Satellite Technology: Principles and Applications, 3rd Edition

8Earth Station

Three essential elements of any satellite communication network or system include the Earth segment, the space segment and the up/down link between the space segment and the Earth segment. The space segment, mainly in terms of the different hardware components that constitute the satellite and related topics, was discussed in detail earlier in Chapter 4 on Satellite Hardware. Chapter 7 titled Satellite Link Design Fundamentals addressed different topics relevant to the design of an optimum satellite link. This chapter comprehensively covers different subsystems that make up a typical satellite Earth station and the key factors governing its design. Beginning with a brief introduction to the Earth station in terms of its role and significance in the overall satellite communication network, the chapter goes on to discuss different types of Earth stations along with their architecture and different subsystems constituting an Earth station. Key performance parameters and other factors governing the design of an Earth station are also discussed. The chapter concludes in overview of some of the major Earth stations around the world in terms of available infrastructure, range of services offered and so on. After reading the chapter you will learn the following:

• The role of an Earth station in overall satellite communication set-up
• Types of Earth station with reference to size and complexity and type of service
• Earth station architecture
• Design considerations for an ...