Demand for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) is on the increase, with a huge surge of interest in mobile communications in recent years and high-paced advancements in the supporting system architectures, devices and applications. This thoroughly revised and updated book provides a comprehensive guide to the MSS technologies and emerging trends. It takes a system level approach, giving in-depth treatment of technical and business related issues. The author, a leading professional in the area, draws on his extensive experience in industry and research, to provide the reader with a sound and informed understanding of the technology. Mobile Satellite Communications includes introductory material for the reader new to the field, in addition to exploring prevalent system concepts, architecture, practices and trends for the more experienced. An in-depth review of scientific principles merged with business models and regulatory considerations presents a balanced perspective of commercial mobile satellite systems. This book will be of interest to practicing engineers in mobile satellite communications and mobile broadcasting, research and development professionals working in these areas, mobile satellite service providers and operators. Academics and students studying satellite systems/technology, specialists in other classes of satellite systems, technical and marketing managers, strategists and planners of telecommunication systems: individuals interested in mobile communications, satellite and telecommunications/broadcasting technology will also find this book insightful. Key Features: Comprehensive treatment of mobile satellite communications topics, including radio link aspects, satellite constellations, architectural and operational aspects, as well as business planning models, MSS radio interface standards, spectrum forecast methodologies and system examples. Addresses related themes such as mobile broadcasting, mobile VSATs, search and rescue, and navigation systems. Introduces emerging technologies such as mobile broadband, television broadcasting to handheld units, advanced capacity enhancement techniques, hybrid system architecture concepts, including a rich sample of research topics such as multiple input multiple output, satellite-based ad-hoc networks, and highlights initiatives in the use of Q/V frequency bands. Includes revision questions at the end of each chapter. An accompanying website for interaction (www.satellitesandyou.com).

Presents the concepts, technology, and role of satellite systems in support of personal applications, such as mobile and broadband communications, navigation, television, radio and multimedia broadcasting, safety of life services, etc. This book presents a novel perspective on satellite systems, reflecting the modern personal technology context, and hence a focus on the individual as end-user. The book begins by outlining key generic concepts before discussing techniques adopted in particular application areas; next, it exemplifies these techniques through discussion of state-of-art current and emerging satellite systems. The book concludes by contemplating the likely evolution of these systems, taking into consideration influences and trends in technology, in conjunction with growing user expectations. In addition to addressing satellite systems that directly interact with personal devices, the book additionally considers those indirect applications where there is an increasing interest by individuals - notably, in remote sensing. As such, the book uniquely encompasses the entire gamut of satellite-enabled personal / end-user applications. Key Features: Broad scope - views satellite systems generically with regards to their applicability across a wide range of personal application areas Strong foundation in underlying concepts State-of-the-art system examples Review of trends in relevant areas of satellite technology Revision questions at the end of each chapter The book is suited to individuals, engineers, scientists, service providers, system operators, application developers and managers interested or involved in the use of satellite technology for personal applications. It should also hold interest for use in research institutes interested in promoting inter-disciplinary cross-fertilization of ideas, as well as by financiers, policy makers, and strategists interested in gaining a better understanding of this technology.

Global Mobile Satellite Systems - A Systems Overview makes mobile satellite communications understandable for communication engineers, candidates for an engineering degree, technicians, managers, and other decision makers such as financiers and regulators. It provides a systems oriented top-level view of mobile satellite communications. In particular, it focuses on Global Mobile Satellite Systems (GMSS) including active programs such as Globalstar, IRIDIUM, ORBCOMM, ACeS, and Thuraya, or so-called the second generation mobile satellite systems class. The authors start with a brief description of three generations of satellite systems in use or planned in the telecommunications industry. Selected systems architectural trades are identified and explained to illustrate how various GMSS systems are formulated, developed and evaluated. It includes an examination of market demand trends, business trades, regulatory issues as well as technical considerations. Major issues are examined in trade study style to provide easy access to key information. Key systems drivers such as orbit trades between LEO's, MEO's, and GEO's, frequency, protocols, customer bases, and regulatory and engineering issues are included. This book should appeal to individuals interested in the basic elements of Global Mobile Satellite Systems.