Alternatively Satellite Communication Systems Inmarsat, Globalstar, Thuraya - Short Overview Requirements on satellite communication for (animate) moorings reliable coverage adequate small devices (esp. antennas) realistic power consumption cost effective two way data comm. for remote data access and sensor control via satellite Animate moorings

Inmarsat satellites Located in geostationary orbit (35786 km) originally started in 1979 series 1 satellites 4 series 2 satellites launched in 1990-92 5 series 3 satellites launched in 1996-98 3 series 4 satellites will be launched til 2004 several systems (A, B, C, D/D+,E, M, mini M, future BGAN (Broadcast Global Area Network)

Inmarsat Coverage ~ 25° ~ 36° ~ 58° Lon -54° Lon - 15.5° Satellite elevation for animate moorings

Inmarsat services Inmarsat-A: original services introduced in 1982; voice, fax, data, telex and email Inmarsat-B: 1993, the digital successor of Inmarsat-A Inmarsat-C: two way, packet data service GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress Safty System) Inmarsat-D/D+ (mini C ?): two way data communication using small terminals. D+ with integrated GPS Inmarsat-E: Global maritime distress alerting EPIRB: Emergency positioning indicating radio beacon Inmarsat-M: 1993, 1. portable mobile sat phone incl. voice, fax, data; antenna dia. 70 cm Inmarsat-miniM: smaller hardware than M

Inmarsat D/D+ Supports Inmarsat-C services fax, telex, email transceiver, antenna, and 12 CH GPS in one single unit. Power consumption: max. 300 mW Weight: 1.1 kg Stand alone or interfacing via RS232, 6 I/O ports Data rate: few bit/s?;

Inmarsat miniM Voice 4.8 kbit/s, FAX 2.4 kbit/s, data 2.4 kbit/s, email Antenna unit: ~ Dia. 21 cm, 24 cm height, Weight: 2.2 kg Electronic: notebook size; 2 kg weight Power consumption: 13 W receive, 33 W transmit Costs: ~ € 3000, 2.5 € / min airtime

Thuraya No reliable Coverage for the animate moorings Small handheld, smaller than iridium Future: Joint venture / Co- working with Inmarsat -M

Globalstar Orbit: 1414 km (LEO) 44 Satellites, global coverage planned Voice / 4.8 kbps; FAX / 2.4 kbps Data / 9.6 kbps; SMS Size: Handheld ~ 1000 € Minute rate: 1.8-4 € Start in 2000; bankruptcy in 2001; future ?