Viasat, Inc.

John R Zlogar

Kurt A Zimmerman

Philip A Lampe

Mark Vanderaar

Rodney A Morris

Determining alignment and clear line-of-sight (LOS) of a satellite antenna using sensor data from an LOS sensor of the satellite antenna. Described techniques include storing first sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a first time, the first sensor data indicating a first LOS condition of the satellite antenna corresponding to the satellite antenna having a beam LOS with a satellite of the satellite communication system that is aligned and unobstructed. The techniques may include receiving second sensor data captured by the LOS sensor at a second time after the first time, the second sensor data indicating a second LOS condition of the satellite antenna. The techniques may include determining an LOS condition change for the satellite antenna between the first time and the second time based on a comparison of the second sensor data with the first sensor data.

Satellite antenna with sensor for line-of-sight detection

A satellite communications system adjusts a modulation and coding format for a downlink based on the slant range distance from the satellite to the receiving ground terminal. Modulation and coding formats are each associated with different sets of slant range distances. An estimated slant range from a satellite to a receiving ground terminal for a time period is determined, and the modulation and coding format associated with that slant range distance is identified. Data may then be transmitted by the satellite to the receiving ground terminal using the identified modulation and coding format for the time period. Additional factors may be considered in identifying the applicable modulation and coding format to be used.

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Atlanta, GA, United States of America

John R Zlogar