Satellite Communications Payload and System

This is the first book primarily about the satellite payload ofsatellite communications systems. It represents a uniquecombination of practical systems engineering and communicationstheory. It tells about the satellites in geostationary andlow-earth orbits today, both the so-called bent-pipe payloads andthe processing payloads. The on-orbit environment, mitigated by thespacecraft bus, is described. The payload units (e. g. antennas andamplifiers), as well as payload-integration elements (e. g. waveguide and switches) are discussed in regard to how they work, what they do to the signal, their technology, environmentsensitivity, and specifications. At a higher level are discussionson the payload as an entity: architecture including redundancy; specifications--what they mean, how they relate to unitspecifications, and how to verify; and specification-complianceanalysis („budgets“) with uncertainty. Aspects ofprobability theory handy for calculating and using uncertainty andvariation are presented. The highest-level discussions, on theend-to-end communications system, start with a practicalintroduction to physical-layer communications theory. Atmosphericeffects and interference on the communications link are described. A chapter gives an example of optimizing a multibeam payload viaprobabilistic analysis. Finally, practical tips on systemsimulation and emulation are provided. The carrier frequenciestreated are 1 GHz and above. Familiarity with Fourier analysis willenhance understanding of some topics. References are providedthroughout the book for readers who want to dig deeper. Payload systems engineers, payload proposal writers, satellite-communications systems designers and analysts, andsatellite customers will find that the book cuts their learningtime. Spacecraft-bus systems engineers, payload unit engineers, andspacecraft operators will gain insight into the overall system. Students in systems engineering, microwave engineering, communications theory, probability theory, and communicationssimulation and modelling will find examples to supplementtheoretical texts.