# How High-Altitude Satellites Relay Data for Fast-Moving Low-Orbit Satellites > This patent describes how a high-throughput satellite (HTS) in a fixed orbit can dynamically track and relay data from fast-moving low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to ground stations by precisely switching its focused radio beams. - **Patent:** US 10998965 - **Original title:** High throughput satellites and methods of operating high throughput satellites for relaying data between low earth orbit satellites to endpoints - **Owner:** Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co - **Granted:** 2021 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 23 - **Field:** telecommunications, aerospace, software, consumer_electronics ## What it does This patent details a method for a high-throughput satellite (HTS) to act as a data relay for low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The system first predicts the path of an orbiting LEO satellite (Claim 1). Based on this predicted path, it identifies a sequence of specific radio beams, called spot beams, on the HTS that have compatible radio properties, known as 'matching color re-use polarization' (Claim 1). This information is then sent to the HTS, instructing it to seamlessly hand off the communication link from one spot beam to the next as the LEO satellite moves, ensuring a continuous connection (Claim 1). For example, if a LEO satellite is transmitting weather data, the HTS would anticipate its movement across its coverage area and automatically switch the focused radio beam to maintain a strong inter-satellite link, even adjusting data transmission settings (MODCOD) if ground station weather degrades the signal (Claim 2, 4). ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover relaying data between satellites without using a High Throughput Satellite (HTS). - Does not cover inter-satellite links that do not involve dynamically assigning spot beams based on a LEO satellite's trajectory. - Does not cover maintaining an inter-satellite link without considering 'matching color re-use polarization' for the spot beams. - Does not cover direct communication from a LEO satellite to a ground station without an HTS acting as a relay. - Does not cover systems where the HTS spot beams are static and do not adapt to the LEO satellite's movement. ## The clever bit The innovation lies in dynamically predicting a fast-moving LEO satellite's path and then precisely instructing a geostationary HTS to switch its highly focused spot beams, ensuring a continuous, high-quality inter-satellite link by selecting beams with compatible radio properties. ## Real-world examples 1. LEO satellite internet constellations (e.g., Starlink, OneWeb) 2. Earth observation satellite data relay 3. Global maritime and aviation communication networks 4. Military satellite communication systems ## Why it matters LEO satellites, like those used for global internet or Earth observation, move very quickly and are only visible to a ground station for short periods. This patent provides a way for a geostationary HTS to extend the communication window for LEO satellites, making data transfer more efficient and reliable. By using an HTS as a relay, LEO operators can reduce the number of expensive ground stations needed worldwide. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How High-Altitude Satellites Relay Data for Fast-Moving Low-Orbit Satellites cover? This patent describes how a high-throughput satellite (HTS) in a fixed orbit can dynamically track and relay data from fast-moving low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to ground stations by precisely switching its focused radio beams. ### Who owns patent US 10998965? Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co owns this patent, granted in 2021. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on December 31, 2039, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 10998965 cited by? This patent has been cited by 23 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? LEO satellites, like those used for global internet or Earth observation, move very quickly and are only visible to a ground station for short periods. This patent provides a way for a geostationary HTS to extend the communication window for LEO satellites, making data transfer more efficient and reliable. By using an HTS as a relay, LEO operators can reduce the number of expensive ground stations needed worldwide. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover relaying data between satellites without using a High Throughput Satellite (HTS). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10998965/high-throughput-satellites-and-methods-of-operating-high-throughput-satellites-f **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10998965 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How LEO Satellites Switch Beams for Speed and Avoid Interference](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11902010/dual-leo-satellite-system-and-method-for-global-coverage) — This patent describes a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite system that provides global internet by switching users to faster, focused beams when needed, while also preventing interference with older, higher-orbit satellites. - [High-Flying Aircraft Relays Satellite Internet to Ground Users](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10707961/adaptive-communication-system) — This patent describes a communication system that uses satellites, high-altitude aircraft, and ground stations to send data, specifically using lasers for space links and cloud-penetrating radio waves for ground links. - [How Space Taxis and Locomotives Move Satellites Between Orbits](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11492143/catching-super-heavy-booster) — A modular system using a small 'rendezvous' vehicle to collect satellites and a larger 'locomotive' vehicle to haul them to their final destination in space. - [How Satellites Sync Timing for Faster 5G Internet Connections](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12464567/raptor-future) — A method for terminal devices to calculate precise timing offsets when connecting to 5G satellite networks, reducing the need for constant data updates from base stations. - [How Satellite Swarms Keep Their Solar Panels and Antennas Pointed Correctly](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11623768/super-heavy-booster) — A system for managing large satellite arrays in orbit that balances the need to point solar panels at the sun and antennas at the Earth while keeping the structure stable.