Overview
                     Overview
     Issues in Satellite Communication
     Satellite Selection and System 
      Implementation
     Communications Payload Configurations
     Shaped Versus Spot Beam Antennas
     Repeater Power and System 
      Implementation
     Contingency Planning
     Risks in Satellite Operation
      Issues in Satellite Communication
      Satellite communications has brought with it a 
       number of issues that must be addressed before an 
       application can be implemented. 
      Satellite capacity is only available if the right 
       satellites are placed in service and cover the region 
       of interest. 
      Considering the complexity of a satellite and its 
       supporting network, applications can be expensive 
       to install and manage.
      If the issues are addressed correctly, the economic 
       and functional needs of the application will be 
       satisfied.
      Issues in Satellite Communication
      In addition to frequency band and bandwidths, 
       such factors as orbit selection, satellite 
       communications payload design, and the network 
       topology have a direct bearing on the 
       attractiveness of service offerings.
      The satellite operator must make the decision 
       whether to launch a satellite with one frequency 
       band or to combine payloads for multiple-frequency 
       operation (called a hybrid satellite).
      The reliability and flexibility of satellite applications 
       cannot be assured without thorough analysis and 
       proper implementation.
         Satellite Selection and System 
                      Implementation
      Many of the issues that must be considered by the 
       operators of terrestrial telephone, television, and 
       cellular networks must also be faced by providers of 
       satellite applications.
      What is different is the need to split the application 
       between space and ground segments. 
      The most basic type of space segment, employs 
       one or more GEO satellites and a tracking, 
       telemetry, and command (TT&C) ground station.
      Ground segment can contain a large number of 
       Earth stations, the specific number and size 
       depends on the application and business. 
   Satellite Selection and System 
      Implementation