System for direct communications with a space craft
US6970704B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B7/18508
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An automated communication system for communicatively connecting a caller with a communications device to an space craft. The system includes a port for accepting a call and a call management program that uses a spacecraft identifier to automatically effect the communication to the space craft via a ground earth station and a satellite. The satellite retransmits the communication to a dedicated spacecraft receiver in the space craft. The system provides Internet-based call monitoring and billing capabilities. The system reduces cost and overall connection time by using the Internet to verify the spacecraft's flying status through the ground station databases before initiating a call.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.