Satellite communication connects different points on Earth by building communication links. There are more than 2000 artificial satellites rotating in Earth’s orbit and relaying data, voice calls and messages, and video signals. Transponders in the satellites help to create a communication channel between the receiver and transmitter across various Earth locations. In this article, we will offer a brief guide on satellite communication along with its development with time, its applications and the future. So, stay tuned with us to learn some exciting things about satellite communication.
Satellite Communication: Components and Developments
- Components:
The two important components of satellite communication are the space segment and the ground segment. The space segment involves satellites, placed in the Earth’s orbit. To transmit and receive signals, the ground segment includes the transmitters, receivers, antennas, and control centers as the supporting infrastructure.
In satellite communication, uplink refers to the process by which a ground station sends a signal to the satellite. Whereas, the downlink involves the amplification and retransmission of signals by the satellite to a different ground station on Earth. Through this process, artificial satellites transmit data, video, and voice worldwide and facilitate global communication.
- Developments:
An 1869 short story introduced the concept of satellite communication. Later Arthur C. Clarke worked on it and proposed geostationary satellites in 1945. Twelve years later, in 1957, Sputnik 1 became the first artificial satellite to be launched from Earth. This year was the turning point in this new era of space exploration. Project SCORE, the satellite communication project by the USA launched the first satellite that could relay voice signals.
Today, we can witness a massive advancement in commercial satellite communication and that has become possible because of some remarkable talents and personalities like Harold Rosen and John Pierce. Now, various countries across the globe have launched their artificial satellites successfully in Earth’s orbit.
How Does a Satellite Work?
Satellites include transponders for receiving and transmitting video, voice, and data signals. It is important to ensure that satellites have electricity power through solar panels and can tolerate severe space conditions. To position and maintain the satellites around Earth’s orbit, propulsion systems are required.
The Launch of Satellite in Earth’s Orbit
There are different earth orbits, including Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and Polar Orbits. With the help of a powerful rocket and high-frequency communication ranges, we can launch a satellite into an Earth orbit.
The Applications of Satellite Communication
It is impossible to have telecommunication, data communication, and broadcasting services without satellites. Whether you are in a remote area or an underserved area, you get your television and internet services through satellite communication. Satellite communication is crucial for emergency communication, for instance, connecting people during natural disasters.
The Future of Satellite Communication
With the advancement of technology, satellites are also becoming more and more advanced, creating the path for a promising future of satellite communication. Considering the continuously rising demand for global communication, we can surely say that satellite communication will continue to grow.
