This updated and expanded second edition reflects the state of earth station design and ground segment architecture. From international telephone network gateways to direct broadcast home receivers, today’s broad range of ground systems and devices require satellite communication engineers and business managers to have a broad and sound understanding of the design and operating principles of earth stations and ground control facilities. This book explores the delivery end of the satellite link and its relationship to delivery of services. Authored by a leading authority in the field, the book provides engineers and managers with the knowledge they need to devise their own approach to implementing and managing earth stations and the overall ground segment. Readers find practical guidance in an array of critical areas, including: preparing requirements, performing preliminary analyses, reviewing hardware designs, managing the introduction of the overall ground segment, and more.

Since the publication of the best-selling first edition of The Satellite Communication Applications Handbook, the satellite communications industry has experienced explosive growth. Satellite radio, direct-to-home satellite television, satellite telephones, and satellite guidance for automobiles are now common and popular consumer products. Similarly, business, government, and defense organizations now rely on satellite communications for day-to-day operations. This second edition covers all the latest advances in satellite technology and applications including direct-to-home broadcasting, digital audio and video, and VSAT networks. Engineers get the latest technical insights into operations, architectures, and systems components.