This book explains the different types of satellite communication systems and technologies including the basic types of satellite systems: GEO, MEO, LEO, and elliptical orbit satellites. It covers the key parts of a satellite system including telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C), ground segment, and end user equipment. It covers how satellite systems are changing, growth in key satellite markets, key technologies that are used in satellite systems, commercial satellite systems, and provides information on the leading services and their costs for satellite communication. You will discover the key voice, dispatch, data, and broadcast services that satellite systems provide including VSAT, MSS, SDARS, GPS, and DTH/DVB. You will learn that very small aperture terminals (VSAT) can provide high-speed data links almost anywhere in the world. Mobile satellite services (MSS) provide for two-way voice and wide area dispatch communication. Satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) are achieving commercial through the use of efficient transmission and innovative pay for subscription services. Accurate location information can be obtained by the global positioning system (GPS). Direct to home (DTH) digital video broadcasting (DVB) satellite systems are projected to provide broadcast television service to more than 90 million subscribers by 2007. Covered are the key technologies used by satellite systems including bent pipe transmission, multibeam transmission and satellite cross-links. You will learn how satellite transmission systems have been simplified using bent pipe transmission and how multibeam satellites dramatically increase the communication capacity of satellites. Each type of satellite system and its technologies have unique advantages and limitations, which offer important economic and technical choices for managers, salespeople, technicians, and others involved with satellite equipment and systems. This Introduction to Satellites book provides a basic understanding of the major satellite systems, technologies, issues, and how satellite systems are evolving to offer high-speed Internet services.
Ben Levitan, is an engineer and an expert on new and developing wireless standards for Satellite and Cellular Systems including ANSI-41, GSM, and 3rd Generation systems. Mr. Levitan is an active participant for the US and international development of ANSI-41, GSM, 802.11, All-IP (3G Standards), Interstandard Roaming and FCC and US Government mandated features and requirements. Mr. Levitan has represented COMSAT, Intelsat and Aeronautical Radio, Inc. in the development of satellite standards and was a member of the United States Delegations to the United Nation's International Telecommunications Union conferences for worldwide standardization of telecommunications for eight years. Mr. Levitan is active in the development of the design of standards for the first, second and third generation of standards for wireless and cellular system, representing the engineering and business interests of GTE, Verizon International, TSI and other clients at the industry forums for development of cellular systems standards. Mr. Levitan expertise includes international roaming for cellular systems and government and FCC mandated features such as the new required Wiretap standards (CALEA), Local Number Portability and 911 emergency standards for the cellular industry. Mr. Levitan is a frequent speaker at wireless industry forums and conferences and is the author of two technical industry websites.
Mr. Harte has over 29 years of experience in the electronics industry including company leadership, product management, development, marketing, design, and testing of telecommunications (cellular), radar, and microwave systems. He has been issued patents relating to cellular technology. He has authored over 75 articles on related subjects and has been a speaker and panel moderator at industry trade events. Mr. Harte earned executive MBA at Wake Forest University and received his Bachelors degree from University of the State of New York. During the TDMA digital cellular standard development process, Mr. Harte served as an editor and voting company representative for the Telecommunications Industries Association (TIA) TR45.3, digital cellular standards committee. As of 2003, Mr. Harte had authored or co-authored over 30 books relating to telecommunications technology. He has served as a consultant and expert witness for leading companies including Ericsson, Siemens, VLSI, AMD, Casio, Samsung, Sony, ATT, Nokia, Hughes and many others.
