Archive for April, 2008

Satellite Communication Security

Friday, April 11th, 2008

by K Anand

Communications Intelligence (COMINT) involving the covert interception of foreign communications has been practiced by almost every advanced nation since international telecommunications became available. COMINT is a large-scale industrial activity providing consumers with intelligence on diplomatic, economic and scientific developments.

Various communication intelligence equipments have been and are been designed in order to provide all with a secure communication channel. As satellite communications is growing day by day and is taking the major seat in the global communication network, products are being designed keeping the Security issue in mind.

Iridium Satellite Communications

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

Iridium satellite communications or Iridium Satellite LLC as the company is formally known is a satellite phone service. It is based on the idea of mobile satellite communication. Iridium satellite communications initially planned to have 77 (and hence the name Iridium, because the atomic number of Iridium is 77) low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in space but now only 66 satellites are required to complete the system or the satellite constellation as it is known as. There are also a few extra satellites in space as back up in case one of the essential 66 satellites stops functioning properly. The Iridium logo has 7 dots and it is speculated that it refers to the original figure of 77.