American Antenna

Different strokes: different applications of satellite orbits

admin — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ever since the first commercial communications satellite” the Early Bird” was launched way back in 1965, satellite technology has expanded exponentially. And its history goes back even further” the famed English writer Arthur C. Clarke suggested using satellites for communication as early as 1945, and the first passive communications satellite, the Echo I, was launched in 1960. In 1969, the Apollo astronauts used satellites to relay television broadcasts from the moon.

The telephone lines have made extensive use of satellite technology, which is the dominant form of communication in places where there are no landlines, such as the frozen wastes of Antarctica.Confused? Here ‘s a little help .

Satellite television is becoming increasingly popular: A large number of stations are available on satellite which cannot be accessed on cable. There are Direct Broadcast and Fixed Service Satellite systems. (My family has no satellite dish; I often wish we did.)

Mobile radios can also be connected via satellite, which offers the advantage of allowing people to listen to the same programs wherever they go. And so do amateur radio operators: Special satellites, called Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio (OSCARs), are designed specifically for the purpose.

And, of course, people in remote areas use satellites for Internet services.

Breaking down the physics of satellite communications

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Breaking down the physics of satellite communications will allow people to learn more about satellite communication technologies. Communications satellites are commonly used for telephones. Talking to people over long distances is made possible through communications satellites. The signals from the communications satellites are easily retrieved through an earth station. From the perspectives of different people from Earth, it would appear that the communications satellites remain stationary. The communications satellites, however, are not stationary. Communications satellites are placed in what is called a geostationary orbit. A geostationary orbit is an orbit that is situated above Earth’s equator. The geostationary orbit follows the same period of the Earth’s rotation. An object within a geostationary orbit, therefore, follows a specific position relative to the Earth. This enables viewers from the Earth to see an object within a geostationary orbit at all times of the year. Because the communications satellites do not move, we are able to receive easy-to-retrieve, consistent communications from the satellites. Frequencies of different magnitudes are sent from the communications satellites to the earth stations through specific bandwidths. Bandwidths, which are measured in hertz, determine how fast information can be sent. When hertz increases, the speed of the sent information increases.

The construction of a communications satellite

admin — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The next generation of satellites may not be built in a high tech lab. Communication satellites may soon be built in a garage or a school shop class. In the past in order to construct satellites all the parts had to be special ordered from space industry suppliers, and the costs were astronomical. There is a new movement to build satellites from off the shelf products picked up at local chain stores. Can this really be done?

In the past satellites were made up of multiple components. These components were bulky and only served a single purpose. The University of Surrey in England is currently working on a satellite built around a smart phone. The smart phone will navigate the satellite with its GPS, take pictures and video with it’s built in camera, and even control some of the mechanical parts of the satellite.

A limitation of satellites has always been weight. To be sent into space satellites must be very light. With a smart phone replacing multiple components, it would appear that the weight issue has been solved. The inventors of this new satellite envision satellite apps for smart phones going into space.

The major advantage of building a satellite with a smart phone is cost. In the past satellites were used only by governments and large corporations due to cost. It is estimated that a cell phone powered satellite would only cost about as much as family car, bringing satellite technology to the masses.

Satellite TV Is Better, More Convenient Direct Television

admin — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Home entertainment begins with better television. At the bottom line, we pay for TV programming that our family considers entertaining. Technological innovations in the distribution of satellite TV’s broadcast signal contribute to the entertainment value of our family’s television experience by making something good, more convenient. Over the past year, satellite TV broadcasters (i.e. whose services are readily available at www.direct.tv) have rolled out fantastic innovations that increased programming choices, integrated interactive advertising features, and allow us to go mobile. There’s even iPad apps that allow for TV streaming and DVR management!

Bringing quality entertainment into our home via a la-cart subscription is a value-added proposition. The effort that employs satellite communications technology allows consumers to focus on three key preferences;
1.What to view,
2.When we want to view it, and
3.Where we may view our favorite programs

Customer convenience is the name of game. In some instances, satellite technologies deliver more recent movie releases; and they provide programming up to four weeks earlier than some online streamers and vending machine competitors. Advanced reception equipment can use streaming technology to permit recording of favorite programming for delayed playback. Premium satellite TV subscribers may employ Internet technology to experience true anytime anywhere choice. The satellite TV experience really is quite fascinating but it’s important to keep an eye out for what the cable providers retaliate with. They never go down without a fight. And for the next couple of years that competition is going to bring all sorts of fun and useful innovations!