Introduction to Satellite Communication

The book contains over 250 illustrations, defines current terminology, and explains complex concepts in a comprehensive, detailed manner that is factual, accurate, and easy to understand. It is an expertly authored guidebook that provides you with the technical foundation for understanding how satellite applications are implemented through the design of the space and ground segments.

Specifically, the book helps you understand:

• The fundamentals of satellite communication, particularly as they relate to newer systems such as Global Mobile Personal Communication Systems and digital transmission of television and data
• Ways in which satellite links can be applied to practical communication problems
• The systems and subsystems which comprise the space and ground segments
• Alternatives for placing satellites into earth orbit and operating them
• The economics of implementing and operating satellite networks
• The tradeoffs between GEO, MEO, and LEO systems
• The Ka band frequency and digital DTH and multimedia applications

This important reference introduces new communication engineers and technicians to the field, and brings experienced engineers up-to-speed on all aspects of commercial satellite communication systems. It helps equipment designers of spacecraft and earth stations understand the tradeoffs between the various networks, and is a handy guidebook for non-technical professionals in management, operations, marketing, and finance who need to understand what makes satellite communication work. As a textbook, it is suitable for university courses and internal training programs in communication system design and planning.

Table of contents

Fundamentals of Satellite Systems -- Basic Characteristics of Satellites

System Elements

Satellite Orbit Configurations

Frequency Spectrum Allocations

Evolution of Satellite Communication -- Source of the Original Idea

The International System (INTELSAT)

Domestic Satellite Systems

Regional Satellite Systems

Specialized Systems (DTH and Mobile)

Movement to Higher Frequency Bands (Ka Band)

Advancing Technology and Markets

Satellite Network Architectures -- General Features of Satellite Networks

Point-to-Multipoint (Broadcast) Networks

Point-to-Point Networks

Hub and Spoke Networks

Microwave Transmission Engineering -- Propagation on the Earth-Space Link

Microwave Transmitters and Receivers

Overall Link Quality

Modulation and Multiple Access -- Digital Baseband Signals

Digital Modulation

Multiple Access Methods

Distortion and Impairments

Communication Repeaters and Electronics -- Overall Payload Requirements

Repeater Configuration (Analog ?Bent Pipe? and Digital Processing)

Wideband Receiver

Redundancy Switching

Waveguide Filters and Multiplexers

Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifiers

Solid-State Power Amplifiers

Transponder Gain Control

Spacecraft Antennas -- Horn Antennas

Reflector Antennas

Antenna Patterns

Beam and Polarization Isolation

Innovative Spacecraft Antenna Designs (Lens and Array)

Spacecraft Bus Configuration and Design -- Mission Summary

Spacecraft Configuration (Three-Axis and Spinning)

Spacecraft Bus Subsystems (Attitude Control, Solar Array, Battery, Liquid and Electric Propulsion, Solid Rocket Motors, TT&C, Thermal Control and Structure)

Environmental Requirements

Earth Stations and Terrestrial Technology -- Basic Earth Station Configuration

Performance Requirements

Radio Frequency Equipment

Intermediate Frequency and Baseband Equipment

Earth Station Facility Design

Major Classes of Earth Stations (TT&C, TV Uplink, Telecommunication Hum, VSAT, Mobile, and TV Receive-Only)

Terrestrial Interfaces and Links

Launch Vehicles and Services -- The Launch Mission

Launch Technology and Systems

Launch Interfaces

Risk Management in Launch Operations

Satellite Operations and Orbit Maintenance -- The Satellite Control System

Intercommunication Networks

Orbital Operations

Network Operations

Human Resources for Satellite Operations

Economics of Satellite Systems -- System Development Methodology

Space Segment Economics

Earth Station Economics

Analysis of Network Economics

Future Directions for Satellite Communication -- Evolution of New Satellite Applications

Evolution of the Technology (Space, Ground and Application)

Satellite Communication into the Third Millennium