The general issue associated with the present invention is to do with the collection of data by satellite. The objective is to propagate information to a satellite network, whether it is low volume periodic data or high volume instantaneous data. These data have to be able to be transmitted in real time by senders that may be ground stations or aircraft.
More particularly, the present invention targets the monitoring of global aeronautical traffic. In this context, the information to be propagated typically relates to periodic monitoring data and the content of the black boxes in the event of accidents.
Currently, it is generally essential, to be able to transmit data from the ground to a satellite network, for the sending user to be in sight of at least one satellite of the satellite network, in the sense that at least one satellite of the satellite network has to be able to receive a message containing said data, sent by the sending user. To allow for global monitoring, it is consequently currently necessary for the satellite network used to have global coverage. The current solutions use either geostationary satellites, allowing for global coverage apart from the poles, or constellations of satellites in low earth orbit consisting of a large number of satellites, typically approximately 80 satellites.
In the context targeted as a priority, namely that of global aeronautical monitoring, it would be very prejudicial not to be able to cover the poles; the solution comprising geostationary satellites is therefore excluded straight away.
The drawback that arises from the use, or even the deployment, of a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit comprising several tens of satellites lies in the very high complexity and cost inherent in such systems.