FRACTIONATED SATELLITE GROUP Russian patent published in 2023 - IPC H04B7/185 

FIELD: satellite communications.

SUBSTANCE: invention is proposed to increase the number of functionality available to the user device without increasing or with a minimal increase in the cost, complexity and/or size of user devices and satellites. To achieve that, the gateway satellite can route communications to and from auxiliary satellites using the first communication protocol; auxiliary satellites may be orbitally associated with a gateway satellite and may be equipped with appropriate payload types that provide the appropriate functionality. The auxiliary satellites may also use respective communication protocols different from each other and from the first communication protocol. Routing communications to and from the auxiliary satellites may include relaying the data stream between the plurality of auxiliary satellites. Communication routing between the auxiliary satellites may include relaying the data stream between a plurality of gateway satellites. Routing communications to and from auxiliary satellites may also include relaying data streams between commercial satellites and auxiliary satellites.

EFFECT: increase the number of functionality available to the user device without increasing or with a minimal increase in the cost, complexity and/or size of user devices and satellites.

42 cl, 16 dwg