This course provides the “big picture” of satellite communications. Each topic is illustrated by detailed worked numerical examples, using published data for actual satellite communications systems. The course is technically oriented and includes mathematical equations. It will enable the participants to perform their own satellite link budget calculations. The course will especially appeal to those whose objective is to develop quantitative computational skills in addition to obtaining a qualitative familiarity with the satellite communication concepts.
EXPECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Understand orbital mechanics and orbit categorization.
- List satellite frequency bands and identify areas of application
- Identify key tropospheric and ionospheric effects that impact wave propagation
- Perform a sample link design
- Examine methods used to improve satellite signal reception
- Examine how choice of modulation and coding impacts link design
- Step through satellite launch considerations.
- Calculate the satellite look angle
- Outline the role of the various satellite and earth station subsystems.
- Compare and contrast the different satellite access techniques
- Explain the impact of intermodulation and explore methods used to reduce it
TARGET AUDIENCE
Engineers and Managers involved in the operation and maintenance of Satellite Earth Station.
COURSE DETAILS
Introduction
- Evolution and history
- Global Market and trends
- Satellite services: FSS, BSS and MSS
Orbital Mechanics
- Two body system, Kepler’s laws
- Van Allen belts
- Trajectories and period
- Orbital classification: LEO, MEO, GEO and HEO
- Special orbits: Sun-Synchronous & Molniya
- Constellation Architecture
Flight Mechanics and Launch
- Effects of Launch Site Latitude
- Parking and Transfer orbits
- Launch Scenarios
Propagation Effects
- Polarization and frequency reuse.
- Diffraction, dopplerization
- Satellite frequency bands
- Tropospheric and ionospheric effects.
Antennas
- Radiation patterns
- Gain, EIRP , Directivity calculations
- Beam solid angle and directivity
- Aperture antennas and arrays
- Cassegrain, Gregorian and Offset Fed Antennas
Link Budget
- Transmission equation
- Noise considerations
- Link quality
- C/N and S/N
- Link margins
- Impact of modulation and coding on link design
Spacecraft Subsystems
- Lifetime and reliability
- Spacecraft configurations
- Transponders
- Antenna subsystem
- Spacecraft bus
Earth Segment
- Subsystems
- EIRP and G/T
- Access techniques – FDMA, TDMA, CDMA
- Pre-assigned and demand assigned