B1: Basics of Satellite Communications:

Technology

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1- Birth of satellite communications
Satellites are able to fulfill a number of roles. One of the major
roles is for satellite communications. Here the satellite enables
communications to be established over large distances - well beyond
the line of sight. Communications satellites may be used for many
applications including relaying telephone calls, providing
communications to remote areas of the Earth, TV direct to user
broadcasting, providing satellite communications to ships, aircraft
and other mobile vehicles, and there are many more ways in which
communications satellites can be used.

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1- Birth of satellite communications

When used for communications, a satellite acts as a repeater. Its

height above the Earth means that signals can be transmitted over
distances that are very much greater than the line of sight. An earth
station transmits the signal up to the satellite. This is called the up-
link. The satellite receives the signal and retransmits it on what is
termed the down link. To avoid interference, the uplink and
downlink are on different frequency bands.

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1- Birth of satellite communications

In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been

placed into orbit by human endeavor.
Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish
them from natural satellites such as the Moon.

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1- Birth of satellite communications

First satellite was launched in 1957 by Russia. It was Sputnik 1.

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1- Birth of satellite communications

INTELSAT I (nicknamed Early Bird for the proverb "The early bird
catches the worm") was the first (commercial) communications
satellite to be placed in geosynchronous orbit, on April 6, 1965.

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 1- Birth of satellite communications
Benefits of satellites
Satellites Provide Some Capabilities Not EASILY Available with
Terrestrial Communication Systems
Adaptable to the needs of different customers
Mobility
Cost advantage over building land lines for a limited population
No geographical obstructions that prohibit landlines
Quick implementation e.g. News Gathering
Alternate routing or redundancy as required
Cost is independent of distance
Cost effective for short term requirements e.g. Sporting Events
Variable Data Speeds (Information Rates)

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 1- Birth of satellite communications
Interest of satellites

Satellites are complementary to cable for the following reasons:

Submarine cables (and landline fibre) are subject to cuts. Satellites
provide an excellent means of back-up and should always be considered
in any national plan as a means of resilience and network security
There are satellite systems utilizing MEO (medium Earth orbit). The MEO
satellites have both high capacity (in the range of 1.2Gbps per beam)
and quality (low latency of 120 ms round trip) and cost ($750 per Mbps
per month) factors that approach that of submarine cable.

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 1- Birth of satellite communications
Types of satellites
Earth observation satellites: These satellites allow scientists to
gather valuable data about the Earth's ecosystem
Navigation satellites: Using GPS technology these satellites are able to
provide a person's exact location on Earth to within a few meters
Broadcast satellites: broadcast television signals from one point to
another (similar to communications satellites).
Scientific satellites : perform a variety of scientific missions. The
Hubble Space Telescope is the most famous scientific satellite, but
there are many others looking at everything from sun spots to gamma
rays.
Military satellites: are up there, but much of the actual application
information remains secret
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2- Communications links:
Uplink

Uplink

Uplink - The transfer of information to the

satellite
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2-Communications links:
Downlink

Downlink

Downlink - The transfer of information from the

satellite

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2-Communications links
Uplink and Downlinks

NOTE:
Satellites receive at a different frequency
than they transmit at
Different wavelengths give different
radiation patterns on the antennae
This causes slightly different footprints for
uplink and downlink
For marketing reasons the patterns may be
different

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 3- The space segment
In a communications satellite, the equipment which provides the
connecting link between the satellites transmit and receive antennas is
referred to as the transponder.
The transponder forms one of the main sections of the payload, the
other being the antenna subsystems.
Communications data passes through a satellite using a signal path
known as a transponder.
Typically satellites have between 24 and 72 transponders. A single
transponder is capable of handling up to 155 million bits of information
per second. With this immense capacity, today's communication
satellites are an ideal medium for transmitting and receiving almost any
kind of content - from simple voice or data to the most complex and
bandwidth-intensive video, audio and Internet content.
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3-The space segment
Satellite design
Satellite design parameters include those with respect
to Payload (transponder and antenna subsystem) ,
Electrical Power, Attitude Control, Orbital Control ,
Thermal Control among others.

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4- The ground segment

Earth station components

Factors governing antenna sizes
The differences between a major earth station and a
VSAT
Permissions required to install and operate a VSAT /
Earth station

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 4-The ground segment
Earth Station Components
Indoor Outdoor

Feed Horn
Router
Power Amplifier Reflector

UPS
Rigid Mounting
Power

Earth Station Components generic simplified diagram

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4- The ground segment
Earth Station Components

Reflector

Ground
Mount
with
weights

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4- The ground segment
Factors governing Reflector sizes

Why install a large antenna when a small one would do

the job?

Transmission:
Large earth stations have smaller BEAM Width's therefore
point more accurately
Less RF signal wastage
Less co-satellite interference
Link budget requirement
Cost factors
Larger antenna may be less than the cost of a lease
with a smaller antenna
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 4- The ground segment
Factors governing Reflector sizes (2)

Receiving:
Antenna Gain dictated by the Link Budget
Large earth station can receive a weaker signal
than the equivalent small antenna
Cost implications with the Link Budget
Planning permission
e.g. Europe 0.9M is the minimum size

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4- The ground segment
The differences between a Major Earth Station
and a VSAT
VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal
A VSAT is typically a small earth station 0.7M to 3.7M
Usually operates a single service or application
Major Earth Station
Typically A Major Earth station is sized from 3.7M to 16M+ weighing 20
T or mo re costing $1M+
Basically same components in each station
Supports multiple services
All components redundant
Can transmit and receive in multiple polarisations
Usually configured with large RF power amplifiers
Always connected to suitable Power supplies
Usually connected to multiple terrestrial paths
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4- The ground segment
The differences between a Major Earth Station
and a VSAT

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4- The ground segment
Permissions required to install & operate
a VSAT / Earth station
Just because it can work does not necessarily mean you
may go out install and operate!

Planning permission
Local Authority building departments
Zoning issues
Landlords permission
Will the landlord permit your activity?
Regulatory authority
Does the law allow you to build and operate?

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 5- Satellite orbits
Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO): 35,786 km above the earth
Orbiting at the height of 22,282 miles above the equator (35,786 km), the
satellite travels in the same direction and at the same speed as the Earth's
rotation on its axis, taking 24 hours to complete a full circle in its orbit. Thus, as
long as a satellite is positioned over the Equator in an assigned orbital location,
it will appear to be "stationary" with respect to a specific location on the Earth.
The Operators of GEO satellites include Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat and RASCOM
among others.

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 5- Satellite orbits
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): 8,000-20,000 km above the earth
These orbits are primarily reserved for communications satellites that
cover the North and South Pole
Unlike the circular orbit of the geostationary satellites, MEO's are
placed in an elliptical (oval-shaped) orbit
O3b Networks (www.o3bnetworks.com ) operates a MEO constellation
of communication satellites

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 5- Satellite orbits
Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 500-2,000 km above the earth
These orbits are much closer to the Earth, requiring satellites to
travel at a very high speed in order to avoid being pulled out of orbit
by Earth's gravity
At LEO, a satellite can circle the Earth in approximately one and a
half hours
Iridium (www.iridium.com) operates a LEO constellation of
communication satellites

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 5- Satellite orbits
GEO vs. MEO vs. LEO
Most communications satellites in use today for commercial purposes are
placed in the geostationary orbit, because of the following advantages:
One satellite can cover almost 1/3 of Earth's surface, offering a reach
far more extensive than what any terrestrial network can achieve
Communications require the use of fixed antennas. Since
geosynchronous satellites remain stationary over the same orbital
location, users can point their satellite dishes in the right direction,
without costly tracking activities, making communications reliable and
secure
GEO satellites are proven, reliable and secure - with a lifespan of 10-15
years

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5- Satellite Orbits

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences

LICENSING
The ITU Member States have established a legal regime, which is codified
through the ITU Constitution and Convention, including the Radio
Regulations. These instruments contain the main principles and lay down
the specific regulations governing the following major elements:
frequency spectrum allocations to different categories of radio
communication services;
rights and obligations of Member administrations in obtaining access to
the spectrum/orbit resources;
international recognition of these rights by recording frequency
assignments and, as appropriate, orbital positions used or intended to be
used in the Master International Frequency Register.

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences

LICENSING
The above regulations are based on the main principles of efficient use of
and equitable access to the spectrum/orbit resources laid down in No. 196
of the ITU Constitution (Article 44), which stipulates that "In using
frequency bands for radio services, Members shall bear in mind that radio
frequencies and the geostationary-satellite orbit are limited natural
resources and that they must be used rationally, efficiently and
economically, in conformity with the provisions of the Radio Regulations,
so that countries or groups of countries may have equitable access to both,
taking into account the special needs of the developing countries and the
geographical situation of particular countries".

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences

ORBITAL SLOT REGISTRATION

The UN agency that regulates the use of geosynchronous orbit satelites is
the International Telecommunications Union. Regulation of these satellites
is necessary, because there are a limited number of places to put them in
orbit without the risk of interference with other satellites or collision with
space debris. In addition, the orbital slots (where the satellites are
placed) over industrialized areas are in much more demand than in lesser
developed areas.

Slots over less developed countries with a location that would give a
satellite coverage of industrialized countries are also in demand.

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences

EARTH STATION AND VSAT REGISTRATION

The ITU controls frequency allocations, permitted power levels and modes
of operation. These restrictions are intended primarily to prevent
interference between all types of systems employing radio communications
and to protect some telecommunications services, such as emergency
services.

In addition to that, many governments currently impose restrictions and

regulations on service providers and users. These national regulations are
specific to each particular country.

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences

EARTH STATION AND VSAT REGISTRATION

Due to the increasing uptake of sophisticated telecommunications systems,
that are sold and used in all countries, the licensing regime for end-user
equipment (such as VSAT terminals) is becoming simpler and less costly.

You will find the procedures and regulations that rule the installation and
operation of VSAT terminals in regulatory agencies in the countries or on
ITU web site.

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences
EARTH STATION AND VSAT REGISTRATION
A licence is required by the national telecommunications authority of a
country where any earth station as a part of a network, be it the hub, a
control station or a VSAT, is planned to be installed and operated.
The concern reflected here is to ensure compatibility between radio
networks by avoiding harmful interference between different systems.
By doing so, any licensed operator within a certain frequency band is
recognized as not causing unacceptable interference to others, and is
protected from interference caused by others.
In the past, national telecommunication authorities have required licensing
of individual VSAT terminals in addition to requiring a network operators
license. Then, the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
implemented with success a blanket licensing approach for VSATs operated
within the US.
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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences

EARTH STATION AND VSAT REGISTRATION

With blanket licensing, VSATs are configured based upon technical criteria
(power level, frequency, etc.) to eliminate the risk of interference, so a single
license can be issued covering a large number of VSAT terminals.

Blanket licensing has since gained interest among national telecommunications

authorities all over the world, as a result of equipment manufacturers
complying with the recommendations issued by international standardization
bodies, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the
European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Relevant
documentation from these bodies is available at:
http://www.itu.int/home/index.html and http://www.etsi.org/

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences

EARTH STATION AND VSAT REGISTRATION

A licence usually entails the payment of a licence fee, which is most often
in two parts: a one-time fee for the licensing work and an annual charge per
station.
The licensing procedure is simpler when the network is national, as only one
telecom authority is involved.

For transborder networks, licences must be obtained from the national

authorities of the different countries where the relevant earth stations are
planned to be installed and operated, and rules often differ from one
country to another. To facilitate the access to these rules,
telecommunications authorities around the world have begun posting data
related to their nations VSAT regulatory conditions on the World Wide Web.

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6- Orbital positions and radio interferences
Interferences

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7- Satellite Communications Market and Technology
trends
There are many actors in the satellite communications market :
- Satellite Service Providers (O3b, Rascom, Intelsat, Gilat,
Astrasat,)
- VSAT Installers (Libercom, Skytel,)
- Regulators (FCC, ARCE,)

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7- Satellite Communications Market and
Technology trends

Market trends for capacity

continues to grow despite fibre deployment
Potential shortage of capacity in some areas for certain
types of capacity due to heavy cutbacks in launches
Bandwidth is ever increasing on a per link basis

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7- Satellite Communications Market and Technology trends
User demands
Smaller terminals
High throughput
Enhanced capability
Constellations
Responsive space
Lower costs - $1000 now and lower!
Easier access to space segment
Easier licensing regimes
Open standards
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7- Satellite Communications Market and Technology trends

Open Standards
All agree:
Satellite Operators
Network Operators
Equipment manufacturers
End-users

Yes but which one is the best one or is it a multitude

of answers and solutions?

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7- Satellite Communications Market and Technology trends

Global usage and coordination

Ka / Ku/ C Band
Interference issues
Global Regional frequency coordination

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8- Satellite Operators

There are many actors in the satellite communications :

- Satellite Service Providers (O3b, Rascom, Intelsat, Gilat,

Astrasat,)
- VSAT Installers (Libercom, Skytel,)
- Regulators (FCC, ARCE,)

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8- Satellite Operators

Intelsat, Ltd. is a communications satellite services provider.

Originally formed as International Telecommunications Satellite
Organization (INTELSAT), it was an intergovernmental consortium
owning and managing a constellation of communications satellites
providing international broadcast services. As of March 2011,
Intelsat owned and operated a fleet of 52 communications satellites.
Eutelsat S.A. is a French-based satellite provider. Providing
coverage over the entire European continent, as well as the Middle
East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, it
is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in terms of
revenues.

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 8- Satellite Operators
O3b is building a next-generation network that combines the reach of satellite
with the speed of fiber. O3b satellites are placed in a Meduim Earth Orbit
(MEO).
Higher capacity
O3bs satellite transponders have on average three to four times the capacity
of those offered by GEO satellite systems.
Greater coverage
O3bs next-generation satellite network reach consumers, businesses and other
organisations in more than 150 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and
the Middle East.
Lower latency
Round-trip data transmission time of MEOs such as O3b satellites is reduced
from well over 500 milliseconds of GEOs to approximately 100 milliseconds.

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 End of B1:
Basics of Satellite Communications: Technology

Thank You!

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