The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 08, 2003
Filed:
Jun. 20, 2000
Robert S. Vendryes, Evergreen, CO (US);
Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);
Abstract
A method and system for autonomous two-way RF communication between a launch vehicle and at least one receiving or tracking station. Detection circuitry continuously determines the identity of the optimum receiving or tracking station (ground, sea, airborne, or satellite) and selects the best launch vehicle transmission antenna to close the RF telemetry link. The method and system is designed to simultaneously transmit and receive RF signals. The antenna system includes a telemetry transmission link and an antenna selection link. Antenna selection link signals received by each antenna element on the launch vehicle are provided via RF couplers to a receiver for signal strength and modulation signal detection. The telemetry transmission link communicates with a receiving or tracking station by using a transmitter to drive one of two or more switched antennas mounted on the surface of the launch vehicle having the current higher signal strength.