Satellite Communications - Satellite Applications Catapult

Satellite
Communications
sa.catapult.org.uk
Satellite Communications
The Technology
Communication
satellites are relays,
allowing information to
be passed around the
globe via Space in a
number of ways.
Satellite Communications refers to the use of satellites to send and receive
voice, data and video. Recent technological developments coupled with
falling costs offer a unique opportunity for its use in Intelligent Transport Systems,
both in moving vehicles and at fixed locations.
Satellites differ in size, capability and orbit type. These variations impact many aspects, such
as their ground coverage area and data rate – which in turn makes them suitable for different
applications – and the technology which is used to communicate with them, such as the
antenna size and type. Geosynchronous (GEO) satellites uniquely orbit around the equator
above a ‘fixed’ point on the Earth, while low and medium Earth orbit (LEO, MEO) satellites orbit
closer to the Earth.
GEO satellites have the largest individual coverage ‘cones’. However, services may be delivered
by a single satellite or by ‘constellations’, or clusters, of satellites working together, allowing
other types of satellite to offer almost global coverage or continuous cover to one location.
Data communications between the satellites and vehicles can happen through different
mechanism (messaging, bi-directional communication and broadcast) and at different data
rates. Satellites can also be used to communicate with fixed infrastructure, such as variable
message signs on motorways and toll booths.
Notable recent innovations include high throughput satellites (HTS), which offer more
bandwidth than terrestrial networks can offer, and small form factor antennas – in future,
‘metamaterials’ will even allow antennas to be ‘painted’ onto a vehicle’s roof.
The Facts
Satellites can be used
to communicate with
fixed infrastructure,
such as variable
message signs on
motorways and toll
booths.
Communication satellites can be seen as relays, allowing information to be passed around the
globe via Space in a number of ways. Put simply, such satellites can connect users – whether
stationary or moving – in different locations anywhere on Earth.
Communications satellites:
• o
ffer instantaneous global coverage on deployment, even in remote and rural areas with low
populations
• are cost effective for broadcasting large amounts of data
• are resilient to disruptive events on the ground
• are getting cheaper to use as a competitive market drives connectivity costs down
• are ideal for transport applications thanks to small, innovative antenna designs
There are over 50 satellite communications operators worldwide.
Use Cases
Fleet Management
Access to up-to-date information is key for efficient and effective fleet management as
well as logistics. In operational conditions where terrestrial connectivity is challenged,
satellite communication offers a cheap and reliable option for the transmission of
tracking information with no roaming charges across countries. In fact, with falling cost of
messaging over satellite, in some markets it is preferred over cellular messaging.
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Transport Infrastructure Connectivity
Fixed-satellite services (FSS) use satellites to communicate from a fixed location. Using
this service to provide transport infrastructure connectivity can cut ITS deployment costs
for authorities and road operators. As such services typically exchange small amount
of data, both the satellite terminal and the communication costs are low. Toll booths
and variable message signs (VMS) can thus operate from location with no terrestrial
connectivity (e.g. no cellular coverage or dedicated communication network).
Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd is an independent technology and innovation company. It is one of a network of elite centres established by Innovate UK to accelerate
the take-up of emerging technologies and drive economic growth. The Satellite Applications Catapult is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales.
Company Registration Number 07964746. Registered office: Electron Building, Fermi Avenue, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QR, UK.