Extensive revision of the best-selling text on satellite communications — includes new chapters on cubesats, NGSO satellite systems, and Internet access by satellite There have been many changes in the thirty three years since the first edition of Satellite Communications was published. There has been a complete transition from analog to digital communication systems, withanalog techniques replaced by digital modulation and digital signal processing. While distribution of television programming remains the largest sector of commercial satellite communications, low earth orbit constellations of satellites for Internet access are set to challenge that dominance. In the third edition, chapters one through three cover topics that are specific to satellites, including orbits, launchers, and spacecraft. Chapters four through seven cover the principles of digital communication systems, radio frequency communications, digital modulation and multiple access techniques, and propagation in the earth’s atmosphere, topics that are common to all radio communication systems. Chapters eight through twelve cover applications that include non-geostationary satellite systems, low throughput systems, direct broadcast satellite television, Internet access by satellite, and global navigation satellite systems. The chapter on Internet access by satellite is new to the third edition, and each of the chapters has been extensively revised to include the many changes in the field since the publication of the second edition in 2003. Two appendices have been added that cover digital transmission of analog signals, and antennas. An invaluable resource for students and professionals alike, this book: Focuses on the fundamental theory of satellite communications Explains the underlying principles and essential mathematics required to understand the physics and engineering of satellite communications Discusses the expansion of satellite communication systems in areas such as direct-broadcast satellite TV, GPS, and internet access Introduces the rapidly advancing field of small satellites, referred to as SmallSats or CubeSats Provides relevant practice problems based on real-world satellite systems Satellite Communications is required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in satellite communications courses and an authoritative reference for engineers working in communications, systems and networks, and satellite operations and management.

This best-selling reference guide contains the most reliable and up-to-date material on launch programs in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Packed with illustrations and figures, the third edition has been extensively updated and expanded, and offers a quick and easy data retrieval source for policymakers, planners, engineers, launch buyers, and students.

This is the first book primarily about the satellite payload of satellite communications systems. It represents a unique combination of practical systems engineering and communications theory. It tells about the satellites in geostationary and low-earth orbits today, both the so-called bent-pipe payloads and the processing payloads. The on-orbit environment, mitigated by the spacecraft bus, is described. The payload units (e.g. antennas and amplifiers), as well as payload-integration elements (e.g. waveguide and switches) are discussed in regard to how they work, what they do to the signal, their technology, environment sensitivity, and specifications. At a higher level are discussions on the payload as an entity: architecture including redundancy; specifications--what they mean, how they relate to unit specifications, and how to verify; and specification-compliance analysis (“budgets”) with uncertainty. Aspects of probability theory handy for calculating and using uncertainty and variation are presented. The highest-level discussions, on the end-to-end communications system, start with a practical introduction to physical-layer communications theory. Atmospheric effects and interference on the communications link are described. A chapter gives an example of optimizing a multibeam payload via probabilistic analysis. Finally, practical tips on system simulation and emulation are provided. The carrier frequencies treated are 1 GHz and above. Familiarity with Fourier analysis will enhance understanding of some topics. References are provided throughout the book for readers who want to dig deeper. Payload systems engineers, payload proposal writers, satellite-communications systems designers and analysts, and satellite customers will find that the book cuts their learning time. Spacecraft-bus systems engineers, payload unit engineers, and spacecraft operators will gain insight into the overall system. Students in systems engineering, microwave engineering, communications theory, probability theory, and communications simulation and modelling will find examples to supplement theoretical texts.

This study is motivated by the need to give the reader a broad view of the developments, key concepts, and technologies related to information society evolution, with a focus on the wireless communications and geoinformation technologies and their role in the environment. Giving perspective, it aims at assisting people active in the industry, the public sector, and Earth science fields as well, by providing a base for their continued work and thinking.