Abstract
Satellite networks played a key role in supporting the establishment of global communication networks, video broadcasting and complementing terrestrial networks for uncovered areas. While the biggest commercial success has been in the domain of broadcasting and professional applications, there is a growing interest and investments related to the provision of complementary broadband and narrowband fixed mobile services by satellite.
This course will provide a review of the evolution of satellite communication systems covering the different commercial applications. Stemming from the most important satellite applications, market aspects, associated frequency bands and system architectures the following satcom systems will be covered:
- Non-geostationary narrowband mobile constellation systems and associated challenges (Iridium, Globalstar, AST Mobile, Apple, Beidou 3, Lynk, Starlink).
- Geostationary mobile satellite communication systems (Inmarsat, Thuraya, Solaris/Echostar, Inmarsat Global Xpress)
- Geostationary high throughput satellite communication systems and associated challenges (Eutelsat Ka-sat, Viasat 2-3, Jupiter 3)
- Non-geostationary broadband (mega)-constellations systems and associated challenges (SES O3B, OneWeb, Space X Starlink, Amazon Kuiper)
Some takeaways will be provided to illustrate lessons learned and key challenges ahead.