Satellite Communication Systems

Abstract

Satellite-based communication has become a major facet of the telecommunication industry for two major reasons. First, it provides a means of broadcasting information to a large number of people simultaneously. Thus, satellite communication systems are an important ingredient in the implementation of a global communication infrastructure. Second, satellite communication provides a means of reaching isolated places on earth, where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure does not exist or teledensity is low. Satellite communication was first deployed in the 1960s and has its roots in military applications. Since the launch of the Early Bird satellite (first commercial communication satellite also known as Intelsat I) by NASA in 1965 proved the effectiveness of satellite communication, satellites have played an important role in both domestic and international communications networks. They have brought voice, video, and data communications to areas of the world that are not accessible with terrestrial lines. By extending communications to the remotest parts of the world, virtually everyone can be part of the global economy. Satellite communications is not a replacement of the existing terrestrial systems but rather an extension of the wireless system. However, satellite communication has the following merits over terrestrial communications: