MSV Issued Patent for Innovative ATC Satellite Network Architecture

RESTON, Va., May 1, 2006/Satnews Daily/ — The U.S. Patent Office has awarded Mobile Satellite Ventures, LP (MSV) Patent No. 7,006,789  for its “Space-Based Network Architectures for Satellite Radiotelephone Systems.”

The grant of patent is the latest to issue in a long series of patent filings by MSV covering the development and operation of an integrated terrestrial and satellite communications network. The '789 patent is specifically directed to unique next generation satellite networks in which the space-based transmitter and receiver functions are performed by different satellites.

“The evolution of satellite communications is placing increasing demand on the capacity of a single satellite as millions of small, inexpensive user terminals to begin using satellite networks. MSV's revolutionary integrated communications network will further this trend,” explained Dr. Peter D. Karabinis, senior vice president and a co-inventor of the '789 patent.

“Eventually, there comes a point where no single rocket can launch a satellite with the size and complexity needed to fill this demand. Deploying separate satellites for transmit and receive functions as claimed by MSV in this patent, makes it possible to implement an effective satellite communications system by splitting these functions between satellites.”

He said an additional innovation covered by the patent maximizes the satellite's ability to communicate with a weak signal on the ground and minimize battery drain on small user equipment by enabling the satellite to capture energy radiated by small user equipment.

With the issuance of the '789 patent, MSV said it now holds over 900 claims in nine issued U.S. patents directed to key features and functionality of an integrated satellite and terrestrial communications network. Approximately 90 additional patent applications are pending in the U.S. The patents, when issued, are expected to significantly add to the strength and breadth of MSV's already best-in-class patent portfolio. Corresponding patent applications have also been filed in Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia and elsewhere.

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