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Communications Satellites

By Editor | August 1, 2008

Our daily lives are affected regularly by communications satellites. Communications satellites provide an effective way to connect people and business from the most remote areas of the world to civilization. Many forms of business use communications satellites, like newspapers, gas stations, Internet service providers and even emergency management officials.

What makes communications satellites so useful is the frequency range at which these systems operate. Communications satellites operate near or in the microwave frequency range. This frequency range is optimum for carry large quantities of data. They are also best suited for line of sight (LOS) communications. LOS means the antennas have to see each other for the signal to be received. These frequencies are not reflected or absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere like in the case of HF signals reflected by the ionosphere.

Their ability to push through the Earth’s atmosphere is what makes them an effective transmission medium. Using the satellite as a repeater of sorts allows two or more earth bound stations to communicate effectively around the world.

Communications satellites will continue to evolve as our technological advancements continue.

In upcoming posts we will be sharing information about the various orbits and types of satellites as well as the ground stations and equipment.

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