Future Requirements for Communication Satellites - Coursework Example

Future Requirements for Communication Satellites Other (s) Satellite communications is increasingly becoming one of the fasted growing segments of space applications. This is particularly attributed to the importance of communications satellites in a number of areas including military applications, internet service providers (ISPS), governmental and wide range of other civilian uses. The current rapid technological advancements in the communication industry coupled with the increasing competitive pressures in the industry are expected to markedly result in new requirements and improvements for the future communication satellites. Based on a critical analysis of the current technology trends and the future consumer needs, this report seeks to highlights some of the potential future requirements of communication satellites. Table of Contents 1. Disaster/Emergency Response Needs 7 Development of Cheaper Microsatellites 8 Future Requirements for Communication Satellites Introduction Communications satellites are artificial satellites that are primarily sent to space for purposes of telecommunications. The idea behind communications satellites is normally to send data into the space so that it can be beamed back to other spots on the globe. The contemporary commendations satellites use various orbits including elliptical orbits, geostationary orbits, Molniya orbits and low earth orbits among others. To provide fixed communication (point to point) services, communications satellites often utilize microwave radio relay technology that is complementary to the communications cables technologies. Additionally, the satellites are also used for a wide range of mobile applications such as Television and radio broadcasting as well as for communications between planes, ships, vehicles and a number of hand-held terminals (Elbert 447). The history of the use of communications satellites dates back to the 1960s when the United States navy developed the world’s first artificial communications satellite known as Echo 1 using an inflatable balloon 1. After its successful launch, the giant metallic balloon soared more than 1000 miles above the earth and was able to relay signals to other points on the plant. Generally, the success of Echo 1 marked the foundation of modern communications satellites. In October, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the world’s first artificial satellite known as Sputnik 1 that was equipped with on board radio transmitters. However, Sputnik 1 is not considered to be the world’s first communications satellite because it was not placed in the orbit for the primary purpose of sending data to space and beaming it back to another point on earth. Today, most communications satellites rely on radio transmissions to transmit data between various earth terminals. However, according to Miller (12), the rapid technological advancements in the communication industry as well as the increasing competitive pressures in the industry will markedly result in new requirements and improvements for the future communication satellites. This report discusses the potential future requirements of communication satellites based on the current technology trends as well as the future consumer needs. Fig 1: Components of a modern Communications Satellite Emerging Needs for Satellite Communication Systems Satellite communications is not only the largest but is also one of the fasted growing segments of space applications. The rapid technological advancements particularly within the past few decades have resulted in increasing application of communications satellite technology in a number of areas some of which include internet service providers (ISPS), military applications, and governments as well as a number of for other civilian purposes. For example, with regard to Television broadcasting, the advent of digital TV is widely expected to significantly increase the demand for satellite TV in the near future (Gabriel 14). Additionally, with the current rapid growth of mobile technologies, the introduction of new technologies and services particularly hand held communications using constellations of low-earth satellites is also imminent. Lastly, according to many experts, high speed multimedia satellite communications is poised to be a reality within the next few years (Miller 14). Currently, the four major emerging needs for satellite communication systems include broadcasting services, telecommunications, data communications and disaster/emergency response needs. At the same time, some of the main consumer needs for the future satellite communications include low cost, lower service rates, convenience, acceptable time delay and high availability. In order to meet these growing demands of both the today’s as well as the future communication services, satellite communications systems and their applications are expected to evolve with the same speed in order to meet the future communication needs. Broadcasting Services Broadcasting remains one of the areas where the future satellite communications systems are expected to evolve with the same speed in order to meet the future communication needs. Generally, the main broadcasting services that currently use communications satellite systems include televisions and radio that are delivered directly to the mobile broadcasting services and consumers, satellite televisions and cable networking programming. With the world migrating from analogue television to digital platforms, there is an increasing demand for communications satellites capable of effectively delivering simultaneous signals of large bandwidth to many receivers. Emerging technologies in satellite broadcasting services that have resulted in new requirements for the future communications satellites include the recent introduction of special antennas that enable mobile detection of DBS television based on global positioning system (GPS). With the increased usage of Satellite the need to share and cooperate with others both internationally and within a given region has been observed to be on an upward trend. This increased cooperation has been beneficial as it has enabled reduction of costs and improved inter boundary relations as well as relation with member states. Data Communications Data communications is another area of communications satellite technology that has immense potential in the near future. Currently the use of communications satellites involves transferring data from one point on the globe to another. According to Gabriel (11), many corporations and organizations are increasingly using satellite technologies to transfer or exchange a wide range of data. In the future, technologies such as very small-aperture terminal (VSAT) networks are likely to be required to facilitate data transfer between companies. Additionally, the growth of internet technologies is likely to see a significant amount of internet data going through communications satellites thereby positioning ISPs as one of the largest potential customers of communications satellite services in the near future. Disaster/Emergency Response Needs Disaster and emergency response is another emerging field which is likely to shape the future of satellite communication systems. For example, satellite communications are increasingly being used during emergencies and natural disasters such as earthquakes and Hurricanes when land based communication services are likely to be disrupted. The future communications satellite technologies in this area are expected to include the use of mobile-satellite equipment that will be effectively deployed in areas affected by disasters in order to help provide emergency communication services (Mitra 6). Generally, increased use of the space has become an important source of information in navigation, agriculture weather monitoring and disaster warning and mitigation. In the military much has been able to be achieved as this information acts as a big support to troops and as such this support helps in giving information in the enemy as well as support the success of a military invasion Trends in Military and Civilian Communications Satellite Technologies The increasing demand for bigger bandwidth and improved capabilities of communications satellites has resulted in a growing trend of the development of a class of sophisticated satellites. On the other hand, many countries are increasingly recognizing the important advantage of military satellite communication capabilities and are currently embarked on expanding their satellite networks across the globe. Generally, the contemporary trends in the use of communications satellites for military purposes have been primarily to provide more network centric and interoperable communications. Development of Cheaper Microsatellites One of the current global trends in the field of communications satellite is the development of more advanced alternatives such as microsatellites which are relatively cheaper to design ad yet faster to build and launch (Gabriel 7). This is particularly evidenced by the numerous research programs that have are currently being implemented by many countries as part of their efforts develop high performance microsatellites with low power requirements and lightweight propulsion systems. For example, the United States programs on space, in the recent times have involved several international partners. In the United Kingdom, Nether lands this kind of interaction has enabled innovation of highly advanced space assets that have multiple benefits. It is through this kind of interaction that enables various countries to overcome challenges associated with manufacture and maintenance of this space objects as well as the satellite. Advancing Technologies for Lightweight Power and Efficient Propulsions Systems Significant efforts have been made to develop and design communications satellites that have increased bandwidth, better onboard processing capabilities and improved information security in order to help meet the rising demands of satellite communication. There have been several technological advancement associated with communication satellite technologies. This advancement has not only been beneficial to the military but also to the general public as this satellite images are relayed to respective authorities for monitoring and decision making. This pictures and images have become clearer due to advancing technologies for lightweight power and efficient propulsions systems. Key requirements of the Future Communication Satellites According to many authors, there are a number of important requirements that will be critical for the future communication satellites. Generally, the future trends in communications satellites are likely to be characterized by the development of faster, efficient, cheaper and smaller satellites (Atayero 575). For example, with the increasing cutting on defense spending in many countries, the current multi billion dollar satellite projects will soon be replaced with more cheaper, reliable and easier to design alternatives such as microsatellites. Additionally, the future communication satellites will have more power and onboard processing capabilities in order to allow them handle more bandwidth. Satellite communication is central to the current global telecommunication infrastructure. Satellites have found uses in communication, navigation, remote sensing, imaging, and weather forecasting. They also provide backup communication capabilities during emergencies and natural or manmade disasters. Many governments all over the world for communication, commerce, and defense use commercial satellites. They include ground-based components, space based components and other systems crucial to their global operations. Satellites support important operations in several industries that include banking, telecommunication, imaging, manufacturing research, and defense. They are indispensable in navigation, distance education telemedicine and in meteorological departments. Generally, space telecommunications is a huge industry with exponential growth prospects. Commercial and governments around the world have huge investments in the sector ranging from GEO and Leo satellites and international space stations. The communication needs of earth satellites continue to increase with increased demands. Data rates and sensor resolution continue to be improved to offer precision and accuracy in real time communication. Increased bandwidth and combined frequency bands The rapid development of high capacity communication systems is increasingly calling for increased bandwidths as well as higher center frequencies. Both military and civilian satellites are utilizing ka-bands (Wilson 109). They allow higher upload and download data rates and spectral efficiencies. For example, the advanced system of Milsatcom provides a well wideband, narrowband as well as protected communication. This with the improved connectivity of the satellites and the ground enables proper transmission of data with greater reliability and security. An important technology known as ka-band is not congested significantly lowering the bandwidth cost. Advanced propulsion options for both military and civilian satellites are required to lower the costs associated with space technology. These technologies must be suitable for applications such as orbit raising, orbit maintenance, attitude control, repositioning and deorbiting for both earth space and planetary spacecraft. The rapid global population growth will increase the number of mobile users. Satellite broadcasting capacities need to be increased to satisfy the increasing demand. Future broadcasting requirements require new media and systems able to accommodate the expected demand. Mobile communication satellite will be expected to be integrated and efficient to offer specialization, privacy, and competitiveness. Earth observation satellite communication needs are continually increasing. Advanced technology will require data transmission speeds exceeding one Gbps with onboard data recorders exceeding one Tbytes. Because of the risk of interference associated with radio frequency links, optical communication and laser technologies will ideally be utilized in data transmission. They are advantageous compared to radio frequency because smaller and lighter equipment’s can be used. It is capable of handling higher data rates. These technologies have no tariffs and regulatory restrictions as experienced for radio frequency bands. Numerous earth observation satellites have been designed for weather forecasting and environment probing. Accurate and precise reporting will be required for disaster preparedness and rescue missions. Higher resolution capabilities are required from onboard sensors for accurate measurements. Increased frequency and area of observations will increase. Lastly, Military satellites are moving to smaller platforms. Smaller satellites have more benefits about smaller mass, rapid deployment time, lower costs, and utility. They enable faster and cost efficient penetration into space. Enhanced Power Levels Future satellites must process differentiating capabilities. This will enable then have specified uses in the telecommunications industry. Broadcast efficiency will be required to offer larger coverage with limited ground infrastructure (Mitra 34). High band width with efficient spectrum usage capabilities will be afforded by new technologies. This will enable them provide specified two way content to smaller regions. Increased spectrum efficiently will reduce application costs because of high data rates regardless of land mass or maritime location Future satellites will also be required to be interoperable with other satellites survives in space. This will result in integrated applications which will increase efficiency and reduce their operation and maintenance cost. Commercial and military satellites are indispensable in the current world. Threats to their operation from both manmade and natural threats will require to be mitigated. Design, construction, and operation require huge costs. They must be reliable to allow operation in all kinds of weather with minimized downtimes and disruptions. Lastly, future satellites will be equipped with capacities to support the growing needs for connectivity and mobility. This will enable all stakeholders around the world achieve their policy goals. Future Challenges and vulnerabilities of Communication Satellites With this increased dependence on the space it is likely to result to congestion of the space as various satellites and space objects are introduced in the space. With this kind of congestion there is an impending hazard which can either be intentional or non-intentional. As this space objects move and increase in number in the space they are likely to cause space traffic, anti-satellite attacks and attacks on earth structures. With this risks being eminent various space objects owned by various organizations and countries have to think of mitigating factors to prevent an occurrence of a disaster (Atayero 577). As investments in this areas are capital intensive there will be need to enable collaboration so as to reduce the number of space objects in the space as well as enable cost sharing of the objects so as to come up with an advanced space object that is able to give comprehensive information as required. There has increased assistance and sharing of information of satellites from various owners of space objects and this is likely to increase. The adverse environmental effects of this objects in the space over time has increased as their number increases in the space. This increased interference of the space in the long run has been feared to cause environmental destruction. This environmental destruction has become a major challenge in the current world with issues of global warming on the increase. Lastly, the global satellite network is continually faced with intentional and un-intention threats. Ground based, space based and interference threats may impede their operations. Natural disasters can damage terrestrial station causing disruption because of damage and power outages. cosmic radiation and space objects pose are space environmental hearts ground based satellite infrastructure may be destroyed by natural disasters including earth quakes, floods, thunderstorms, lightning ,dust storms ,heavy snow ,tropical storms and tornadoes. Intentional damage may occur to ground stations and satellites in space. Interference with tracking and control links may are vulnerability in the satellite communication systems. Cyber-attacks may compromise the integrity and operation of satellite systems. Conclusion In conclusion, the future trends in communications satellites are likely to be characterized by the development of faster, efficient, cheaper and smaller satellites with increased bandwidth, enhanced power levels and low power requirements, better onboard processing capabilities as well as improved lifespan. This is largely attributed to the current increasing demand for emerging satellite communication services as well as the rapid technological advancements that have seen the development of cheaper and easy to design alternatives such as microsatellites. Works Cited Atayero, Aaa. “Satellite Communications: Impact on Developing Economies.” Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences 2.1(2011): 574-579.Web 13 April. 2014. Elbert, Bruce R. Introduction to Satellite Communication. 3rd. Edition. New York, NY: Artech House, 2008.Web 13 April. 2014. Gabriel, Martinez. “Emerging Satellite Systems and Technology.” The National Communication Systems. 2004. Web 13 April. 2014. Miller, Peter. “Ka-Band - The future of satellite communication?” Tele-Satellite & Broadband 20.1. (2007): 12-14. Mitra, Monojit. Satellite Communication: Technology & Engineering. Bombay: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. 2005. Web 13 April. 2014. Wilson, Tammy C. Current and Emerging Satellite Technologies: Implications for Drifting Buoy Design. New York: Brightwaters Publishers. 2009. Web 13 April. 2014. Read More