INTRODUCTION TO SATELLITE COMMUNICATION - TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIBRARY

This comprehensive, yet highly understandable, overview of satellite communication technology explores the inner workings of today's commercial "satcom" systems and explains how the key elements function and interact in the modern satellite communication network. The author provides engineers and nontechnical professionals alike with a clear picture of how satellites, ground control systems, and Earth stations work, separately and together, and explains which elements in the network are most critical to success.

Book Description
Here’s one of the most understandable and comprehensive overviews of satellite technology and satellite usage for commercial purposes currently available. An update of the widely used first edition published in 1986, this book offers expanded coverage of all the relevant elements of the satellite, ground control system, and earth stations. It gives you a practical understanding of the basic construction and usage of modern commercial satellite networks -- how parts of the satellite system function, how the various elements interact, what role each element plays, and which elements are the most critical to success.

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.

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.

Bruce R. Elbert has 30 years of satellite communications experience and is a leading authority on satellites and telecommunications. A manager at Hughes Space and Communications Company, Mr. Elbert holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and an MSEE from the University of Maryland. He teaches satellite communication and telecommunications management at UCLA Extension and serves as series editor of Artech’s Technology Management and Professional Development Series.