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein one or more of the plurality of clients comprise an airborne platform.   
     
     
       52. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein one or more of the plurality of clients comprise an exo - atmospheric platform.   
     
     
       53. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the earth station comprises a fixed - location ground station.   
     
     
       54. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the earth station comprises a mobile ground station.   
     
     
       55. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the earth station comprises a sea - based sea platform.   
     
     
       56. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the communications link means comprises a radio frequency communications link.   
     
     
       57. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the earth station comprises an airborne platform.   
     
     
       58. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the architecture can be used for commercial or military applications.   
     
     
       59. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein one or more or the plurality of server satellites are located in medium earth orbit.   
     
     
       60. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the communications downlink means, the communications crosslink means and the communications link means utilize the TCP/IP protocol.   
     
     
       61. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the communications downlink means, the communications crosslink means, and the communications link means utilize a modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol format.   
     
     
       62. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 61   , wherein modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol format comprises a form of Space Communications Protocol Standards - Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP).   
     
     
       63. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein the plurality of clients can communicate with other of the plurality of clients via the plurality of server satellites.   
     
     
       64. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein if the designated earth station is not in the field of view of the at least one of the plurality of server satellites, the at least one of the plurality of server satellites communicates over communications crosslink means with one or more of the other of the plurality of server satellites which, in turn, communicates over communications downlink means with the designated earth station.   
     
     
       65. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 40   , wherein at least one of the satellites of the server satellite system is placed in geosynchronous orbit over a protected location.   
     
     
       66. A space- based server network architecture comprising:    ( a )  at least one earth station;      ( b )  a client;      ( c )  a server satellites system located in earth orbit, said server satellites system comprising a plurality of satellites, each satellite including:  
 ( i )  communications downlink means for providing intercommunication with said at least one earth station;    
 ( ii )  communications link means for providing intercommunication with a client within its field of view;  
 ( iii )  a processor configured to  (   1   )  determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between the client and the at least one earth station, and  (   2   )  generate pre - processed data and processed data and forward one of the pre - processed data, the processed data and unprocessed data to one of the at least one earth stations; and    
 
 ( iv )  a memory configured to store the pre - processed data, the processed data and the unprocessed data; and    
   ( c )  wherein when said client transmits data to said at least one earth station, irrespective of its location on earth, over said communications link means of at least one of the satellites of the server satellites system within its communication field of view, the processor associated with the at least one of satellites of the server satellites system determines the appropriate data routing and management information and, based on such data routing and management information, transmits the data to either said at least one earth station over said communications downlink means or another satellite that is capable of communicating with said at least one earth station.     
     
     
       67. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 66   , wherein said communications downlink means comprise a high frequency band spot beam antenna sufficient to provide jam - resistant communications.   
     
     
       68. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 66   , wherein said communications link means comprises a W - band communications link.   
     
     
       69. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 66   , wherein said client is a client satellite in earth orbit.   
     
     
       70. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 69   , wherein said communications link means further includes an omni RF communications link to ensure tracking capability and connectivity between the server satellite system and a client satellite during initial launch and orbit insertion of said client satellite and in the event of tumbling or partial loss of attitude stabilization of said client satellite.   
     
     
       71. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 69   , wherein:    ( a )  said server satellite system is located in geosynchronous orbit; and      ( b )  said client satellite is located in either one of a low or a medium earth orbit.     
     
     
       72. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 66   , wherein said client includes communications links oriented towards said server satellite system.   
     
     
       73. A space- based server network architecture as in    claim 66   , wherein said at least one earth station comprises a land - based, a sea - based or an airborne platforms.   
     
     
       74. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 66   , wherein the communications link means comprises a radio frequency communications link.   
     
     
       75. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 66   , wherein the client comprises an exo - atmospheric platform or an airborne platform.   
     
     
       76. The space- based server network architecture of    claim 66   , wherein the architecture can be used for commercial or military applications.   
     
     
       77. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 66 , wherein one or more or the plurality of server satellites are located in medium earth orbit. 
     
     
       78. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 66 , wherein the communication downlink means and the communications link means utilize the TCP/IP protocol. 
     
     
       79. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 66 , wherein the communications downlink means and the communications link means utilize a modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol format. 
     
     
       80. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 79 , wherein the modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol form comprises a form of Space Communications Protocol Standards-Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP). 
     
     
       81. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 66 , wherein at least one of the satellites of the server system is placed in geosynchronous orbit over a protected location. 
     
     
       82. A space-based server network architecture comprising:
 ( a )  at least one earth station;      ( b )  a plurality of clients;      ( c )  a plurality of server satellites located spaced apart in at least one earth orbit, each of said server satellites including:  
 ( i )  communications downlink means for providing intercommunication with said at least one earth station;    
 ( ii )  communications crosslink means for providing intercommunications with other server satellites within its field of view;    
 ( iii )  communications link means for providing intercommunications with a client satellite within its field of view;    
 ( iv )  a processor configured to  (   1   )  determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more server satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between a client satellite and said at least one earth station, and (     2   )  generate pre-processed data and processed data and forward one of the pre-processed data, the processed data and unprocessed data to said at least one earth stations; and    
 ( iv )  a memory configured to store the pre-processed data, the processed data and the unprocessed data; and    
   ( d )  wherein when each client transmits data to said at least one earth station, irrespective of its location on earth, over said communications link means to a server satellite within its communication field of view, the processor associated with the server satellite determines the appropriate data routing and management information and, based on such data routing and management information, transmits the data to either said at least one earth station over said communications downlink means if said at least one earth station is in the field of view of last one of the server satellite or another server satellite that is capable of communicating with said at least one earth station.     
     
     
       83. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 82 , wherein said communications downlink means comprise a high frequency band spot beam antenna sufficient to provide jam-resistant communications. 
     
     
       84. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 82 , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a wide-band optical laser communications link. 
     
     
       85. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 82 , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a radio frquency communication link. 
     
     
       86. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 82 , wherein said communications crosslink means comprises a W-band communications link. 
     
     
       87. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 82  wherein the plurality of clients comprise one or more client satellites in earth orbit. 
     
     
       88. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 87 , wherein said communications link means further includes an omni RF communications link to ensure tracking capability and connectivity between the server satellites and the one or more client satellite during initial launch and orbit insertion of the one or more client satellites and in the event of tumbline or partial loss of attitude stabilization of the one or more client satellites. 
     
     
       89. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 87 , wherein:
 ( a )  each of the plurality of server satellites are placed in geosynchronous orbit; and      ( b )  the one or more client satellites are placed in either one of a low or medium earth orbit.     
     
     
       90. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 82 , wherein said plurality of clients include communications links oriented towards one or more of the plurality of server satellites. 
     
     
       91. A space-based server network architecture as in  claim 82 , wherein said at least one earth station comprises a land-based, a sea-based or an airborne platforms. 
     
     
       92. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein the communications link means comprises a radio frequency communications link. 
     
     
       93. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein the plurality of clients comprise one or more of a satellite, an exo-atmospheric platform, an airborne platform, or any combination of a satellite, an exo-atmospheric platform, and an airborne platform. 
     
     
       94. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein the architecture can be used for commercial or military applications. 
     
     
       95. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein one or more or the plurality of server satellites are located in medium earth orbit. 
     
     
       96. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein the communications downlink means, the communications crosslink means and the communications link means utilizes the TCP/IP protocol. 
     
     
       97. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein the communications downlink means, the communications crosslink means, and the communications link means utilize a modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol format. 
     
     
       98. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 97 , wherein modified TCP/IP standard space network protocol format comprises a form of Space Communications Protocol Standards-Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP). 
     
     
       99. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein the plurality of clients can communicate with other of the plurality of clients via the plurality of server satellites. 
     
     
       100. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein if the designated earth station is not in the field of view of the at least one of the plurality of server satellites, the at least one of the plurality of server satellites communicates over communications crosslink means with one or more of the other of the plurality of server satellites which, in turn, communicate over communications downlink means with the designated earth station. 
     
     
       101. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 82 , wherein at least one of the satellites of the server satellite system is palced in geosynchronous orbit over a protected location. 
     
     
       102. A space-based server network architecture comprising:
   a client;        a server satellite located in earth orbit, comprising a processor operable to process a network protocol;        a first communications link operable to provide intercommunications between the server satellite and the client using a network protocol; and        a second communications link operable to provide intercommunications between the server satellite and an earth station using a network protocol; and        wherein the server satellite is operable to intercommunicate data between the client and the earth station;        wherein the processor is further operable to determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more other server satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between the client and the earth station; and        wherein the processor is further operable to use the data routing and management information to communicate with either the cleint or the one or more other server satellites to complete data transmissions between the client and the earth station.Etp      
     
     
       103. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein the client comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       104. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 103 , wherein the earth orbit of the client satellite is below the earth orbit of the server satellite. 
     
     
       105. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein the client comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       106. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein client comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       107. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein the earth station comprises a fixed-location ground station. 
     
     
       108. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein the earth station comprises a mobile ground station. 
     
     
       109. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein the earth station comprises a mobile ground station. 
     
     
       110. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of transmission control protocol/internet portocol (TCP/IP). 
     
     
       111. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 101 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of Space Communications Protocl Standards-Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP). 
     
     
       112. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , wherein the earth station comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       113. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , further comprising a plurality of clients operable tointercommunicate data over communications links between the plurality of clients and the server satellites, and wherein the server satellite is further operable to provide intercommunications among the plurality of clients using a network protocol. 
     
     
       114. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 113 , wherein at least one client comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       115. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 114 , wherein the earth orbit of the at least one client satellite is below the earth orbit of the server satellite. 
     
     
       116. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 113  wherein at least one client comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       117. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 113 , wherein at least one client comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       118. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 102 , further comprising:
   a plurality of server satellites; and        server communications links operable to provide intercommunications among the plurality of server satellites using a network protocol; and        wherein the plurality of server satellites are further operable to intercommunicate data among the client, the earth station, and the plurality of server satellites.     
     
     
       119. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 118 , further comprising:
   a plurality of clients operable to intercommunicate data over communications links between the plurality of clients and one or more of the plurality of server satellites; and        wherein the plurality of server satellites are further operable to provide intercommunications using a network protocol among the plurality of clients, the earth station, and the plurality of server sattelites.     
     
     
       120. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 119 , further comprising:
   a plurality of earth stations operable to intercommunicate data over communications links between the plurality of earth stations and one or more of the plurality of server satellites; and        wherein the plurality of server satellites are further operable to provide intercommunications using a network protocol among the plurality of clients, the plurality of each station, and the plurality of server satellites.     
     
     
       121. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120 , wherein at least one client comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       122. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 121 , wherein the earth orbit of the at least one client is below the earth orbit of the server satellite. 
     
     
       123. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein at least one client comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       124. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein at least one client comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       125. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein the network protocol comprises a form of transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). 
     
     
       126. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein the network protocol comprises a form of Space Communications Protocol Standards-Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP). 
     
     
       127. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein at least one earth station comprises a fixed-location ground station. 
     
     
       128. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein at least one earth statiaon comprises a mobile ground station. 
     
     
       129. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein at least one earth station comprises a sea-based platform. 
     
     
       130. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 120  wherein at least one earth station comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       131. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 118 , wherein the plurality of server satellites are communication with each other and configured such that the client can communicate with the earth station at any time irrespective of the earth station's location on earth. 
     
     
       132. A server satellite located in earth orbit comprising:
   a first communications link operable to provide intercommunications using a network protocol with a client;        a second communications link operable to provide intercommunications using a network protocol with an earth station;        a processor configured to  (   1   )  determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more other server satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between the client and the earth station, and  (   2   )  generate pre-processed data and processed data and forward one of the pre-processed data, the processed data and unprocessed data to the earth stations;        a memory configured to store the pre-processed data, the processed data and the unprocessed data; and        wherein the server satellite is operable to intercommunicate data between the client and the earth station using the data routing and management information via the one or more other server satellites, if any.     
     
     
       133. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein the first communications link comprises a plurality of communications links, and wherein the first communications link is further operable to intercommunicate data with a plurality of clients over the plurality of communications links, and wherein the server satellite is further operable to provide intercommunications using a network protocol with the plurality of clients. 
     
     
       134. The server satellite of  claim 133 , wherein the second communications link comprises a plurality of communications links, and wherein the second communications link is further operable to provide intercommunications using a network protocol with a plurality of earth stations over the plurality of communications links and wherein the server satellite is further operable to provide intercommunications using a network protocol among the plurality of clients and the plurality earth stations. 
     
     
       135. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein at least one client comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       136. The server satellite of  claim 135 , wherein the earth obit of the client satellite is below the earth orbit of the server satellite. 
     
     
       137. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein at least one client comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       138. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein at least one client comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       139. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). 
     
     
       140. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of Space Communicatiosn Protocol Standards-Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP). 
     
     
       141. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein at least one earth station comprises a fixed-location ground station. 
     
     
       142. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein at least one earth station comprises a mobile ground station. 
     
     
       143. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein at least one earth station comprises a sea-based platform. 
     
     
       144. The server satellite of  claim 132 , wherein at least one earth station comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       145. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 132 , further comprising a plurality of server satellites in communication with each other and configured such that the client can communicate with the earth station at any time irrespective of the earth station's location on earth. 
     
     
       146. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 145 , further comprises a plurality of clients in communication with one or more of the plurality of server satellites, the plurality of server satellites configured to facilitate communication among the plurality of clients. 
     
     
       147. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 146 , wherein at least one of the plurality of clients comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       148. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 147 , wherein the earth orbit of the client satellite is below the earth orbit of the plurality of server satellites. 
     
     
       149. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 146 , wherein at least one of the plurality of clients comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       150. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 146 , wherein at least one of the plurality of clients comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       151. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 146 , further comprising a plurality of earth stations in communication with one or more of the plurality of server satellites, the plurality of server satellites configured to facilitate communication among the plurality of clients, the plurality of earth stations and the plurality of server satellites. 
     
     
       152. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 151 , wherein at least one of the plurality of earth stations comprises a mobile ground station. 
     
     
       153. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 151 , wherein at least one of the plurality of earth stations comprises a fixed-location ground station. 
     
     
       154. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 151 , wherein at least one of the plurality of earth stations comprises a sea-based platform. 
     
     
       155. The space-based server network architecture of  claim 151 , wherein at least one of the plurality of earth stations comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       156. A method of communicating using a space-based server network architecture comprising the steps of:
   intercommunicating between a client and an earth station by performing the steps of:      intercommunicating between the client and a server satellite located in earth orbit using a network protocol over a first communications link;        directing the server satellite to determine data routing and management information including information relating to one or more other server satellites, if any, to be used for data transmissions between the client and the earth station; and        intercommunicating between the server satellite and the earth station using a network protocol over a second communications link, the data routing and management information and the one or more other server satellites, if any.       
     
     
       157. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the client comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       158. The method of  claim 157 , wherein the earth orbit of the client satellite is below the earth orbit of the server satellite. 
     
     
       159. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the client comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       160. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the client comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       161. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). 
     
     
       162. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of Space Communications Protocol Standards-Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP). 
     
     
       163. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the earth station comprises a fixed-location ground station. 
     
     
       164. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the earth station comprises a mobile ground station. 
     
     
       165. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the earth station comprises a sea-based platform. 
     
     
       166. The method of  claim 156 , wherein the earth station comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       167. The method of  claim 156 , further comprising the step of:
   intercommunicating among a plurality of clients via the server satellite using a network protocol over communications links between the plurality of clients and the server satellite.     
     
     
       168. The method of  claim 167 , wherein at least one client comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       169. The method of  claim 168 , wherein the earth obit of the client satellite is below the earth orbit of the server satellite. 
     
     
       170. The method of  claim 167 , wherein at least one client comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       171. The method of  claim 167 , wherein at least one client comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       172. The method of  claim 156 , further comprising the step of:
   intercommunicating among a plurality of clients and a plurality of server satellites using a network protocol.     
     
     
       173. The method of  claim 172 , further comprising the step of:
   intercommunicating among the plurality of server satellites using a network protocol over communication links between the plurality of server satellites.     
     
     
       174. The method of  claim 172 , further comprising the step of:
   intercommunicating among the plurality of clients, the plurality of server satellites, and the earth station using a network protocol.     
     
     
       175. The method of  claim 174 , further comprising the step of:
   intercommunicating among the plurality of clients, the plurality of server satellites and a plurality of earth stations using a network protocol.     
     
     
       176. The method of  claim 175 , wherein at least one client comprises a client satellite in earth orbit. 
     
     
       177. The method of  claim 176 , wherein the earth obit of the client satellite is below the earth orbit of the server satellite. 
     
     
       178. The method of  claim 175 , wherein at least one client comprises an airborne platform. 
     
     
       179. The method of  claim 175 , wherein at least one client comprises an exo-atmospheric platform. 
     
     
       180. The method of  claim 175 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). 
     
     
       181. The method of  claim 175 , wherein the network protocol comprises a form of Space Communications Protocol Standards-Transport Protocol (SCPS-TP). 
     
     
       182. The method of  claim 175 , wherein at least one earth station comprises a fixed-location ground station. 
     
     
       183. The method of  claim 175 , wherein at least one earth station comprises a mobile ground station. 
     
     
       184. The method of  claim 175 , wherein at least one earth station comprises a sea platform. 
     
     
       185. The method of  claim 175 , wherein at least one earth station comprises an airborne platform.