Mobile Satellite Communication Networks

Mobile satellite services are set to change with the imminentlaunch of satellite personal communication services (S-PCS),through the use of non-geostationary satellites. This newgeneration of satellites will be placed in low earth orbit ormedium earth orbit, hence, introducing new satellite designconcepts. One of the first texts to cover this rapidly evolvingfield, this text provides the reader with an overview of mobilesatellite systems, from their initial introduction (Inmarsat),current satellite-PCS (referring to such systems as Globalstar),through to Satellite-UMTS and an understanding of thefollowing: * The design concepts associated with non-geostationary satellitesystems (constellation, link budgets, Doppler) * The concepts of UMTS (network architecture, aims, in the contextof IMT-2000) and the role foreseen for the satellite component(complementary to terrestrial network, network extension, globalavailability) * Inter-working between satellite and terrestrial networks (networkarchitecture, ATM Adaptation Layer) * Radio interface technologies (WB-CDMA, TDMA, transmissionenvironment) * Regulatory issues * Future services and applications * Potential satellite markets (prediction techniques, effect oftariffing policies on potential market) With leading edge information, this valuable resource will beindispensable to researchers, engineers, operators and marketevaluators in satellite service industries and researchinstitutions, as well as postgraduates and research students in thefield.