Fixed Satellite Systems
(1)
Objectives, Key Definitions and
System Growth
Dr. Joseph N. Pelton
Course Objectives
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The course explores the evolution of fixed satellite services over
time and its relation to other ICT technologies – particularly
fiber optic networks. This course explores such aspects as the
development of new types of ground system, TTC&M
operations, the ability of satellites to operate at higher power
levels with increased frequency re-use, in higher frequency
bands and in “noisy” urban environments. Many of these
innovations are possible due to the evolution of digital services
and technologies. Key trends in FSS field that are examined
included the shift from C-band to Ku-band and now the Kabands frequencies, digital encryption, and the latest trends
towards micro-terminals and Ultra-Small Aperture Terminals
(USATs).
Course Objectives (Continued)
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The course also address how various satellite systems are
addressing orbital congestion, open trade, short-term on-demand
access to satellite networks by broadcasters. It also briefly
addresses defense systems and current business user needs
provision of virtual private networks. Also explored are new
MPEG standards, DVB and DOCSIS, the impact of the internet
and broadband IP services on the satellite world, and the
evolution of the new IPoS standard and “accelerators”. It also
addresses how the communications satellite industry may evolve
in the future to meet commercial, security and defense related
needs.
The course will include a series of lectures, readings in text
materials, class assignments and final exam.
Traffic
on
Wireless
Media
Age of Multimedia
Transmission and
Integrated Digital
Services
Traffic on Fiber
and Wire
Technologies
The Relative Merits of
Multiplexing Systems
 FDMA:
Frequency Division Multiple Access
 TDMA: Time Division Multiple Access
 CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access
 DWDM: Dense Wave Division Multiple
Access (This is an approach that works for
fiber optic networks but not for advanced
satellite communications systems.)
FSS vs. MSS vs. BSS
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Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) are offered essentially in C band
(6/4 GHz), Ku bands (14/12 GHz) and Ka band (30/20 GHz)
while defense fixed services are primarily in X band (8/7 GHz)
and Ka band (30/20 GHz) and are between fixed antennas with a
clear line of sight to the satellite and 3-6 dB of link margin.
Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) are offered in the lower VHF,
UHF bands (137 MHz, 400/432 MHz, 1.6 GHz, 2.0 GHz,
2.5/2.6 GHz bands because mobile terminals may be shadowed
or partially blocked. They need to have frequencies that are
more tolerant of not always having a clear line of sight to the
satellite. They also need higher link margins (10-22 dB) because
of blockage by foliage, power-line poles, buildings, hillsides,
etc. They also need more power (power flux density) to be
received especially by small portable or mobile user terminals
(i.e. transceivers).
FSS vs. MSS vs. BSS

Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS) are offered
essentially 18/12 GHz bands allocated by the ITU but
what is called direct-to-the-home (DTH) services are
sometimes offered on FSS satellites that have higher
power and thus can offer service to a small receiving
terminal at the home even though it is technically not a
BSS satellite operating in the BSS frequencies. Hughes
Galaxy, SES Astra in Europe, and PanAmSat have
operated DTH services in FSS frequency bands. They
size of user terminals today are in the 0.8 meter to 0.35
meter range. BSS and FSS satellites are both used to
provide Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) services.
History of Satellites
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Newton showed how an artificial satellite could be launched.
Everett Edward Hale wrote about The Brick Moon that would be
launched into polar orbit to provide navigation and
communications services.
Tsiolokowsky, Willy Lev, Robert Goddard developed key ideas
about rocket propulsion
Arthur C. Clarke in 1945 wrote an article in Wireless World to
explain how three satellites in Geosynchronous orbit could
provide global coverage.
In 1959 Sputnik was launched and in 1960 the first experimental
communications satellites were launched
These included SCORE, Courier 1B, Echo, Telstar, Relay, and
Syncom.
Development of first GEO Satellite Systems
Dr. Rosen and his crew at Hughes Satellite Systems
Other Growth Areas
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Another major growth area has been broadcasting services
as the number of satellite based channels world wide have
grown to some 12,000. This growth has been aided by the
emergence of effective capacity consolidators and value
added contractors, the largest of which is Globecast. New
digital compression standards has also increased the cost
efficiency of these services.
For the last five years Internet/IP related services and
especially digital video broadcast with return channel
service (DVB-RCS) and other similar standards, including
the cable television based standard of DOCSIS (Data over
Cable Service Interface Standard) have been a primary
growth area for FSS satellites.
Assignment

Assignment 7:
– Explain the following:
 Why DWDM can not work for Satellite
communications systems?
 What is meant by the term “The Brick Moon”
 Define WGS, MUOS, HALE and DSCS