Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Steven L Branscombe

William F Courtney

Ray M Nuber

Michael S Munoz

Fritz B Mezger

Guy D Renard

Thanh D Hoang

Jon K Spain

A method and computer program to configure feeds on a satellite ( ) to provide for redundant coverage when a satellite ( ) fails. Further, this method and computer program can enable the switching of feeds from commands from a ground station ( ) to activate certain feeds and deactivate other feeds when demand for service changes. In addition, this method and computer program allow for repositioning of satellites so that when one satellite fails another satellite may take over its area of coverage by switching active feeds without the need for placing another satellite in orbit.

Method of configuring satellite constellation design using multiple discrete switchable spot beams

A spacecraft is provided that includes a communications payload having an antenna support structure and an antenna boom coupled to the antenna support structure. An attitude sensor may be mounted to the antenna boom. The attitude sensor (such as an Earth sensor, a star tracker and/or a sun sensor) may be mounted at a root of the antenna boom.

Attitude sensor for spacecraft

Growing community of inventors

Westminster, CA, United States of America

Steven L Branscombe