Satellite Communications—Overview

Presenter: Dr Mike Ryan

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Duration: 1 Day | Price: $1,100

 

Course Aim

This one-day Satellite Communications—Overview course (which is also the first day of our Satellite Communications—Intermediate and Satellite Communications—Advanced courses) provides attendees with a comprehensive overview of the issues associated with the design and operation of satellite communications systems. The course is ideally suited to managers, program managers and senior operations managers seeking familiarity with the fundamentals of satellite communications and an awareness of the utility of major commercial and military systems and their application.

Some basic familiarity with communications fundamentals is assumed so prior attendance at our Fundamental of Communications Systems course is recommended. Attendees receive a copy of the presenter’s book Principles of Satellite Communications.


Course Outline

Introduction: Brief history of satellite communications | The space environment | Basic satellite operation | Space & ground segment

Orbits: Types of orbit | Kepler’s laws and choice of orbital parameters | Orbital perturbations | Doppler effect | Effect of orbit height-GEO, MEO, LEO | Satellite launch | Orbital manoeuvring | Footprints and look angles | Solar eclipses | Sun-transit outages

Frequencies: Ranges and Designations | Allocations | Satellite frequency bands | Interference and coordination

Multiple Access Techniques: Frequency-division Multiple Access (FDMA) | Time-division Multiple Access (TDMA) | Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

Propagation and Antennas: Electromagnetic waves | Transmission path losses | Types of antennas - dipoles / horn antennas / parabolic antennas / patch antennas | Phased-array antennas | Multi-beam antennas | Pointing error | Tracking

Link Budget: Uplink and downlink model | System parameters | Example link budget

Applications: Broadcast satellite services | Fixed satellite services | Mobile satellite services | Australian providers | Broadband satellite services | Sub-space platforms | Military applications—wideband / UHF / EHF satcom

Your Presenter

Dr Mike Ryan holds BE, MEngSc and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of New South Wales. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia (FIEAust), a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) in systems engineering, electrical and ITEE colleges, a Senior Member of IEEE (SMIEEE), a Fellow of the International Council on Systems Engineering (FINCOSE), a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (FIML), and a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW (FRSN). Since 1981, he has held a number of positions in communications and systems engineering and in management and project management. He is the author or co-author of fourteen books, four book chapters, and over 450 refereed journal and conference papers.

Course Material

The following resources will be provided to attendees of this course:

  1. A copy of the author’s book Principles of Satellite Communications.

  2. A PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentations used for the course.

Course Brochure

Download the course brochure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend Satellite Communications—Overview? This course is suited to managers, program managers, senior operations managers, technical staff, and others who need a broad understanding of satellite communications systems, their applications, and the issues involved in their design and operation.

Do I need prior satellite communications experience? No specialist satellite communications experience is required, but some familiarity with communications fundamentals is assumed. Prior attendance at Fundamentals of Communications Systems is recommended for attendees who are new to communications concepts.

What topics are covered in the course? The course covers satellite communications history, the space environment, space and ground segments, satellite orbits, launch and manoeuvring, footprints and look angles, frequency bands, interference and coordination, multiple access techniques, propagation, antennas, link budgets, and commercial and military applications.

Is this course part of the longer Satellite Communications courses? Yes. Satellite Communications—Overview is the first day of both the Satellite Communications—Intermediate and Satellite Communications—Advanced courses.

What materials are provided? Attendees receive a copy of the presenter’s book, Principles of Satellite Communications, and a PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentations used during the course.

Course Testimonials

  • “100 percent satisfied.”

  • “This course not only improved satellite communications knowledge, it also benefited me in aircraft communication and navigation system design.”

  • “Great explanation of antennas and dB. Best I have heard.”

  • “Covered almost every topic in satellite communications.”

  • “The course was aimed at the right level for an overview.”

  • “Concepts were clearly explained in a logical order, using real-world examples and anecdotes.”

Presenter Testimonials

  • “The presenters’ professional knowledge and experience.”

  • “Mike’s technical expertise.”

  • “Concepts were clearly explained by the presenter in a logical order, using real-world examples and anecdotes.”

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Supplementary Material

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