Fundamentals of Satellite Communications

Title: Fundamentals of Satellite Communications (Volume – I)

Authors:

• Dr. K. Gayathri, Associate Professor and Dy. Head, Department of Physics, Director – Publications, AMET Deemed to be University, Chennai, India
• Dr. K. Anandan, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Physics, AMET Deemed to be University, Chennai, India
• Dr. K. Rajesh, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore, India

Publisher: Cogniverse Press, Jorhat, Assam, India

First Edition: March, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19260893

ISBN: 978-93-47652-11-0 (Print Edition)

e-ISBN: 978-93-47652-43-1 (Digital Edition)

Copyright: © Authors

Cover Designing: Cogniverse Press Digital Team

Satellite communication has emerged as one of the most important technological advancements of the modern era, supporting global connectivity, broadcasting, navigation, weather forecasting, and scientific exploration. From early experimental systems to advanced communication satellites, this field has transformed the way information is transmitted across the world.

Fundamentals of Satellite Communications – Volume I has been designed primarily for undergraduate students of Physics, Electronics, Communication Engineering, and allied disciplines. The book aims to provide a systematic and clear understanding of the fundamental principles of satellite communication systems.

The volume introduces the historical development and architecture of satellite communication systems, followed by discussions on orbital mechanics and different categories of satellite orbits. It also explains important satellite subsystems including power systems, thermal control, telemetry, tracking and command systems, attitude and orbit control systems, and propulsion systems.

The later chapters focus on satellite antennas, propulsion, and link design concepts such as uplink and downlink analysis, free space propagation, path loss, carrier-to-noise ratio, and link budget calculations. The topics are presented in a logical and student-friendly manner to help learners understand both theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.

This book is expected to serve as a useful resource for students, teachers, and professionals interested in the fundamentals of satellite communication technology and related applications.

• Introduction to satellite communication systems
• Evolution and applications of satellite communication
• Orbital mechanics and satellite orbits
• Satellite launch vehicles and launching techniques
• Satellite subsystems and integrated systems
• Satellite antennas and propulsion systems
• Satellite link design and propagation analysis
• Fundamentals of uplink and downlink communication