1. Satellite Technology: Past, Present & Future Rich Page GBA 576 Project Carl Rebman

2. Satellite Technology Outline How the technology works The history of the technology Major uses Future uses Problems and challenges Conclusions

3. How Satellite Technology Works Works using VHF (very high frequency) waves, much like microwave transmission does. Unlike microwave transmission, satellite technology doesn’t have to be line of sight. Works using a combination of satellites in space and earth stations. 3 main types of satellites:  Geosynchronous – 22,300 miles (3 can cover earth)  Inclined orbit – slight angle over equator – more room.  Low orbit – 400 to 1000 miles high, used for data comm Satellites use transponders to send and receive the uplink and the downlink. Separate frequencies are used to avoid confusion. High cost savings over land based communication when expansion needed to other areas needed.

4. History of Satellite Technology 1945 - conceived by Arthur C. Clarke’s article about extra terrestrial relays. First true vision. 1957 - his dream became reality with launch of the first satellite, Sputnik 1 into space by Russia. 1958 - USA’s launched their first – called SCORE. 1960 - Tiros 1, first weather satellite launched. 1962 - Telstar 1 launched, first one capable of transmitting TV programs live (Elvis concert). 1965 - First truly global satellite launched, called Intelsat 1. Intelsat also formed to help develop and spread satellite usage and technology.

5. History of Satellite Technology 1969 – first global network set of satellites completed, just days before moon landing. 1972 – First truly domestic satellite launched – Anik 1 by Canada. USA leased parts of it first. 1976 – 120 transponders on satellites had now become available over the USA. 1980’s – Adoption of technology by businesses. 1990’s – Smaller mobile earth station technology launched. Global Positioning satellites launched. 2000 onward – Future applications like satellite radio, satellite phones and satellite internet begin to appear.

6. Current Uses of Satellites Satellite TV – one of the most prominent uses of satellite technologies - began in 1962. Allowed for live transmission of pictures across the world. Now evolved into the DIRECTV system, who are the current industry leaders. GPS systems – very useful – set of satellites are used to pinpoint your exact location anywhere in the world. Many uses, from business logistics to 911 emergency or roadside assistance. Weather forecasting/satellite imagery – changed peoples perceptions of the world forever. Allowed for greater accuracy of weather forecasting and earth monitoring (rainforest disappearance etc).

7. Future Uses of Satellites Satellite phones – slowly beginning to catch on, allows users on remote places to communicate. Particularly useful in marine situations. Very expensive to use still. GlobalStar major player. Satellite radio – becoming very popular, allows users to listen to any type of radio they want, anywhere in continental USA. Usually commercial free. Requires additional receivers. Sirius and XM Radio seem to be very successful so far. Satellite Internet – similar to satellite phones, it allows users to access the internet from areas that traditional dial up or broadband methods don’t allow, like at sea. Slower than broadband speeds, but slightly faster than dial up.

8. Problems & Failures The recent case of Teledesic perfectly illustrates the problems that satellite technology faces. A multi billion project, backed by Motorola and Bill Gates, they planned to build a broadband network of 840 satellites (more than currently exist!). This plan to ‘take over the world’ recently collapsed due to a lack of organization and launch program efforts. Gaining the high levels of funding needed is an another issue – many satellite related companies have already been through bankruptcy, like Iridium and GlobalStar. Latency delays are problematic, particularly when communication needs to be instant. Maintenance and malfunction issues are also problematic due to the fact the satellites are so remote, not like traditional communications. These problems are likely to remain for the foreseeable future.

9. Conclusions There is no doubt that satellite technologies have forever changed the world in a positive sense. Imagine a world without satellite TV or accurate weather forecasting! The possibilities of satellite technology seem to be unlimited – surely its not unrealistic to think that we will soon, through satellites, be able to wirelessly link our laptops to the internet from any place in the world, no matter how remote. As we have seen though many problems are inherent with the technology, and it will be important to learn from the mistakes made by such ventures like Teledesic.

10. Questions?