This course presents the fundamentals of satellite communications link design and an in-depth treatment of practical considerations. Existing commercial, civil, and military systems are described and analyzed, including direct broadcast satellites, high throughput satellites, VSAT links, and Earth-orbiting and deep space spacecraft. Topics include satellite orbits, link analysis, antenna and payload design, interference and propagation effects, modulation techniques, coding, multiple access, and Earth station design. The impact of new technology on future systems in this dynamic field is discussed.
Course prerequisite(s):
525.616 Communication Systems Engineering or equivalent or permission of the instructor. Course Note(s): This course is cross-listed with 675.640 Satellite Communications Systems.