Introduction to Satellite Communication

Bruce R. Elbert has 30 years of satellite communications experience and is a leading authority on satellites and telecommunications. Formerly a manager at Hughes Space and Communications Company, Mr. Elbert is now a private consultant and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and an MSEE from the University of Maryland. He teaches satellite communication and telecommunications management at UCLA Extension and serves as series editor of Artech's Technology Management and Professional Development Series.

• Fundamentals of Satellite Systems -- Basic Characteristics of Satellites. System Elements. Satellite Orbit Configurations. Frequency Spectrum Allocations. Evolution of Satellite Communication -- Source of the Original Idea. The International System (INTELSAT). Domestic Satellite Systems. Regional Satellite Systems. Specialized Systems (DTH and Mobile). Movement to Higher Frequency Bands (Ka Band). Advancing Technology and Markets. Satellite Network Architectures -- General Features of Satellite Networks. Point-to-Multipoint (Broadcast) Networks. Point-to-Point Networks. Hub and Spoke Networks. Microwave Transmission Engineering -- Propagation on the Earth-Space Link. Microwave Transmitters and Receivers. Overall Link Quality. Modulation and Multiple Access -- Digital Baseband Signals. Digital Modulation. Multiple Access Methods. Distortion and Impairments. Communication Repeaters and Electronics -- Overall Payload Requirements. Repeater Configuration (Analog 'Bent Pipe' and Digital Processing). Wideband Receiver. Redundancy Switching. Waveguide Filters and Multiplexers. Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifiers. Solid-State Power Amplifiers. Transponder Gain Control. Spacecraft Antennas -- Horn Antennas. Reflector Antennas. Antenna Patterns. Beam and Polarization Isolation. Innovative Spacecraft Antenna Designs (Lens and Array). Spacecraft Bus Configuration and Design -- Mission Summary. Spacecraft Configuration (Three-Axis and Spinning). Spacecraft Bus Subsystems (Attitude Control, Solar Array, Battery, Liquid and Electric Propulsion, Solid Rocket Motors, TT&C, Thermal Control and Structure). Environmental Requirements. Earth Stations and Terrestrial Technology -- Basic Earth Station Configuration. Performance Requirements. Radio Frequency Equipment. Intermediate Frequency and Baseband Equipment. Earth Station Facility Design. Major Classes of Earth Stations (TT&C, TV Uplink, Telecommunication Hum, VSAT, Mobile, and TV Receive-Only). Terrestrial Interfaces and Links. Launch Vehicles and Services -- The Launch Mission. Launch Technology and Systems. Launch Interfaces. Risk Management in Launch Operations. Satellite Operations and Orbit Maintenance -- The Satellite Control System. Intercommunication Networks. Orbital Operations. Network Operations. Human Resources for Satellite Operations. Economics of Satellite Systems -- System Development Methodology. Space Segment Economics. Earth Station Economics. Analysis of Network Economics. Future Directions for Satellite Communication -- Evolution of New Satellite Applications. Evolution of the Technology (Space, Ground and Application). Satellite Communication into the Third Millennium.