Advanced Methods for Satellite and Deep Space Communications

There is currently discussion about the usefulness of space research and the amount of spin-off obtained from space programmes. One area which is widely overlooked is digital communications, although it is quite clear that the application of space research which has directly affected most people is certainly space communications via satellite. Direct broadcasting satellites, international telephone calls via geostationary satellites and mobile services via satellites serve numerous users. This book provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in communications systems in space. Leading experts describe advanced features of their fields and give an outlook of the next steps in such communications systems. Special emphasis is on digital modulation and coding where progress in technology allows the implementation of sophisticated methods reaching almost the limits of theory.