Satellite Communication

SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

The satellite communication is a mode of communication of signal between transmitter and receiver via satellite. The message signal from the Earth station is transmitted to the satellite on board via an uplink (frequency band 6 GHz), amplified by a transponder and then retransmitted to another Earth station via a downlink (frequency band 4 GHz) (Figure 10.7).

The high-frequency radio wave signals travel in a straight line (line of sight) may come across tall buildings or mountains or even encounter the curvature of the earth. A communication satellite relays and amplifies such radio signals via transponder to reach distant and far off places using uplinks and downlinks. It is also called as a radio repeater in sky. The applications are found to be in all fields and are discussed below.

Applications

Satellites are classified into different types based on their applications. Some satellites are discussed below.

i. Weather Satellites: They are used to monitor the weather and climate of Earth. By measuring cloud mass, these satellites enable us to predict rain and dangerous storms like hurricanes, cyclones etc.

ii Communication satellites: They are used to transmit television, radio, internet signals etc. Multiple satellites are used for long distances.

iii. Navigation satellites: These are employed to determine the geographic location of ships, aircrafts or any other object.