Space technology has helped us explore our solar system, created the internet and GPS, and revolutionized land surveying. The world has seen far-reaching changes over the last few decades because of satellite communication. The future of satellite communications will rely on even more advanced technologies and allow for an even greater flow of information and data.
1. Global Positioning System (GPS)
The GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that uses time-stamped signals transmitted by 24 satellites to locate the position of a GPS receiver. The GPS is used today in almost anything that moves including cars, airplanes, boats, and even cell phones. The technology was first intended for military use but has since been made available to everyone.
2. Cell Phone-Based Location Tracking
Cell phones are everywhere because of satellite technology, it is possible for anyone to easily track their cellphone’s location. The technology that enables this is called “satellite-based positioning system” or SPS. This system uses only a couple of different satellites and very high-frequency signals to track the position of the phone exactly from anywhere on Earth.
3. Tracking Military Assets
The military is one of the largest users of satellite communications. Their usage ranges from tracking military vehicles, airplanes, and even personnel. Without accurate uplink and downlink satellite connections, the military will not be able to track their assets. The future of satellite communications will enable even more advanced tracking systems that will be able to track infantry, tanks, submarines, and even missiles.
4. Internet
The technology behind it is called “satellite-based Internet”, this technology allows for wireless communication using a satellite’s transmitter as a relay to carry traffic from one point to another. Today people anywhere can use the internet at any time as long as satellites are circling above them.
5. Hidden Cameras
Indoor location tracking is one of the most popular uses for satellite communications. The technology is known as the “Active Position System” or APS tracks an asset from indoors and allows you to continuously monitor a person’s location. The technology is also useful when used as a security system in homes, businesses, and malls.
Types of Satellite Communication
1. Satellite Internet
While satellite internet is not new, it is still the go-to technology for military operations around the world. The uses of satellite internet include communication, high-quality video streaming, and high-bandwidth data transfer for operation centers.
A company’s operations always need some form of satellite communication because it offers a secure alternative to landline technology or even cellphones.
2. Terminal
The terminal is a high-performance terminal for satellite communications that have a high data rate and can transmit very complex signals over vast distances. The terminals are normally located in remote isolated locations.
3. Satellite Cellphone
The satellite cellphone uses a satellite to transmit communication signals in the form of phone calls and text messages. Because they are not connected to a landline, the system is much safer than any other form of communication since it is not vulnerable to interception.
4. Satellite TV
There was a time when satellite television was only accessible through a dish, but now anyone can have free access to over 1000 channels with their home TV antenna. The technology behind satellite TV has been around for a very long time, but it keeps getting better.
Satellite Communication Protocols
1. ATP RTrox
The ATP RTroX protocol is an Internet Protocol (IP) based communication protocol that was designed for satellite communication. The system uses an Internet Protocol over the AIT which allows for the usage of radiofrequency between various locations.
The protocol used in the ATP RTroX is not only designed for satellite communication but can also be used in the wider wireless networks.
2. ITU-R FSK
The ITU-R telecom standards are a series of international standards that provide guidelines and recommendations for different types of business telecommunications systems.
The ITU-R FSK protocols are one of these standards and were originally designed for data transmission over radio or satellite communications systems.
3. ITU-R GMSK
The ITU-R GMSK protocols are another form of a satellite communications system that allows for synchronous transmission of data through a satellite. This type of system uses signal modulation to transmit data and is classified as a Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) protocol.
Conclusion
There are many uses of satellite communications and they will only become more widely used in the future. As technology advances, there will be even more uses for this type of communication.