Satellite
Wireless
Communication
Report by-
Sourish
Raj
Aarav
• How satellite communicate with Earth:
Satellites communicate with Earth through radio waves or, increasingly,
laser-based signals, which travel in straight lines and at high speeds. The
primary way these signals work is through ground stations on Earth, which
are large, dish-like antennas equipped to both send signals to and receive
data from satellites orbiting the Earth.
• How satellites receive signals:
Satellites have transponders, which are devices that receive incoming
signals, amplify them, and retransmit them back to Earth or another
satellite. These signals typically include information about the satellite’s
own data, like its health and position, as well as any payload data.
• Frequences at which signals travel:
Higher frequencies allow for faster data transfer but can be affected by
atmospheric conditions (such as rain), while lower frequencies are more
resilient in challenging weather but provide slower data rates.
• Emerging technology for communication:
o Laser Communication (Optical Links):
An emerging technology involves laser communication systems,
which use light beams for data transmission. Lasers offer much higher
data rates than radio waves and are being used to establish high-
speed links between satellites or from satellites to ground stations.
However, lasers require precise alignment and are less reliable in
cloudy or turbulent conditions.
• Internal Communication:
Some satellites, such as those in constellations (like Starlink or GPS) or relay
systems (like NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, or TDRSS),
communicate with each other to provide more continuous coverage. These
relay satellites can pick up data from satellites without direct line-of-sight to
Earth and relay it back to ground stations.
• Data Distribution:
Once data reaches Earth, it is processed and then applied in various ways,
including for internet and TV services, GPS, weather forecasting, scientific
research, and environmental monitoring.
Satellite communication is a complex, technologically advanced process
that involves sending and receiving signals between Earth and satellites
using both radio and, increasingly, laser technologies. Each component,
from transponders and ground stations to frequency bands and relay
satellites, plays a critical role in ensuring that data reaches Earth accurately
and reliably. As technology advances, laser communication and satellite
constellations are likely to expand connectivity options and data capacity,
ensuring that satellite communication remains central to global information
networks.
Sources:Nasa,Space Astro,Chat gpt
