Issues on Development of Communication Technology Using Orbiting Satellites

The development of geosynchronous satellite based briefcase terminal development has been over initiating very encouraging response from our defence and para military forces in late decade, i.e., precisely from 1997 onwards till 2010. Since inception, the demand has been to increase the capacity, not only tremendously, but also to look into increasing the operational zones beyond our borders even- which was not possible in the conventional way. Further considering the indigenous expertise, the author has felt the limitations of using geosynchronous satellites for such communications exclusively for defence forces as there are tremendous demand for geosynchronous satellites for many other vital areas of civil needs, particularly for disaster management, agricultural applications and internet for transportation applications. Additionally, geosynchronous satellites being primarily deployed in equatorial orbits, limits quantitative availability, exclusively for India. Keeping this in view, the proposal was initiated to write a monograph on the issues of the problems in development of a communication system based on LEO satellites. LEO satellites are planned for defence forces, but for other applications. However additional minor modifications for communications can easily be incorporated. The launching of such satellites is available and considering the low orbits, these do not come under regulations of international bodies like the geosynchronous ones. The major advantage is its security against intentional jamming by adversaries and easy up gradations with lower costs. The issues for practical aspects are not available in published literature. In case such a project is taken up, this monograph will provide the background to all to initiate the developmental effort. Thus it is only the initial attempt to begin the process. The implementation of the system is definitely realisable indigeneously, though quite complicated. Towards this objective, this monograph had been an attempt discussing sequentially in a story telling way. It explains some of the important aspects of the development issues. …