• History of Comm.

satellite
• Difference between Comm. satellite and others
• Working principle and satellite design
• Applications of Comm. satellite
• Developments in Comm. satellites

Communication Satellites and Applications - 1

 COMMUNICATION SATELLITES AND
APPLICATIONS

Communication is essential not only for contacting the humans on some other part of the planet
but also for exchanging information at longer distances. Communication Satellites can be
defined as the exchange of different types of data between satellite stations present on the earth,
with the help of a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This communication is maintained
through the satellites launched in space. Have you ever wondered how you can see what is
happening on the other side of the earth? Or how can you speak to your friend living in another
city or country so quickly like they were right next to you? Let us talk about the various
processes through which these events can be possible.

What is a Communication Satellite?

A satellite can be defined as an artificial body that has been launched in the earth's orbit in
space. Such artificial bodies are launched to collect information and transmit it back to the
earth. Such satellites can be made to orbit around the earth or any other planet and celestial
body, and the specified information about the body can be gathered.

On the other hand, a communication satellite is an artificial body launched in the orbit of the
earth to expand the ability of networks and connections on the planet. Thus, such a satellite
can make long-distance communication and information transfer much more effortless.
Considering this, we can expand the application of communication satellites and use them for
different applications such as Weather forecasts, Navigation, telephone signals, television
broadcasting, etc.

History of Satellite communication

The first theoretical description of the existence of the artificial satellite was given by a Russian
Scientist called Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in the period between 1857 - 1937. In this description,
he also explained the existence of the geosynchronous orbit. He has also formulated the rocket
equation, which is still used to develop rockets today.
The development of the idea of a communication satellite began in 1945. This was the year
when Arthur C. Clarke, the member and officer of the British Interplanetary Society, wrote an
article in Wireless World. This article described the launch of manned satellites that can be in
a 24-hour orbit around the world for the distribution of programmes on television.

The concept of the artificial satellite was turned into reality when the first satellite Sputnik-I
was launched in the earth's orbit in the year 1957. Later the idea developed by Clark became
apparent after the successful launch of the first geosynchronous satellite called SYNCOM
through NASA.

Communication Satellites and Applications - 2

The APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) was India’s first geostationary satellite
launched on an experimental basis. This satellite had been launched from Guiana Space Center
in France. This satellite was a candidate for multiple communication experiments.

Did you know?

The development journey of APPLE started when
ISRO did not have proper infrastructure. Testing
the satellite at the lab in Toulouse was impossible
due to distance and cost constraints. The scientists
discovered a solution in five hours and at the cost
of ₹150 only! The satellite had been loaded on a
bullock cart to generate a non-magnetic
environment, and the antenna test was done!

Fig. 1: Testing of APPLE on the Bullock Cart

Difference Between the Communication Satellite and Other Satellites

In the previous chapters, we have seen the various kinds of satellites. We have also discussed
that the satellites will perform as per the collection and transmission of different signals and
information. The communication satellites aid to establish communication between the various
stations on the earth. This is why all the communication satellites are placed in the
geostationary orbits to have a constant connection over the selected area on the planet.

All of the satellites are conducting the communication of various types of information such as
the weather and the forecast of the weather, GPS signals, and so on. The main difference that
sets the communication satellites apart is that these satellites are used to establish
communication with people worldwide and stream various programs on television. These
satellites can also be used for the weather forecast management and alert system.

Another difference between the communication satellites and the other satellites is that these
satellites relay and amplify the signals received from the earth. In contrast, the other satellites
have payloads consisting of particular sensors and equipment as per the requirement of the
application.

Working of Communication Satellite

The communication between the satellites and the stations on earth takes place by transferring
the information. The information is transmitted from the ground stations on the planet. At the
same time, the satellites retransmit the data back to the earth using the download link. These
satellites are designed in such a way that multiple signals can be simultaneously relayed.

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A medium is required to enable communication for receiving and transmitting. In the case of
the communications satellite, usually this medium is radio signals. The electromagnetic waves
in the meter wave range carry the information to
the satellites and back to the earth. Now let us
understand how this works.

The basic function of the communication

satellite is to gather the signals received from the
earth through the radio antennas and retransmit
them back to earth. Thus, the process of
communication satellites will involve four
significant steps.

1. A signal transmission will occur from an

Uplink Earth station or other equipment
transmitting the desired signal to the
Fig. 2: Working of communication satellite
satellite.
2. The received signal is amplified by the satellite.
3. The signal is transmitted back to the earth.
4. The antennas or receiving equipment will receive this signal.

To ensure continuous communication to a particular area, the satellite shall always be in the
view of the site. As the earth is rotating, unless the satellite also rotates along with the planet
in the same direction and position, it is impossible to have continuous coverage. This is
achieved by Geostationary satellites. The height or altitude at which the satellite is positioned
to accomplish that synchronous rotation is roughly 36000 km above the earth's surface.

As per the International Telecommunication Union there are several types of communication
services which are supported by satellites
1. Fixed Satellite Services
2. Broadcast Satellite Services
3. Mobile Satellite Services
4. Radio determination Satellite Services
5. Meteorological Satellite Services
6. Radio Navigation Satellite Services
7. Earth Exploration Satellite Services
8. Amateur Satellite Services
9. Inter Satellite Services

Communication Satellites and Applications - 4

Frequency bands of operation
Band Downlink Frequency Uplink Frequency Bandwidth
(GHz) (GHz) (MHz)
To establish communication between
the ground segment and the space L 1.5 1.6 15
segment, two types of frequencies are S 1.9 2.2 70
necessary. The frequency used for
C 4 6 500
ground to satellite communication is
called as the uplink frequency, Ku 11 14 500

whereas the one used between the Ka 20 30 3500

satellite and ground station
communication is downlink Fig. 3: Frequency band for communication
frequency. Various frequencies have
been reserved for the purpose of
satellite communication and they are subdivided as L, S, C, Ku, Ka. these frequencies are in
Gigahertz*.

The need for satellite communication

Connectivity and communication are the most important things needed to be established for
personal and any other professional uses. Before the development of satellites, the
communication between places was being achieved through stations present on earth. It was
observed that such communication had multiple limitations such as weather interference,
distance, and inability to reach and cover longer distances.

Through the method of communication satellite, it is possible to cover a large area on the earth
and always stay connected. On the other hand, the functions such as broadcasting and
communicating can be done in seconds without any restraints.

How a Satellite Works

A Geostationary satellite is an object that moves around

the earth in a circular path at around 36000 km from the
surface of earth. A communication satellite is nothing
more than a space-based microwave repeater station. It
has uses in telecommunications, radio, and television, as
well as on the internet.

A repeater is a piece of electronic equipment that boosts

the power of a received signal before transmitting it.
Fig. 4: Working principle of a However, in communication satellites, this repeater is
satellite
referred to as a transponder. That is, the frequency band
of the broadcast signal differs from the frequency band of
the received signal. Uplink frequency refers to the frequency at which a transmission is
delivered into space. Downlink frequency refers to the frequency at which the signal is
delivered from the transponder to the ground station.

Communication Satellites and Applications - 5

Satellite Design
The design of the satellite equipment is robust and has mechanical and
electronic components mounted in such a way that can help the satellite to
function for the maximum number of years in space. The main design of
the satellite consists of two components.
1. The spacecraft Bus: this is the main housing of the satellite and
contains power and temperature controls, and directional thrusters.
2. The satellite Payload: this is the part that receives the signals,
amplifies them, and retransmits back to earth.
While designing the satellite, two major factors are considered such as
coverage capacity and the power. The communication satellite can be said
to have 2 main segments viz. The earth segment and the space segment.
The space segment consists of the receiver, amplifier, and transmitter. Fig. 5: Satellite Design
While the earth segment consists of a transmitter station and receiver
station.

Spacecraft sub-system: The major sub-systems of space segment are:

• AOC Subsystem
• TTCM Subsystem
• Power and Antenna Subsystems
• Transponders

Earth Segment Subsystems

Earth segment aka ground segment performs mainly two functions. The transmission of a
signal to the satellite (TV station / Radio Station) and reception of signal from the satellite.

Satellite Communication - AOC Subsystem

Due to gravitational pulls from the sun, moon, and other planets, the satellite may vary from
its intended inserted orbit. Because the satellite rotates around the planet, these forces vary
cyclically during a 24-hour period.

Altitude and Orbit Control (AOC) subsystem have thrusters, which are capable of placing the
satellite into the right orbit, in case of any deviation. AOC subsystem ensures correct
orientation of antenna always point towards earth for receiving and transmitting signals. AOC
has the following two parts:
• Altitude Control Subsystem.
• Orbit Control Subsystem.

AOCS function to maintain its position and orientation of the satellite towards the service area
is called attitude and orbit control system. Attitude control needs to sense the spacecraft
orientation towards earth and then control the orientation in case of error. The 3 axes of the
satellite are roll, pitch and yaw need to be controlled, so that the face of the satellite which has
the repeater antenna is facing towards the service area of the earth. The deviation to the ideal
reference is measured by sensors and gives the command to either momentum wheels to act or
fire thrusters to correct the orientation. The orientation and orbit position are guided by
different sensors namely star sensor, sun sensor and earth sensor etc.

Communication Satellites and Applications - 6

Satellite Communication - TTCM Subsystem:

Both satellites and earth stations have a telemetry, tracking, commanding, and monitoring
(TTCM) subsystem. Sensors provide data to satellites in general. As a result, the satellite's
telemetry subsystem transmits this information to the ground stations. TTCM subsystem have
got three parts.
• Telemetry and Monitoring Subsystem.
• Tracking Subsystem.
• Commanding Subsystem.

Telemetry and Monitoring Subsystem:

Telemetry subsystem is a remote-controlled system Telemetry subsystem Present in the
satellite performs mainly two functions:
1. Receiving data from sensors.
2. Transmitting that data to an earth station.

It relays monitoring information from the satellite to the ground station. The data relating to
altitude, surroundings, and satellite is carried through the telemetry signals.

Tracking Subsystem:
The tracking subsystem is useful for determining the satellite's position and current orbit. The
Satellite Control Centre (SCC) monitors and regulates the satellite's operation and status 24
hours a day, seven days a week.

Commanding Subsystem:
The commanding subsystem is in charge of turning on and off other subsystems in the satellite
depending on data from the telemetry and tracking subsystems. Whenever there is a
discrepancy* in those parameters, this subsystem modifies the satellite's height and orbit. It's
also in charge of the communication system. In terms of functionality, the Telemetry and
Commanding subsystems are fundamentally opposed. Since the first one sends information
from the satellite to the earth station while the second one receives commands from the earth
station.

Power Systems:
Because of many electronic systems and communications payload, the satellite needs internal
power to run its. A satellite's power system is a critical subsystem that delivers the necessary
power for the satellite's operation. These systems primarily rely on solar cells (or panels) and
rechargeable batteries.

Solar cells create electricity from incident sunlight, and groups of cells arranged in an array
can be utilised to generate more power. The energy created in this way will be stored in
rechargeable batteries. Satellites mostly employ high-capacity Li-ion batteries. It is difficult to
obtain power from the sun during eclipses. As a result, power will be used in that situation,
allowing all systems to function. The battery management system will operate and control the
satellite's whole power distribution.

Antenna Subsystems:
Both satellites and earth stations have antennas. Antennas for satellites have two purposes.
These are responsible for receiving signals from earth stations and transmitting them to one or

Communication Satellites and Applications - 7

more earth stations, depending on the demand. In other words, satellite antennas both receive
and send uplink and downlink signals.

The operating frequency is related to the size of satellite antennas inversely. In order to lower
the size of satellite antennas, the operating frequency must be increased. As a result, satellite
antennas use frequencies in the GHz range. Satellite antennas are the antennas that are utilised
in satellites. Antennas are divided into four categories. They are:
1. Wire Antennas.
2. Horn Antennas.
3. Array Antennas.
4. Reflector Antennas.
5. Unfurlable* Antennas.

Reflector antennas are the most commonly used antennas.

Reflector antennas are ideal for creating beams with increased
signal intensity in a single direction. That is to say, these are
antennas with a high degree of directionality. As a result,
parabolic reflectors improve antenna gain in satellite
communication systems. As a result, telecommunications and
broadcasting utilise them.
Fig. 6: Parabolic Antenna
If a Parabolic Reflector antenna is used to transmit a signal, the
signal from the feed is focused on the parabola using a dipole or a horn antenna. The waves
leave the focal point and impact the Paraboloid reflector, which is what it signifies. This wave
is now reflected in the form of a collimated wave front.

If the same antenna is used as a receiver, the electromagnetic wave is reflected onto the feed
point as it hits the form of the parabola. The dipole or horn antenna, which serves as the receiver
antenna at its feed, receives this signal is then converted it to an electric signal before passing
it on to the receiver electronics.

Satellite Communication – Transponders

Transponder is the satellite subsystem that provides the link between the satellite's transmitting
and receiving antennas. In the space segment subsystems, it is one of the most important
subsystems.

In a satellite, the transponder serves as both a transmitter and a receiver (Responder). As

a result, the word 'Transponder' is formed by merging the first few letters of two words:
Transmitter (Trans) and Responder (ponder).

The transponder serves primarily two purposes. Those enhance and translate the frequency of
the incoming input signal. In order to avoid interference between broadcast and received
signals, distinct frequency values are chosen for both uplink and downlink.

Communication Satellites and Applications - 8

The block diagram of transponder is shown in below figure.

Fig. 7: Block diagram of Transponder

A two-way microwave gate is referred to as a Duplexer. It receives uplink signals from the
satellite antenna and transmits downlink signals to it.
• Low Noise Amplifier* (LNA) is used to amplify the received signal.
• The frequency down conversion of a received signal is performed by the Carrier
Processor (uplink).
• The frequency down converted signal (down link) is amplified to the necessary level
by the Power Amplifier.

Earth Segment Subsystems

Two earth stations make up the majority of the earth segment of a satellite communication
system. These are the transmitting and receiving earth stations.

The information signals are transmitted

to satellite (TV/Radio station) by the
transmitting earth station. The
receiving earth station (VAST
terminals/ Signal towers, etc.) receives
the information signals from the
satellite. The same earth station can
sometimes be used for both
transmitting and receiving.

Fig. 8: Earth Segment Subsystem

Communication Satellites and Applications - 9

The design of an Earth station is influenced by a number of elements, including the station's
location. Earth stations could be built on ground, on ships at sea, or on aircraft. The type of
service provided, frequency bands used, transmitter, receiver, and antenna parameters are all
influencing factors.

Did you know?

The ground segments or terminal on earth can be with stationary or mobile units that send
information to the satellites. The fixed terminals remain fixed in one place and have
particular position on earth. The example for this is the VSATs. On the other hand, the
mobile units will not have any fixed position. For example, the GPS units.

Applications and Uses of Communication Satellites

With the goal of outreach and to make remote communication more efficient and versatile, the
communication satellites find multiple applications in the current times. The diversity of the
applications includes DTH Broadcasting, Television, VSAT, and DSNG. The satellites are
used to establish general communication and consistent military communication.

● Telecommunication: the communication satellites are used to efficiently provide voice

and data communication with the local and far-flung areas. INSATs are being used for
this purpose. These satellites are also used for TV broadcast and meteorological
services and radio networking. Satellites such as VSATs are also being used for
advanced communication and networking purposes.

● Tele-medicine: this is one of the unique applications of communication satellite

developed especially for rural and remote locations. Through telemedicine, the mobile
units are being connected seamlessly to the major hospitals and medical hubs. Through
this application, the medical practitioners are able to access the data rapidly and be able
to provide medical services in remote locations.

● Tele-Education: the communication satellites are used to make education available to

the students and professionals in remote locations. Through this arrangement, the
learner can get the education through the video over the internet. This mode of
education can be referred to as E-learning.

‘EDUSAT’ is the thematic satellite developed by ISRO which is dedicated to remote

education. The satellite delivers interactive educational delivery services through video
conferencing,

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Future Developments in Communication Satellites

Communication is the most important and regular part of our lives, and we do not realize our
high reliance on communication satellites for the fulfillment of our network needs. Today, the
application of communication satellites can be found in every section and stream. Thus, it
would be exciting to the future of communication. Through the consistent advancement in the
development of communication satellites, the connectivity and technology of communication
will reach higher flights. Following are some of the upcoming future developments in
communication satellites.

1. 5G Network:
All the devices are being connected and the ground connections for the cellular network
are not enough to provide a seamless connection. Thus, the fifth generation of network
development will modernize the foundation of network and communication for the
economies as well as militaries. The development of a 5G network will allow the
satellites to help connect to more devices. Thus, the future demands of the connection
will be addressed. Through this technology, it will also be possible to connect the
remote and rural areas in the mainstream network. This technology will also help to
develop the Internet of Things technology.

2. Satellite internet using LEO constellation:

The renowned private companies across the world are working on the development of
low-cost internet at remote locations with low latency. These mega constellations of
the satellites are small communication satellites in the Low Earth Orbits, unlike
conventional GEO orbits. The main advantage is the offer the broad band internet to
users at very high speeds and low latency.

3. Development of Internet of Things technology through smallsats:

The technology of the Internet of Things allows unconnected or non-connectable
objects to be connected to the internet. The change of the data can be recorded for the
given unconnected object. Through the launch of small communication satellites in the
low earth orbits, the number of IoT devices being connected with the internet can be
increased and a consistent network can be provided. Thus, autonomous cars and
instruments as well as remote connectivity can be made possible.

4. Real-time tracking:
With the future developments in communication satellites, it will be possible to track
the real-time data for earth observations such as climate change, disaster management,
and also for military applications.

ISRO has launched a series of communication satellites since 1983. The Indian National
Satellite (INSAT) system can be called one of the largest systems of domestic communication
satellites in the region of Asia-Pacific, followed by a series of GSAT. Recently ISRO change
the name of the communication satellites as CMS and first satellite CMS-01 launched using

Communication Satellites and Applications - 11

PSLV-C50 on the 17th December 2020. This launch took place from Satish Dhawan Space
Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

The launch of CMS-01 was done with the vision of providing the services in the frequency
spectrum Band of Extended-C. The coverage of this band will include the geo-locations such
as the Indian mainland, Andaman-Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands.

Fig. 9: CMS-01 launched on PSLV-C50

This satellite is said to replace the functions of GSAT-12 which was launched in 2011. This
satellite is said to remain in the orbit for next seven years and will provide connectivity for tele-
health, disaster management services, and e-learning.

ISRO has launched 114 missions, which include 3 Nano Satellites, 1 Micro Satellite, 83
Launch Missions, 13 Student Satellites, 2 Re-entry Missions, and 342 launch of foreign
satellites.

Glossary:
• Gigahertz - It is a measure of frequency equivalent to one thousand million (109) cycles
per second.
• Discrepancy - Difference between two or more facts.
• Unrfurlable - something that can be folded and opened, like an umbrella.
• Amplifier - An electronic device used for increasing the amplitude/strength of
electrical signals.

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