Satellite Technology

- including satellite television, satellite radio, global positioning system (GPS), and basic principles

Satellites are now an essential part of today's technology. The world has now come to rely on them in many ways. From satellite television (satellite tv) or direct broadcasting (DBS) of radio and television to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the new Galileo system, as well as communications satellites such as Inmarsat and surveying and weather monitoring satellites. Today we rely on satellites for many functions and they have become a part of everyday life that we take for granted. However it was only back in 1957 that the first satellite, Sputnik was launched. This ground breaking achievement set the pace for an enormous rate of development that saw communications and many other areas of life revolutionised.

Satellite basics

• Pot-pourri of interesting satellite facts
• Satellite types and applications
• Satellite orbits
• Launching satellites and placing them into orbit
• Satellite design and construction
• The basics of satellite communications
• Satellite signal propagation - The effect of the troposphere and ionosphere on satellite signals
• Satellite frequency bands chart
• Satellite solar outage - what it is and why it happens

Global positioning system (GPS)

The global positioning system (GPS) using the US DoD Navstar satellites is now well established and it is possible to buy GPS receivers very easily and cheaply considering the technology used. Additionally they are particularly accurate, enabling many cars to use SatNav systems inconjunction with stored map to provide a very comprenesive navigation system. If this was not enough, Europe is to launch its own satellite navigation system under the name Galileo.

• A basic GPS introduction
• A technical summary of the Global Positioning System (GPS)

Satellite communications systems

Although terrestrial landline and mobile phone systems are widespread, satellite based systems are also available. Although more costly, these satellite phone systems provide essential services in several arenas.

• Overview of the basics of satellite phone systems
• Iridium satellite phone systems