Future Earth Stations in 14–12 GHz for Domestic Satellite Communications

Abstract

More and more countries of the world are making plans to change over to higher frequency band of 14–12 GHZ for satellite communications. This band is quite attractive for domestic satellite communications including TV broadcsast as satellites with narrower beams and higher EIRPs have become realities. In this paper, present trends in technology at this frequency are reviewed in relation to future earth stations to be set up in large numbers. A case study is presented with link power budgets for major earth stations and small remote area terminals to work with TV, thick and thin route telecommunications and radio networking in a domestic network. Small terminal sizes have been optimized to make them low cost, while achieving the required quality of communications between them and major earth stations. Study shows that satellite communication at these higher frequencies will be initially power limited rather than bandwidth limited.

Indexing Terms:

• Satellite Communications
• 14–12 GHz Band
• Earth Stations

Additional information

Notes on contributors

N. Mohanty

MOHANTY, N: Born at Balasore in 1941. After taking Bachelor and Master of Engineering degrees from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, went to West Germany on a research fellowship. After return from abroad, joined Indian Space Research Organisation in 1967. Since then has worked on design, systeming, project and experiments management in the field of Satellite Communications. At present, working as Project Director, INSAT Satellite Control Earth Stations Project at Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad.

M. L. Hasija

HASIJA, M L: Graduated in Electronics in 1968 from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. Took one year's training at BARC Training School in 1970–71. Joined, Space Applications Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, Ahmedabad in August 1971. Worked for Design Development and Production of High Power Amplifier for Satellite Communications. Serving at Delhi Earth Station, Space Applications Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, New Delhi since March 1975. At present, working as Acting Head, DES, SAC, New Delhi.

S. Barathy

BARATHY, S: (b. Sept. 1951). Obtained BE(Hons.) degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Madras University (1973). Joined Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad in 1973.

Has been involved in design, development, system engineering, installation and operation of Satellite Communication Earth Stations. During 1975–77, he was with Delhi Earth Station, SAC working for Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE). Presently, working on operations and experiments of Satellite Telecommunications Experiments Project (STEP).