1. 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

2. Inmarsat satellites Located in geostationary orbit (35786 km)
originally started in 1979 series 1 satellites
4 series 2 satellites launched in
5 series 3 satellites launched in
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)

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

4. Inmarsat services
Inmarsat-A: original services introduced in 1982; voice, fax, data, telex and
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

5. 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?;

6. Inmarsat miniM
Voice 4.8 kbit/s, FAX 2.4 kbit/s, data 2.4 kbit/s,
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

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

8. 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: €
Start in 2000; bankruptcy in 2001; future ?