OPPapers.com

Satellite Telecommunications

Satellite Telecommunications
Network and Telecommunications Concepts 360
September 11, 2005


Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Satellite Communications History

• Sputnik Changed Everything

• America's Response

• Future Trends in Satellite Communications

• GEO vs. LEO

• Bent-Pipe Satellite Relay vs. the Switch in the Sky

• Companies Involved in Satellite Communications

• Regulatory Issues in Satellite Communications

• Global implications for the area

• Conclusion

• Figure 1-1 – Satellite System Diagram

• References

Introduction

Telecommunications was forever changed when the then Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first satellite to orbit the Earth. Since that first launch back in 1957 the telecommunication industry has exploded. So what it is a satellite and what can it do for us? What is the technology involved in making Satellites? What trends will we see in the telecommunications industry because of satellites? Who uses satellites? Are there regulatory issues concerning the use of satellites, and what are the global implications of using satellites? These are some of the issues that are common when people discuss the use of satellites, so throughout this paper we will try to thoroughly answer those questions and hopefully provide a better understanding of satellites and what they can do for us.

Before we venture in the world of satellite communication, let's get a clear understanding of what a satellite is. A satellite is an object that orbits another object. It could either be a natural object like the moon or it can be a technological device that is man made. For the purpose of this paper we will be discussing the man made satellites. Satellites are used for things like sending and receiving television signals. The television signal is sent from Earth to a satellite, and then it is rebroadcast to multiple locations back on Earth. Satellites are also used for sending and...