Components and parameters of Satellite — Lesson 5

This lesson covers the intricate details of satellite communication systems. It delves into the various components of a satellite, including the payload, onboard repeaters, and antennas. The lesson also explains the concept of multi-beam operation and the role of microwave switching matrix onboard. It further discusses the advantages of regenerative transponders over bent pipe transponders. The lesson also touches upon the importance of antenna design and the concept of polarisation. It concludes with a discussion on the reliability of satellite systems and the impact of redundancy on mass and cost.

Video Highlights

00:18 - Onboard switching repeaters and regenerative transponder at
03:00 - Subsystem of antenna, half power beamwidth and gain starts at
11:40 - Assignment and solution
14:24 - Polarization and its importance in satellite communication starts at
18:45 - High temperature variation, magnetic field and life of a satellite
20:55 - Concept of reliability in satellite systems starts at
26:19 - Assignment and solution
26:54 - Discussion on the concept of redundancy in improving the reliability of satellite systems starts at
27:24 - How the overall reliability of a satellite is calculated starts at

Key Takeaways

- The payload of a satellite can be a simple bent pipe transponder or a complex onboard repeater.
- Regenerative transponders offer advantages such as noise reduction and improved uplink-downlink symmetry.
- Antennas play a crucial role in satellite communication, with their design and polarisation significantly impacting the communication process.
- The reliability of satellite systems is a critical factor, with redundancy often used to improve it, albeit at the cost of increased mass and cost.