1.0 Introduction
Satellites are man-made systems operating in space tasked with carrying world media contents across the globe in order to deliver satellite radio, television, and broadband services to consumers directly. They also provide mobile and portable data, voice and video messages or texts across the globe. The satellite networks can therefore be utilized to link commercial firms across widely dispersed regions in the world. This is because they offer connectivity and network restoration services across remote and rural telecommunication operations in the world. This research will therefore focus on the current Global Satellite Communication Technology System. It will review the status of the communication satellite systems based on a technological research and development analysis across the globe. It will also compare the satellite communication system to other leading satellites among modern and industrialized nations. This will affirm that technological growth and advancement greatly influence how satellite networks, connectivity, and system are improved and enhanced.[1]
2.0 Global Satellite Communication Technology System
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) were commissioned by the United States engineers and scientists to explore, examine, and utilize the R&D projects. This aimed at evaluating the presence of satellites in the United States on long term basis. The commissioning occurred in 1992. The researchers discovered that emerging satellite system concepts, services, and applications were associated with Japan and Europe. Thus, the United States believed it had lost the mandate to criticize communication satellite technologies influencing industrial activities in the country. However, NASA and NSF continued to document technological changes influencing satellite communications.[2]
In 1997, a new panel of satellite researchers was therefore commissioned. The panel’s purpose was to evaluate the worldwide studies within the communication satellite industry in United States. As a result, regulatory policies had to be formulated and implemented coupled with technological advancements. The panel was able to focus in not only Japan and Europe but also North America, and Asia. The panel comprising academicians and governmental organizations as well as industrial representatives visited and conducted interviews among satellite manufacturers. They also acquired information from satellite service providers and the R&D laboratories among fourteen nations in Asia, America, and Europe.[3]
3.0 Uses of Satellites
First, satellites are greatly applied in providing critical communication channels and network restoration services during disaster recovery and management occasions. For example, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System was utilized to manage the disaster experienced after the 9/11 terror attack. Disaster management agencies as well as governmental and non-governmental bodies that were present to help the terror victims utilized the Global Satellite Communication Technology System to communicate on various areas to retrieve survivors as well those who had lost their lives. Thus, the terror attack may have affected some of the communication satellite systems. However, the country had ensured an applicable and usable communication system during such crises was protected.[4]
Satellites are also designed with infrastructures to enhance the operations and functions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security. Since satellites perform like cell towers in the sky, they ought to transmit data from one location to another. For example, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System enables citizens within and outside the United States to communicate and keep in touch. This includes family members living in separate continents as the satellite communication system is designed to widely interconnect the communication networks and transmit data.[5]
The Global Satellite Communication Technology System can therefore be used to provide broadcasting services within and outside the United States. For example, it is used to broadcast political and social issues affecting the United States citizens including high incidences of insecurity in the nation. The shooting and eventual death of Michael Brown in Ferguson was broadcasted across the country due to the presence of Global Satellite Communication Technology System. This incidence was also broadcasted across the world, especially through CNN and BBC as the Global Satellite Communication Technology System is capable of transmitting data to the entire global hemisphere. The Global Satellite Communication Technology System is greatly utilized in providing connectivity within United States. The connectivity ensures citizens using telecom services, video services, and the broadband rely on the Global Satellite Communication Technology System.[6]
Thus, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System can provide the following services. Consumer services, such as radio, Television, and broadband are provided. Citizens are also able to access fixed satellite services, such as managed network services and transponder agreements. Mobile satellite services, such as mobile data and voice messages are also enabled by the Global Satellite Communication Technology System. Ultimately, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System has enabled the survival, growth, and expansion of the satellite and space industry across the overall global telecommunications industries. This can be affirmed by analyzing revenues collected from these satellite industries. The overall global telecommunication industry is worth at least four trillion dollars. Conversely, the space industry is worth at least two hundred and eighty one billion dollars. Lastly, the satellite industry is worth at least one hundred and seventy seven billion dollars equal to sixty one percent of the space industry and four percent of the overall global telecommunication industry revenues. In 2011, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System recorded a five percent growth in revenues.[7]
4.0 Fundamental Principles guiding Operations of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System
NASA and R&D affirmed that the communication satellite is highly beneficial to commercial industries that the DOD program. This is because they can press commercial matters including principles and set of rules crucial for the interoperability of global and communication satellite networks. They also influence spectrum allocation as well as use of satellites across the global information infrastructures. An effective and efficient Global Satellite Communication Technology System ought to work on high speed. Thus, the materials and devices utilized to manufacture the satellite system should follow particular protocols. The United States government has been enjoying the reputation of holding the dominant position in manufacturing high frequency satellites highly beneficial for commercial purpose. This has enhanced levels of competition, hence, development of satellite system rely on advanced technologies to fulfill needs and wants in a new market.[8]
United States is also reputable for manufacturing satellite systems while inserting new and advanced technologies in order to develop commercial communication satellites. However, foreign competition has increased challenging United State to maintain the dominant position. As a result, the government affirms it is crucial to lower costs while ensuring the launch of communication satellites is based on reliable and successful vehicles. Traditional aerospace leading satellites have therefore advanced into strong and highly competitive communication satellite systems. These traditional satellites include Space System Loral, Hughes, and Lockheed Martin.[9]
5.0 Segments of a Satellite Communication System
A communication satellite system ought to comprise of the following two fundamental sections namely, space and ground segments. The space segment comprises of satellites in while. Conversely, the ground segment comprises of ground stations connecting to terrestrial networks, user communication devices, and control facilities monitoring the satellites. Thus, satellite communication users send emails, make phone calls, broadcast programs on television and radio, and receive entertainment as well as exchange information due to satellite communication systems relying on the ground segments. The different forms of information are sent to a satellite through communication devices that can be either directly or through a ground segment. The satellite is developed and empowered to transmit or relay the information back down to intended users. This can also engage the ground segment. Ultimately, satellite communication systems work best when the sender and receiver are located far apart. This has enabled persons residing in different continental regions to communicate without relying on connection cables as the satellite systems are custom designed and optimized for such applications.[10]
Conversely, the space segment can be described as a section of a bus and communication payload. The communication payload is a vital subsystem offering communication services. The bus on the other hand comprises of subsystems required for proper functioning of the communication payload. Thus, modern satellite buses can consist of power, thermal, attitude control, structural propulsion, tracking and telemetry as well as command subsystems.
6.0 Policies and Regulatory Factors Affecting Global Satellite Communication Technology System
Various strategies are pursued to ensure the overall telecommunication satellite system is effectively and efficiently undertaking its roles and responsibilities. The strategies are greatly defined and objectified by Japan and Korea. For example, the Japanese Vision 21 paper carried a report on the future of satellite communication systems in future centuries. As a result, the United States government established agencies to research on the objectives of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System based on the Japanese version of the report. The government and federal agencies were tasked to acquire more content on the subject in order to define and decentralize the functions of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System on long term basis. The main function of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System is to enable and support broadband multimedia applications in the country through permanent and portable satellite networks. As a result, NASA identified the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) incorporated within the Global Satellite Communication Technology System. Other national space communication satellite programs are oriented towards seizing the maximum opportunities engaging other international programs in order to benefit from the advancing technologies.[11]
7.0 Advantages of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System
The Global Satellite Communication Technology System has successfully served traditional markets by providing telephone services and broadcasting of data across large geographical areas using single transmission beams. The satellite provider therefore ensures the footprint is virtually limitless due to the great demand for services provided by the communication satellite. The Global Satellite Communication Technology System is technologically enabled to enhance its potential in accelerating the available high-speed internet services.[12]
Although this advantage has mainly been experienced across developing, landlocked, and least developed nations, it has also enabled developed nations to provide large-scale broadband infrastructures. As a result, trade activities have increased. For example, on-line accessibility has greatly improved enabling e-government and e-commerce functions and operations due to the expanding Information Communication Technology sector in the country. Consequently, economic growth rate has boosted. [13]
The Global Satellite Communication Technology System is a representation of instant infrastructures independent of distance and terrains. This ensures the communication satellite provides solutions through various ways such as the last mile and backhaul through wireless means. This has further enhanced the effectiveness of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System, as it is more pronounces in order to serve wider areas with regards to regional, national, and global levels. This has also solved issues experienced through use of traditional communication providers, as Global Satellite Communication Technology System is more reliable especially during artificial and natural disasters as well as terror attacks.[14]
According to Rajesh Mehrotra, communication satellites are designed to last for a period of fifteen years. However, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System has served for a period of eighteen years and longer with the capacity to offer highly available terrestrial solutions. For example, it has provided terrestrial solutions like copper and fibre as well as terrestrial wireless across long and uninhabited regions.[15]
8.0 Disadvantages of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System
The costs of maintaining the Global Satellite Communication Technology System have been on the rise. This is especially due to development of new generation broadband options that are highly competitive. The Global Satellite Communication Technology System therefore has to meet and fulfill the need to use high speeds in order to match the needs presented by the new generation and competitive broadband options. The highest satellite capacity of 100 Gbit/s as well as multiple beams and gateways provided by new generation broadband options have resulted to increase in cost per Mbps. Thus, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System 1 Gbit/s Ku band is regarded as the cost of running a conventional satellite. The satellite industry is therefore in the process of remaking the satellite broadband accessibility services in order to provide favorably DSL services through several undeserved and unserved markets. This will optimize the satellite systems in order to provide services such as Virtual Private Networks (VPN), internet accessibility, and personal access to online data. [16]
Inherent latency issues allied to the amount of time taken to transmit and receive a message also need to be addressed. Although this issue does not affect basic email accessibility and web browsing services, the Transmission Control Protocol TCP require real-time user input on real-time applications through advanced technologies. The latency issues therefore occur due to the distance between the earth and the satellite. The distance also affects the satellite signals across tropical regions creating primary issues because of the need for higher frequencies such as the Ka band. The current advanced technologies can however address these issues limiting the Global Satellite Communication Technology System. [17]
9.0 Conclusion
It is therefore evident the Global Satellite Communication Technology System has the ability to provide satellite services for domestic and commercial uses. It is also capable to operate and function during burdensome occasions, such as disasters and terror attacks. The satellite has also established local, technical, and commercial presence within the United States. This guarantees the costs of opening, staffing, and maintaining the satellite offices are affordable and worthwhile, as the market in the United States is extensive without restrictions of access. The restrictions of access, such as those experienced in China are often imposed by domestic service providers. As a result, the Global Satellite Communication Technology System operators are permitted and authorized to obtain authorization to use the spectrum or orbit for the benefit of the country. It is therefore crucial to continue restricting foreign ownership rights of the Global Satellite Communication Technology System. This will ensure the satellite system continues to be aligned with the nation’s domestic policies and uses guaranteeing the country socioeconomic growth and development.
10.0 Bibliography
Geoffrey, Holdridge. Global Satellite Communications Technology and Systems. International Technology Research Institute, 1998. Print.
Lillian, Dai, Jihwan Choi, and Vincent Chan. Communication Satellites: Technologies and Systems. Telecommunication Systems and Technologies Journal, 1(1), 1-12, 2006. Print.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Significant Achievements in Space Communications and Navigation. National Aeronautics and Space Administration report, 2009. Print.
Partridge, Craig and Shepard Timothy. TCP/IP Performance over Satellites Links: BBN Technologies. IEEE Network and ACM Computer Communication Review, 1997. Print.
Rajesh, Mehrotra. Regulation of Global Broadband Satellite Communications: Broadband Series. International Telecommunication Union, 2012. Print.
Satellite Industry Association (SIA). Satellite 101: Satellite Technology and Services. Satellite Industry Association Report, 2011. Print.
[1] Satellite Industry Association (SIA). Satellite 101: Satellite Technology and Services. (Satellite Industry Association Report, 2011), 1
[2] Holdridge, Geoffrey. Global Satellite Communications Technology and Systems. International Technology Research Institute, 1998), 3
[3] Holdridge, Geoffrey. 4
[4] Satellite Industry Association (SIA). Satellite 101: Satellite Technology and Services. (Satellite Industry Association Report, 2011), 3.
[5] Satellite Industry Association (SIA). 2.
[6] Holdridge, Geoffrey. Global Satellite Communications Technology and Systems. International Technology Research Institute, 1998), 6.
[7] Satellite Industry Association (SIA). Satellite 101: Satellite Technology and Services. (Satellite Industry Association Report, 2011), 3.
[8] Dai, Lillian, Choi, Jihwan, and Chan Vincent. Communication Satellites: Technologies and Systems. (Telecommunication Systems and Technologies Journal, 1(1), 1-12, 2006), 4.
[9] Holdridge, Geoffrey. Global Satellite Communications Technology and Systems. International Technology Research Institute, 1998), 21.
[10] Dai, Lillian, Choi Jihwan, and Chan Vincent. Communication Satellites: Technologies and Systems. (Telecommunication Systems and Technologies Journal, 1(1), 1-12, 2006), 5.
[11] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Significant Achievements in Space Communications and Navigation. (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Report, 2009), 31.
[12] Craig, Partridge and Timothy Shepard. TCP/IP Performance over Satellites Links: BBN Technologies. (IEEE Network and ACM Computer Communication Review, 1997), 42.
[13] Mehrotra, Rajesh. Regulation of Global Broadband Satellite Communications: Broadband Series. (International Telecommunication Union, 2012), 4
[14] Mehrotra, Rajesh., 4.
[15] Mehrotra, Rajesh. 5.
[16] Mehrotra, Rajesh. 4
[17] Ibid