Trends in Communications Satellites offers a comprehensive look at trends and advances in satellite communications, including experimental ones such as NASA satellites and those jointly developed by France and Germany. The economic aspects of communications satellites are also examined. This book consists of 16 chapters and begins with a discussion on the fundamentals of electrical communications and their application to space communications, including spacecraft, earth stations, and orbit and wavelength utilization. The next section demonstrates how successful commercial satellite communications have become, citing the INTELSAT series of satellites. The forerunners of INTELSAT satellites are mentioned, and the major characteristics of all INTELSAT satellites are surveyed. One chapter is devoted to the rapidly growing use of communications satellites for various domestic systems, focusing on the systems developed by the Hughes Aircraft Company for Canada, Indonesia, and the United States. The next section considers the economics of communications satellite systems using the INTELSAT and COMSAT experience. The concluding section presents a compilation in tabular and graphical form of the physical characteristics of the satellites discussed in the text. This monograph will be a useful resource for satellite communications engineers as well as policymakers concerned with communications satellites and space exploration more generally.

Demand for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) is on the increase, with a huge surge of interest in mobile communications in recent years and high-paced advancements in the supporting system architectures, devices and applications. This thoroughly revised and updated book provides a comprehensive guide to the MSS technologies and emerging trends. It takes a system level approach, giving in-depth treatment of technical and business related issues. The author, a leading professional in the area, draws on his extensive experience in industry and research, to provide the reader with a sound and informed understanding of the technology. Mobile Satellite Communications includes introductory material for the reader new to the field, in addition to exploring prevalent system concepts, architecture, practices and trends for the more experienced. An in-depth review of scientific principles merged with business models and regulatory considerations presents a balanced perspective of commercial mobile satellite systems. This book will be of interest to practicing engineers in mobile satellite communications and mobile broadcasting, research and development professionals working in these areas, mobile satellite service providers and operators. Academics and students studying satellite systems/technology, specialists in other classes of satellite systems, technical and marketing managers, strategists and planners of telecommunication systems: individuals interested in mobile communications, satellite and telecommunications/broadcasting technology will also find this book insightful. Key Features: Comprehensive treatment of mobile satellite communications topics, including radio link aspects, satellite constellations, architectural and operational aspects, as well as business planning models, MSS radio interface standards, spectrum forecast methodologies and system examples. Addresses related themes such as mobile broadcasting, mobile VSATs, search and rescue, and navigation systems. Introduces emerging technologies such as mobile broadband, television broadcasting to handheld units, advanced capacity enhancement techniques, hybrid system architecture concepts, including a rich sample of research topics such as multiple input multiple output, satellite-based ad-hoc networks, and highlights initiatives in the use of Q/V frequency bands. Includes revision questions at the end of each chapter. An accompanying website for interaction (www.satellitesandyou.com).

Guiding readers through the ups and downs of satellite technology, this guide attempts to solve the problems and make the coming trends and challenges easier to understand.