Despite the proliferation of new communications technologies, the decades-old satellite industry is shifting with the times. Now in its second edition, this guide addresses the myriad aspects of the technology in its current form and explores the paths it is expected to take in the future.

Explains the reasons, limitations and trade-offs inherent tocommunications satellites. The first half deals with link powerbudgets as well as communications hardware and examples of completelink budgets. Spacecraft technology and a description of theobjectives and basic operating methods of each of the majorsupporting subsystems are covered in the last half. Containsend-of-chapter exercises and solutions. An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all theproblems in the book is available from the Wiley editorialdepartment.

The field of satellite communications represents the world's largest space industry. Those who are interested in space need to understand the fundamentals of satellite communications, its technology, operation, business, economic, and regulatory aspects. This book explains all this along with key insights into the field's future growth trends and current strategic challenges. Fundamentals of Satellite Communications is a concise book that gives all of the key facts and figures as well as a strategic view of where this dynamic industry is going. Author Joseph N. Pelton, PhD, former Dean of the International Space University and former Director of Strategic Policy at Intelstat, presents a readable book about the entire essence of the satellite communication field.