WO2025106129A2

WO2025106129A2 - Satcom system

Info

Publication number: WO2025106129A2
Application number: PCT/US2024/034862
Authority: WO
Inventors: Garrett Edward Kinsman; Eliott Quentin Eric Teissonniere; Micha Anthenor Benoliel
Original assignee: Intergalactic Labs Inc
Current assignee: Intergalactic Labs Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-20
Filing date: 2024-06-20
Publication date: 2025-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-20
Also published as: WO2025106129A3

Abstract

A system for satellite communication may comprise a first satellite communication device and a second satellite communication device. The first satellite communication device may be operable to receive a first signal from a first satellite, convert the first signal to a second signal, and send the second signal to a second satellite communication device. The first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device may form a coordinating layer for satellite communication and backhaul.

Description

SATCOM SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/509,274, filed June 20, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a system for wireless communication including satellite communication.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described herein are not prior art to the claims in the present application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0004] Satellites are objects placed into orbit around the earth. Satellites may be used for different purposes including communication, weather forecasting, location, broadcasting, and the like. Satellite devices may experience limitations in communications with a ground station (e.g., one or more devices on earth) and/or other satellites. Therefore, devices, systems, and methods for enhancing satellite communication would be useful.

[0005] The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

SUMMARY

[0006] A system for satellite communication may include a first satellite communication device, and a second satellite communication device. The first satellite communication device may receive a first signal from a first satellite. The first satellite communication device may convert the first signal to a second signal. The first satellite communication device may send the second signal to a second satellite communication device. The first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device may form a coordinating layer for satellite communication and backhaul. [0007] A satellite communication device may include a mirror to reflect a first signal comprising data from a first device. The satellite communication device may include a steerable microarray to receive the first signal from the mirror. The satellite communication device may include a sensor to receive the first signal from the steerable microarray. The satellite communication device may include a processing device to receive the first signal from the sensor, identify data from the first signal, and generate a second signal based on the data. The satellite communication device may include a laser to send the second signal to the steerable microarray. The steerable microarray may guide the second signal to the mirror to be sent to one or more of a second satellite communication device or a satellite.

[0008] A method for satellite communication may include sending, from a personal area network (PAN) communication device to a satellite, an RF signal. The method may include receiving, at the satellite, the RF signal. The method may include amplifying, at the satellite, the RF signal. The method may include sending, from the satellite to a satellite communication device, the RF signal. The method may include receiving, at an antenna of the satellite communication device from the satellite, the RF signal.

[0009] The objects and advantages of the disclosure will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are given as examples and are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example satellite communication system in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an example satellite communication system including a user equipment (UE) in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an example satellite communication system including multiple satellites in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. [0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example timing diagram for satellite communication in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a mesh network for satellite communication in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example satellite communication block diagram in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an example process flow for satellite communication in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an example process flow for satellite communication in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an example process flow for satellite communication in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a machine in the example form of a computing device in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. [0021] The elements and components in the figures can be arranged in accordance with at least one of the embodiments described herein, and which arrangement may be modified in accordance with the disclosure provided herein by one of ordinary skill in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Satellite-based communications involve various architectures, deployment options, spectrum usage, and use cases. Some of the architectures involve whether the satellite communicates using radio frequency (RF) or optical communication. Some of the deployment options relate to partnerships with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Some of the spectrum usage complexities involve the crowded spectrum at lower frequencies and the increased attenuation at higher frequencies. A number of use cases exist including multi-connectivity, fixed cell connectivity, mobile cell connectivity, network resilience, trunking, edge network delivery, mobile cell hybrid connectivity, direct to node broadcast, wide area loT service, local area loT service, direct to mobile broadcast, wide area public safety, local area public safety, and the like.

[0023] Communication systems associated with satellites (e.g., communications between satellites and/or communications with ground systems) may experience scenarios where communications may be limited due to weather conditions, or visibility between the satellite communication systems (e.g., a ground system on the far side of the earth may be inaccessible to a satellite on the opposite side thereof). Furthermore, the expense of ground systems may be prohibitive in some cases. Therefore, methods of enhancing satellite coverage using ground systems without sacrificing reliability and cost would be useful.

[0024] A satellite communication system that may be replicated and disposed globally and/or via satellite may be used in a mesh network, where individual satellite communication systems may operate as nodes in the mesh network. As such, a decentralized mesh network may be formed where any two satellite communication systems may communicate with one another either directly, or through additional satellite communication systems included in the mesh network. In some implementations, the satellite communication systems may be configured to bid for communication resources, which may be limited in a satellite environment, due to intervening factors such as visibility (line of sight), weather conditions, cloud cover, etc. Using bids from the satellite communication systems, the communication resources may be allocated such that a coordination between the satellite communication systems may be achieved to communicate data in an orderly fashion.

[0025] The present disclosure provides several implementations of a satellite communication device and methods of communications between multiple satellite communication devices. In some implementations, multiple satellite communication devices may be in communication to form a mesh network. In such implementations, the connected satellite communication devices may form a decentralized network architecture, as described in the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an example satellite communication system 100 (also referred as system 100), in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some implementations, the system 100 may include one or more lenses 102 (e.g., window lens), one or more mirrors 104, a shade 106, a micro-array 108, a prism 110, a sensor 112, one or more laser devices 114, a navigation device 116, a processing device 118, and/or one or more communication devices 120.

[0027] The one or more mirrors 104 may reflect a first signal 124 including data from a first device. The micro-array 108 may receive the first signal 124 from the one or more mirrors 104. The sensor 112 may receive the first signal 124 from the microarray 108. The processing device may receive the first signal 124 from the sensor 112, identify data from the first signal 124, and generate a second signal 126 based on the data. The laser may transmit the second signal 126 to the micro-array 108. The microarray 108 may guide the second signal 126 to the one or more mirrors 104 to be sent to one or more of a second satellite communication device or a satellite.

[0028] The system 100 may be configured to transmit (e.g., second signal 126) and/or receive (e.g., first signal 124) data using radio communications. Radio communications may be communicated using any suitable spectrum such as wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless wide area network (WWAN), a personal area network (e.g., Bluetooth®), or the like. For example, the system 100 may be configured to transmit data to and/or receive data from a satellite via radio communications (e.g., the satellite may include a second system similar to the system 100) and/or the system 100 may be configured to transmit data to and/or receive data from a second system (e.g., similar to the system 100) that may not be associated with a satellite (e.g., a ground station) via radio communications. A ground station may be a system 100 on the earth that may transmit data and/or receive data from a satellite or from another ground station.

[0029] The system 100 may include one or more of a steerable antenna or a solid- state antenna. The antennas may be steerable, such as by directions received from the processing device 118. Alternatively, or additionally, the antennas may be one or more solid state antennas. For example, the solid state antennas may include, but not be limited to, a phased array, active electronically scanned array (AESA), and/or other computer controlled array antennas. The antennas may be used to track one or more satellites. Tracking the one or more satellites may enhance the communication between the system 100 and the one or more satellites.

[0030] Alternatively, or additionally, the system 100 may be configured to transmit data and/or receive data using optical communications. For example, the system 100 may be configured to transmit data to and/or receive data from a satellite and/or other system, as described herein, using one or more optical communication mediums. In one example, a first signal 124 (e.g., an incoming signal) may be reflected off the one or more mirrors 104, filtered through the shade 106, and directed to the micro-array 108. The micro-array may direct the first signal 124 to the prism, which may further direct the first signal to a sensor 112.

[0031] In another example, the system 100 may include one or more laser devices

114 that may generate a second signal 126 (e.g., an outgoing signal including optical data) that may be transmitted by the system 100, such as to a second system. The second signal 126 may be refracted by the prism 110 to the micro-array 108. The microarray 108 may guide the second signal 126 through the shade 106 to the one or more mirrors 104. The one or more mirrors 104 may direct the second signal 126 through the one or more lenses 102 for transmission to a second system, a satellite, or the like. [0032] The sensor may include one or more of a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a small form factor pluggable laser module. The sensor 112 (e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) sensor) may receive optical data via an emission (e.g., a first signal 124) from a laser remote from the system 100. In some embodiments, the sensor 112 (e.g., the CCD sensor) may be a small form factor pluggable laser module.

[0033] The laser devices 114 in the system 100 may emit laser light that may be directed to the one or more mirrors 104 in the system 100 via the microarray 108. The micro-array 108 may be steerable, such as by receiving instructions from the processing device 118, such that the light from the laser devices 114 may be guided to a receiving system, such as a ground station (e.g., a system 100 on the earth). In some embodiments, the micro-array 108 may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) such as a micro tip-tilt array device that may guide incoming and/or outgoing light from laser devices and/or sensors within the system 100 (e.g., the CCD sensor).

[0034] The one or more mirrors 104 may include one or more of a folded mirror or an aspherical mirror. In some embodiments, the one or more mirrors 104 of the system 100 may be disposed in a folded mirror arrangement. For example, the one or more mirrors 104 may be a Cassegrain reflector, an offset Cassegrain reflector, and/or any other folded mirror arrangement. In these and other embodiments, the one or more mirrors 104 may guide the emissions (e.g., second signal 126) from the laser device 114 as directed by the processing device 118 (e.g., to a particular receiving system) and/or the one or more mirrors 104 may guide a received optical transmission (e.g., a first signal 124) to the sensor 112 (e.g., the CCD sensor) within the system 100.

[0035] The orientation of the one or more mirrors 104 may be adjustable via motors included in the system 100, as described herein, such that the directionality associated with reflected emissions may be adjusted to be directed to a target system or device. For example, one or more of the one or more mirrors 104 included in the system 100 may be gimbaled, such that the one or more mirrors 104 may be adjustable in response to receiving directions from a device, such as the processing device 118 of the system 100. [0036] The system 100 may include a prism 110. The prism 110 may receive the first signal 124 from the micro-array 108 and direct the first signal 124 to the sensor 112. The prism 110 may receive the second signal from the laser device 114 and direct the second signal to the micro-array 108. In one example, the prism 110 may be a wedge prism.

[0037] One or more lenses 102 may be used in the system 100, which may be in conjunction with the one or more mirrors 104 included in the system 100. In some embodiments, the one or more lenses 102 may be used in telescopic operations. For example, the one or more lenses 102 may include, but not be limited to, wide angle polymer lenses, Fresnel lenses, and/or other lenses, any of which may be used to vary a focal plane associated with the system 100. In an example, the system 100 may include solid state optics and/or a monolithic design (e.g., a single glass piece Cassegrain telescope) as at least a portion of the optical arrangement.

[0038] The one or more mirrors 104 and/or one or more lenses 102 included in the system 100 may be spherical. Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more mirrors 104 and/or one or more lenses 102 may be aspherical. Alternatively, or additionally, various combinations of spherical and aspherical mirrors and/or one or more lenses 102 may be included in the system 100 such that received optical signals (e.g., first signal 124) may be directed to the sensor 112 and emitted signals (e.g., an emission via the laser device 114 such as second signal 126) may be directed to a particular system or device.

[0039] The system 100 may include one or more of a camera to track an object, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device, a telescoping device, or a focusing device.

[0040] The system 100 may include one or more camera devices, such as optical cameras, that may generate optical data for use at least in the processing device 118 in the system 100. For example, the optical data generated using the camera devices may facilitate sky tracking by identifying various objects relative to the system 100 and changes to associated locations of the various objects over time. One or more sensors and/or devices may be used in conjunction with the camera devices to facilitate tracking (e.g., sky tracking as described herein) and/or determining an orientation of the system 100 relative to one or more other objects.

[0041] The system 100 may include a navigation device 116 (e.g., GNSS receiver) that may be used to perform and/or contribute to tracking performed by the system 100 and/or may be used to determine an orientation of the system 100. The GNSS receiver may also be used to determine a position, velocity, and/or time of the system 100.

[0042] The system 100 may include one or more MEMS devices (e.g., which may include one or more compasses) that may contribute to determining an orientation of the system 100.

[0043] The system 100 may include one or more motors (e.g., a gimbal setup) that may be used in conjunction with tracking, as described herein, aligning the system 100 with other objects (such as a second system), and/or with alignment of the components included in the system 100. For example, the motors may adjust the micro-array 108 to direct emissions (e.g., a second signal 126) from the laser device 114 as determined by the processing device in the system 100 and/or to direct received optical emissions to the sensor 112 (e.g., the CCD sensor). In another example, the motors may control operations of the shade 106, such that sun rays 122 may be filtered from received optical emissions (e.g., first signal 124) which may contribute to reducing noise that may be included in the received optical emissions (e.g., first signal 124).

[0044] The system may include a communication device 120. The communication device 120 may communicate using one or more of an Ethernet connection, a fiber optic connection, or a radio-frequency (RF) connection. The RF connection may be a WWAN, a WLAN, or personal area network (PAN) (e.g., Bluetooth®). The system 100 may include one or more communication devices 120, where at least a portion thereof may include a backhaul internet connection that may be used in communications with remote systems and/or devices. The internet connection may be facilitated via Ethernet, fiber optics, and/or various radio frequencies (e.g., Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, and the like).

[0045] Alternatively, or additionally, a portion of the one or more communication devices 120 may be configured to communicate with a user equipment (e.g., a mobile phone, a personal computer, a laptop computer, etc.) via wired or wireless communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, near field communication (NFC), serial cable, Ethernet, coaxial, etc.). The system 100 may communicate with the user equipment to obtain configuration files and/or transfer data between the devices. An application may be installed on the user equipment that may provide a user of the user equipment management controls over the system 100 and/or the components included in the system 100. For example, a user may designate a particular system to receive communications from the system 100 via an application on the user equipment, which may be transmitted to the system 100 and implemented via the processing device 118 therein to direct communications to the particular system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the processing device 118 of the system 100 may direct computational tasks associated with the system 100, as described herein. For example, the processing device 118 may direct emissions (e.g., second signal 126) from the laser device 114, receive optical transmissions (e.g., second signal 126) from other systems, direct the orientation of the one or more mirrors 104 in the system 100, and so forth. In some embodiments, the processing device 118 may be in a centralized architecture, where the processing device 118 of the system 100 may communicate with a centralized server (which may include communications with the centralized server via another system). In a centralized architecture, the management and/or deployment of the system 100 may be coordinated. Alternatively, or additionally, the processing device 118 may include a decentralized architecture, where the processing device 118 of the system 100 may communicate with other systems in a decentralized coordination. [0047] In general, the system 100 may be constructed and arranged such that the system 100 and/or the components included in the system 100 are waterproof and/or dust proof. For example, the system 100 may include an ingress protection code of ingress protection rating 66 (IP66) or greater, indicating no ingress of dust and protection for water jets and/or water immersion. Alternatively, or additionally, the system 100 may include one or more mechanisms that may compensate for wet conditions and/or freezing conditions. For example, the system may include a de-icing system, water resistant surfaces (which may include a water resistant film and/or or water resistant application), and/or a water removing system (e.g., one or more wipers on the lens or other optical surfaces).

[0048] The system 100 may be powered by any suitable device such as power over Ethernet (PoE) such as 48 V POE. Alternatively or in addition, a power supply such as a 12 V power supply may be used. In some examples, off-grid power may be used.

[0049] The system 100 may include one or more mounting components (e.g., grommets disposed on an exterior portion thereof), such that the system 100 may be mounted to another object, such as a portion of a vehicle, a satellite, and the like. The system 100 and/or the components of the system 100 (which may include the individual components and/or a case structure of the system 100) may be formed of plastic, metal, forged metal, and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively, or additionally, the system 100 may include the shade 106, as described herein, where the operation thereof may be directed by the processing device 118. In some embodiments, the shade 106 may be a mechanical shutter that may open or close as directed by the processing device 118. Alternatively, or additionally, the shade 106 may include a liquid-crystal display crystal that may filter the sun’s rays 122.

[0050] The system 100 may include temperature control devices that may be used to increase or decrease temperatures associated with the system 100 and/or the components included in the system 100. For example, the system 100 may include one or more heat sinks, cooling fans, and/or other temperature devices to regulate the temperature associated with the system 100.

[0051] The system 100 may include a user application that may manage the system 100 and collect payment (e.g., via cryptocurrency or credit cards).

[0001] In some examples, as disclosed in WO 2022/178336, which is hereby incorporated by reference, the form factor of the system 100 may be a sticker (e.g., a patch or microstrip type of assembly). The configuration of the system allows it to be integrated into the small form factor device. The sticker allows for easy fabrication using printed circuit board (PCB) techniques. Transparent conductive oxides can also be deposited on a clear substrate, such as PT or polyamide, where the oxides include indium tin oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, or combinations thereof. Also, 5G transparent antenna materials may be used, such as nanoweb materials (e.g., transparent metal mesh), Dongwoo Fine-Chem transparent antenna (mmWave, antenna on display), transparent conducting films, graphene film, or others. Conductive vapor deposition coatings can also be used to form conductive antenna elements.

[0002] Additionally, the system 100 may be configured with a small footprint and a coupling feature that allows for being attached to fixed location objects, such as trees, buildings, or other natural or manmade structures. The system 100 can include any type of coupling feature, such as an adhesive surface, magnetic surface (e.g., attach to magnetically-responsive materials), hook and loop fasteners (e.g., one of the hook member or loop member on the device, Velcro®) or the like. Also, a mechanical coupling feature can be used that includes a member to receive a fastener member (e.g., bolt, nail, screw, dowel, wire, rope, tie, etc.) there through, such as by having a flange or other fastener-receiving member with a through hole. These types of coupling or fastening configurations allow for the compute device to be mounted to about any object with difficulty of being removed, so as to appear to be permanent (e.g., adhesive, nailed, screwed, etc.) or removable (e.g., Velcro, wire, rope, tie, etc.). However, it is recognized that any of the fastening configurations to be undone so that the compute device can be removed, and some configurations are more difficult to remove (e.g., adhesive, nailed, screwed, etc.) than others (e.g., Velcro, wire, rope, tie, etc.).

[0052] Multiple satellite communication devices may bid for communications resources. For example, one or more of a first satellite communication device or a second satellite communication device may bid for communication resources based on one or more transmission factors. The system 100 may include a system configured to bid for connectivity, which may or may not be performed by the processing device 118. In instances in which multiple systems (e.g., a first satellite communication device and second satellite communication device) may compete for limited communication resources, individual systems of the multiple systems may enter a bid for the limited communication resources where the bid may be based on one or more transmission factors associated with the information to be transmitted.

[0053] The transmission factors may include a latency between the systems (e.g., a transmitting system and a receiving system), a link budget, a cost associated with the communications, weather conditions, an amount of cloud cover (e.g., an amount of clouds including number and/or density thereof, between the transmitting system and the receiving system), and/or other transmission factors.

[0054] The limited communication resources may be allocated to systems (e.g., a first satellite communication device and second satellite communication device) based on the bids received, in view of the transmission factors. The system 100 (in conjunction with other similar systems, in a centralized or a decentralized architecture) may determine an optimized connectivity between multiple systems in view of the transmission factors and/or the bids associated therewith.

[0055] As illustrated in the block diagram of a satellite communication system 200 in FIG. 2, a user equipment 202 may communicate with a satellite 204 via a communication interface 203. The communication interface 203 may be an RF communication medium (e.g., LoRa) or any other suitable communication interface. The satellite 204 may communicate with a satellite communication device 206 via the communication interface 205 or a satellite communication device 208 via the communication interface 207. The communication interface 205 and/or the communication interface 207 may be one or more of an optical transmission medium, an RF communication medium (e.g., Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, cellular), a wired connection, or any other suitable communication interface. [0056] The user equipment 202 may be a personal area network communication device. For example the user equipment 202 may be operable to receive and/or transmit PAN signals such as Bluetooth® signals. The PAN communication device may send an RF signal (e.g., a LoRa signal) to the satellite 204. The satellite 204 may receive the RF signal (e.g., a LoRa signal) from the PAN communication device, filter the RF signal using a suitable filter, amplify the RF signal using a low noise amplifier, and amplify the RF signal using a power amplifier. After amplification by the power amplifier, the satellite 204 may send the RF signal from the satellite 204 to a satellite communication device 206, 208. The satellite communication device 206, 208 may receive the RF signal. Alternatively or in addition, the satellite may send an optical signal from the satellite 204 to a satellite communication device 206, 208. The satellite communication device 206, 208 may receive the optical signal. The satellite communication device 206 may communicate with the satellite communication device 208 using the communication interface 209. The communication interface 209 may be an RF signal interface (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi®), an optical signal interface, or a wired interface.

[0057] The data from the RF and/or optical signal may be identified at the satellite communication device 206, 208 using a processing device (e.g., processing device 118). The satellite communication device 206, 208 may determine an optical signal based on the data in the RF and/or optical signal. The optical signal may be generated using e.g., a laser device 114. The optical signal may be transmitted to one or more of an additional satellite communication device or a satellite using e.g., a prism 110, a microarray 108, one or more mirrors 104, and one or more lenses 102. After transmission to an additional satellite communication device, the optical signal may be re-transmitted to a receiving satellite, which may be in a different type of orbit (e.g., Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)/Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)/Low Earth Orbit (LEO)) compared to the satellite 204. Thus, communications between different satellites in different orbits may be effectuated using one or more satellite communication devices. [0058] Alternatively or in addition, the optical signal may be re-transmitted to an additional satellite communication device, which may re-transmit the optical signal to one or more additional satellite communication devices and/or one or more additional satellites. The one or more additional satellite communication devices may be in a mesh network or distributed network as described herein. The one or more additional satellites may be a number sufficient to cover a suitable geographical area. For example, for satellites in a lower orbit, additional satellites may be used to cover a selected geographical area. Although two satellite communication devices have been illustrated, any suitable number of satellite communication devices may be used to facilitate communication between the UE 202, a satellite 204 and a network (not shown).

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a system 300 for satellite communication may include a first satellite 302, a first satellite communication device 304, a second satellite communication device 306, and a second satellite 308. The first satellite communication device 304 may receive a first signal from a first satellite 302. The first signal may be an incoming signal and may be any suitable signal such as an RF signal in a downlink band (e.g., an L-band (1.518 GHz - 1.675 GHz), an S-band (1.97 GHz - 2.69 GHz), a C-band (3.4 GHz - 7.025 GHz), an X-band (7.25 GHz - 8.44 GHz), a Ku- band (10.7 GHz - 14.5 GHz), a Ka band (17.3 GHz to 30 GHz), or a Q/V band (37.5 GHz - 51.4 GHz)) or an optical signal.

[0060] The first satellite communication device 304 may convert the first signal to a second signal. For example, the first satellite communication device 304 may receive an RF signal from a first satellite 302 and convert the RF signal to an optical signal or the first satellite communication device 304 may receive an optical signal from a first satellite 302 which may be converted to an RF signal. The second signal may be an outgoing signal and may be an RF signal or an optical signal. The first satellite communication device 304 may send the second signal to a second satellite communication device 306.

[0061] The second satellite communication device 306 may receive the second signal from the first satellite communication device 304. The second satellite communication device 306 may convert the second signal to a third signal. For example, the second satellite communication device 306 may receive an optical signal which may be converted to an RF signal or the second satellite communication device 306 may receive an RF signal which may be converted to an optical signal. The second satellite communication device 306 may send the third signal to a second satellite 308. The third signal may be an outgoing signal and may be any suitable signal such as an RF signal in an uplink band (e.g., an L-band (1.518 GHz - 1.675 GHz), an S-band (1.97 GHz - 2.69 GHz), a C-band (3.4 GHz - 7.025 GHz), an X-band (7.25 GHz - 8.44 GHz), a Ku-band (10.7 GHz - 14.5 GHz), a Ka band (17.3 GHz to 30 GHz), or a Q/V band

(37.5 GHz - 51.4 GHz)) or an optical signal. [0062] The system 100 (as illustrated in FIG. 1) may be used to relay data between multiple satellites (e.g., first satellite 302 and second satellite 308). For example, a first system associated with a first satellite 302 may transmit data to a second system associated with a second satellite 308 using the components and/or methods described herein relative to the system 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the system 100 may be used to relay data between at least two earth based devices. For example, a first earthbased system may transmit data to a second earth-based system via a third system that may be disposed on a satellite, where the data may be received by the third system from the first earth-based system and subsequently transmitted from the third system to the second earth-based system.

[0063] As illustrated in the timing diagram 400 in FIG. 4, a first satellite communication device 410 may communicate communication availability to the second satellite communication device 420. The first satellite communication device 410 may message second satellite communication device 420 and communicate information that may be related to communication availability of other systems and/or devices. The first satellite communication device 410 may receive a communication availability message 402 from a third satellite communication device 430 indicating that the third satellite communication device 430 is unavailable for communication. The first satellite communication device 410 may receive a communication availability message 404 from a fourth satellite communication device 440 indicating that the fourth satellite communication device 440 is available for communication. First satellite communication device 410 may message a second satellite communication device 420 using a communication availability message 406 to indicate a first ground station (e.g., third satellite communication device 430) is unavailable for communications and a second ground station (fourth satellite communication device 440) is available for communications.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first satellite communication device 410 and the second satellite communication device 420 may be interconnected in that the first satellite communication device 410 and the second satellite communication device 420 may message each other. In some embodiments, the first satellite communication device 410 may be interconnected with multiple other systems to perform a similar messaging operation simultaneously. For example, the first satellite communication device 410 may be interconnected with tens or hundreds of other systems that may be earth-based or space-based (e.g., disposed on a satellite in orbit). [0065] In these and other examples, multiple systems may be joined together (in a wired or wireless configuration) to facilitate simultaneous communications with multiple systems. For example, a first satellite communication device 410 may be wired with a second satellite communication device 420 such that the first satellite communication device 410 may communicate with a first satellite (e.g., a system associated with the first satellite) and the second satellite communication device 420 may communicate with a second satellite (e.g., a system associated with the second satellite) simultaneously.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first satellite communication device 510 and the second satellite communication device 520 may form nodes in e.g., a mesh network 500. The first satellite communication device 510 and the second satellite communication device 520 may be combined with one or more additional satellite communication devices (e.g., third satellite communication device 530, fourth satellite communication device 540, fifth satellite communication device 550, sixth satellite communication device 560) to form a mesh network 500. For example, the first satellite communication device 510 may be a node in a mesh network 500, where additional systems may be additional nodes in the mesh network 500.

[0067] The first satellite communication device 510 may share one or more connections 511, 513, 515, 519, 561 with the additional systems in the mesh network 500 such that an additional system that may not have access to a ground station (e.g., due to visibility, weather conditions, cloud cover, etc.) may be configured to communicate with the ground station via the first satellite communication device 510. The second satellite communication device 520 may share one or more connections 521, 523, 525, 517, 511 with the additional systems in the mesh network 500. The third satellite communication device 530 may share one or more connections 513, 521, 531, 533, 535 with the additional systems in the mesh network 500. The fourth satellite communication device 540 may share one or more connections 515, 523, 531, 541, 543 with the additional systems in the mesh network 500. The fifth satellite communication device 550 may share one or more connections 519, 525, 533, 541, 551 with the additional systems in the mesh network 500. The sixth satellite communication device 560 may share one or more connections 561, 517, 535, 543, 551 with the additional systems in the mesh network 500. Through these connections between different satellite communication devices, a distributed network may be formed which may be controlled and/or deployed by a central network. [0068] The first satellite communication device 510 and the second satellite communication device 520 may form a coordinating layer for satellite communication and backhaul. Alternatively, or additionally, the first satellite communication device 510 (and/or the one or more additional systems) may form a network of ground stations that may be used as a coordinating layer for satellite communications and backhaul. The systems that may be include in the mesh network 500, as described, may message other systems in the mesh network 500 to provide updates regarding connectivity to current ground stations, connectivity to future ground stations, and/or connectivity to one or more satellites. For example, a first satellite communication device 510 may message other systems in the mesh network 500 that communications with a first particular ground station may become limited (e.g., due to weather conditions, visibility, etc.) and that communications with a second particular ground station may be available.

[0069] The first satellite communication device 510 and the second satellite communication device 520 may form a distributed network. In instances in which the first satellite communication device 510 is included in a network of ground stations (e.g., the network of ground stations including the first satellite communication device 510 and one or more additional systems), the network of ground stations may form a distributed network. For example, the network of ground stations may be an ad hoc network or a decentralized network. An ad hoc network may be a decentralized type of wireless network. For example, a network may be considered to be “ad hoc” when it does not rely on a pre-existing infrastructure, such as routers in wired networks or access points in wireless networks. Each device (e.g., the first satellite communication device 510) in an ad hoc network can be at a node, and each node can participate in facilitating data communications by forwarding data for other nodes. The ad hoc network (e.g., the network of ground stations) may make determinations of which nodes forward data to which receiving nodes dynamically on the basis of network connectivity and the routing algorithm in use. An ad hoc communication mode may allow a first system to directly communicate with one or more additional systems in the network of ground stations. Wireless mobile ad hoc networks are self-configuring, dynamic networks in which nodes are free to move. Such ad hoc wireless networks do not use complex infrastructure and administration, which allows for devices to create and join ad hoc networks "on the fly". [0070] The use of the first satellite communication device 510 in the network of ground stations (e.g., a distributed system) may provide for improvement of computing power or communication power. The network of ground stations including the first satellite communication device 510 and/or additional systems may overcome problems in networking by providing a new decentralized network including one or more systems similar to the first satellite communication device 510. In some aspects, a decentralized network may connect numerous devices (e.g., one or more satellite communication devices) using low-power while providing higher connectivity and/or bandwidth. Higher connectivity may be provided by increased coverage provided by the number of the one or more satellite communication devices. Increased bandwidth may be provided by the higher frequencies permitted by the increased coverage.

[0071] An example includes a crowd-source based method for sending data from a first system (e.g., the first satellite communication device 510) to a server (e.g., optionally second satellite communication device 520) that does not rely on a fixed infrastructure. Another example includes a crowd-source method for a cloud server to send data to a second satellite communication device 520 that does not rely on a fixed infrastructure. A further example includes a method for routing data in beacons from multiple services on multiple systems (e.g., each of which may be similar to the system 100) to the appropriate device manufacturer servers. Yet another example includes a method to reduce energy consumption on mobile devices used to collect or exchange data with remote systems 100 in a network.

[0072] The first satellite communication device 510 may be used to limit or reduce communications with other systems or between other systems. For example, in instances in which it may be possible to limit a satellite’s access to sensitive information, the first satellite communication device 510 may be configured to direct energy to the satellite which may cause interference, noise, and/or other degradations to the receiver of the satellite such that the sensitive information may remain sensitive relative to the satellite.

[0073] In another example, the first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device may emulate a synthetic aperture when the first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device focus on the same point. One or more additional satellite communication devices may focus on the same point to emulate the synthetic aperture. For example, a message may be received from space and may be processed using decentralized signal processing to determine the content of the message by using the synthetic aperture (e.g., multiple satellite communication devices focused on the same point).

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 6, architecture 600 for satellite communication may include an uplink station 610, a transponder 630, and a downlink station 650. The uplink station 610 may communicate an RF signal to the transponder 630. The transponder 630 may communicate an RF signal to the downlink station 650. Alternatively or in addition, an optical signal may be communicated between the uplink station 610 and the transponder 630. Alternatively or in addition, an optical signal may be communicated between the transponder 630 and the downlink station 650.

[0075] At the uplink station (e.g., at a first satellite communication device, a UE, or any other suitable uplink device), a baseband signal may be directed to an intermediate frequency (IF) modulator 612. The IF modulator 612 may shift the baseband signal to an intermediate frequency. The intermediate frequency may be filtered using a band pass filter (BPF) 614. After being filtered, the intermediate signal may be directed to an up-converter 620. The up-converter 620 may include a mixer 616, a bandpass filter 618, and a generator 622. After up-conversion to a radio frequency signal by the mixer 616, the radio-frequency signal may be filtered using the bandpass filter 618. The signal from the bandpass filter 618 may be directed to a high power amplifier (HP A) 624 and sent to a transmit antenna 626. The transmit antenna 626 may transmit the radio frequency signal to a receive antenna 632 of a transponder 630 (e.g., at a satellite).

[0076] The transponder 630 may receive the RF signal from the uplink station at a receive antenna 632. The signal received at the receive antenna 632 may be directed to a band pass filter 634 to be filtered before being directed to the low noise amplifier (LNA) 636. The amplified signal from the low noise amplifier 636 may be directed to a frequency translator 642. The frequency translator 642 may include a mixer 638, a bandpass filter 640, and a microwave shift oscillator 644. The signal may be mixed and filtered before being directed to a low noise amplifier 646. The low noise amplifier may amplify the signal before transmission from the transmit antenna 648 to a receive antenna 652 of a downlink station 650 (e.g., at a second satellite communication device).

[0077] The downlink station 650 may receive the signal at the receive antenna 652.

The signal may be filtered by a band pass filter 654. The filtered signal may be directed to a low noise amplifier 656 for amplification before being sent to a downconverter 664. The downconverter 664 may include a mixer 658, a bandpass filter 660, and a downlink frequency microwave generator 662. The downconverter 664 may mix and filter the signal to generate an intermediate frequency signal. The intermediate frequency signal may be sent to a demodulator 666 to be demodulated to a baseband signal.

[0078] The functionality of the uplink station 610, transponder 630, and downlink station 650 may be present at a first satellite communication device, a satellite, and a second satellite communication device, respectively. Alternatively or in addition, the functionality of the uplink station 610, transponder 630, and downlink station 650 may be present at a UE, a satellite, and a first satellite communication device.

[0079] The separation of various components in the implementations described herein is not meant to indicate that the separation occurs in all implementations. In addition, it may be understood with the benefit of this disclosure that the described components may be integrated together in a single component or separated into multiple components.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example arrangement of operations for a method 700 of satellite communication. The method 700 may be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both, which processing logic may be included in any computer system or device. The software may be instructions or code capable of running on a virtualization environment and/or containerization environment such as bytecode and containerized program.

[0081] The method 700, at operation 705, may include receiving a first signal from a first satellite. At operation 710, the method 700 may include converting the first signal to a second signal. At operation 715, the method 700 may include sending the second signal to a second satellite communication device. The method may further include receiving the second signal from the first satellite communication device. The method may further include converting the second signal to a third signal. The method may further include sending the third signal to a second satellite. The first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device may form a coordinating layer for satellite communication and backhaul.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example arrangement of operations for a method

800 of satellite communication. The method 800 may be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both, which processing logic may be included in any computer system or device. The software may be instructions or code capable of running on a virtualization environment and/or containerization environment such as bytecode and containerized program.

[0083] The method 800, at operation 805, may include reflecting a first signal comprising data from a first device. At operation 810, the method 800 may include receiving the first signal from the mirror. At operation 815, the method 800 may include receiving the first signal from the micro-array. At operation 820, the method 800 may include receiving the first signal from the sensor, identifying data from the first signal, and generating a second signal based on the data. At operation 825, the method 800 may include transmitting the second signal to the micro-array.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example arrangement of operations for a method 900 of satellite communication. The method 900 may be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both, which processing logic may be included in any computer system or device. The software may be instructions or code capable of running on a virtualization environment and/or containerization environment such as bytecode and containerized program.

[0085] The method 900, at operation 905, may include sending, from a personal area network (PAN) communication device to a satellite, an RF signal. At operation 910, the method 900 may include receiving, at the satellite, the RF signal. At operation 915, the method 900 may include amplifying, at the satellite, the RF signal. At operation 920, the method may include sending, from the satellite to a satellite communication device, the RF signal. At operation 925, the method may include receiving, at an antenna of the satellite communication device from the satellite, the RF signal.

[0086] The method may further include: identifying, at a processing device of the satellite communication device, the data from the RF signal; determining, at the processing device of the satellite communication device, an optical signal based on the data; and transmitting, from the micro-array of the satellite communication device, the optical signal to one or more of an additional satellite communication device or a satellite.

[0087] The antenna may include one or more of a steerable antenna or a solid-state antenna. The method may include directing the optical signal to the one or more of the additional satellite communication device or the satellite using a mirror; and generating, from a laser of the satellite communication device, the optical signal. The sensor may include one or more of a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a small form factor pluggable laser module.

[0088] For simplicity of explanation, methods described herein are depicted and described as a series of acts. However, acts in accordance with this disclosure may occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and with other acts not presented and described herein. Further, not all illustrated acts may be used to implement the methods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the methods may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events. Additionally, the methods disclosed in this specification are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, to facilitate transporting and transferring such methods to computing devices. The term article of manufacture, as used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device or storage media. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a machine in the example form of a computing device 1000 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein, may be executed. The computing device 1000 may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a netbook computer, a rackmount server, a router computer, a server computer, a personal computer, a mainframe computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or any computing device with at least one processor, etc., within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein, may be executed. In alternative implementations, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. The machine may operate in the capacity of a server machine in clientserver network environment. The machine may include a personal computer (PC), a set-top box (STB), a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” may also include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

[0090] The example computing device 1000 includes a processing device (e.g., a processor) 1002, a main memory 1004 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), a static memory 1006 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM)) and a data storage device 1016, which communicate with each other via a bus 1008.

[0091] Processing device 1002 represents one or more general -purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processing device 1002 may include a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing device 1002 may also include one or more special -purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. The processing device 1002 is configured to execute instructions 1026 for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

[0092] The computing device 1000 may further include a network interface device 1022 which may communicate with a network 1018. The computing device 1000 also may include a display device 1010 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 1012 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1014 (e.g., a mouse) and a signal generation device 1020 (e.g., a speaker). In at least one implementation, the display device 1010, the alphanumeric input device 1012, and the cursor control device 1014 may be combined into a single component or device (e.g., an LCD touch screen).

[0093] The data storage device 1016 may include a computer-readable storage medium 1024 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 1026 embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein. The instructions 1026 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1004 and/or within the processing device 1002 during execution thereof by the computing device 1000, the main memory 1004 and the processing device 1002 also constituting computer-readable media. The instructions may further be transmitted or received over a network 1018 via the network interface device 1022. [0094] While the computer-readable storage medium 1024 is shown in an example implementation to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable storage medium” may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable storage medium” may also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the present disclosure. The term “computer-readable storage medium” may accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media and magnetic media.

[0095] Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device (e.g., one or more processors) to perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0096] As used herein, the terms “module” or “component” may refer to specific hardware implementations configured to perform the operations of the module or component and/or software objects or software routines that may be stored on and/or executed by general purpose hardware (e.g., computer-readable media, processing devices, etc.) of the computing system. In some implementations, the different components, modules, engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processes that execute on the computing system (e.g., as separate threads). While some of the system and methods described herein are generally described as being implemented in software (stored on and/or executed by general purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations or a combination of software and specific hardware implementations are also possible and contemplated. In this description, a “computing entity” may be any computing system as previously defined herein, or any module or combination of modulates running on a computing system.

[0097] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0098] In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in the present disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.

[0099] Terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

[00100] Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[00101] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, it is understood that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. For example, the use of the term “and/or” is intended to be construed in this manner.

[00102] Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[00103] Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides.

[00104] All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for satellite communication, comprising: a first satellite communication device; and a second satellite communication device, wherein: the first satellite communication device is operable to: receive a first signal from a first satellite; convert the first signal to a second signal; and send the second signal to a second satellite communication device, wherein the first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device form a coordinating layer for satellite communication and backhaul.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first satellite communication device or the second satellite communication device is operable to bid for communication resources based on one or more transmission factors.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first satellite communication device is further operable to communicate communication availability to the second satellite communication device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device form nodes in a mesh network.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device form a distributed network.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second satellite communication device is operable to: receive the second signal from the first satellite communication device; convert the second signal to a third signal; and send the third signal to a second satellite.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first satellite communication device and the second satellite communication device are operable to emulate a synthetic aperture.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first satellite communication device comprises a first micro tip-tilt array and the second satellite communication device comprises a second micro tip-tilt array.

9. A satellite communication device, comprising: a mirror operable to reflect a first signal comprising data from a first device; a steerable micro-array operable to guide the first signal from the mirror; a sensor operable to receive the first signal from the steerable microarray; a processing device operable to receive the first signal from the sensor, identify data from the first signal, and generate a second signal based on the data; and a laser operable to send the second signal to the steerable micro-array, wherein the steerable micro-array is further operable to guide the second signal to the mirror to be sent to one or more of a second satellite communication device or a satellite.

10. The satellite communication device of claim 9, wherein the mirror comprises one or more of a folded mirror or an aspherical mirror.

11. The satellite communication device of claim 9, wherein the steerable microarray comprises a micro tip-tilt array.

12. The satellite communication device of claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises one or more of a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a small form factor pluggable laser module.

13. The satellite communication device of claim 9, further comprising a prism operable to receive the first signal from the steerable micro-array and direct the first signal to the sensor.

14. The satellite communication device of claim 9, further comprising one or more of: a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver; a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS); a camera operable to track an object; a telescoping device; a focusing device; or an active electronically scanned array (AESA).

15. The satellite communication device of claim 9, wherein the form factor of the satellite communication device is a sticker.

16. A method for satellite communication, comprising: sending, from a personal area network (PAN) communication device to a satellite, an RF signal; receiving, at the satellite, the RF signal; amplifying, at the satellite, the RF signal; sending, from the satellite to a satellite communication device, the RF signal; and receiving, at an antenna of the satellite communication device from the satellite, the RF signal.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: identifying, at a processing device of the satellite communication device, data from the RF signal; determining, at the processing device of the satellite communication device, an optical signal based on the data; and guiding, from a steerable micro-array of the satellite communication device, the optical signal to one or more of an additional satellite communication device or a satellite.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the steerable micro-array comprises a micro tip-tilt array.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: transmitting the optical signal to the one or more of the additional satellite communication device or the satellite using a mirror; and generating, from a laser of the satellite communication device, the optical signal.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising a sensor that comprises one or more of a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a small form factor pluggable laser module.