Satellite Communications

(4 Credits)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of satellite communications, addressing both theoretical foundations and practical design considerations. Key topics include orbital mechanics, satellite subsystems, antenna and payload design, Earth station design, link budget analysis, digital transmission, modulation and multiple access, error correction, and propagation effects. The course examines various satellite communications systems, including high-throughput and direct broadcast satellites, as well as low throughput satellite systems like SmallSats, CubeSats, and deep space missions. The impact of new technologies on future satellite systems, as well as the emerging applications of satellite communications will be discussed. The students will apply the knowledge gained in this course to a system-design project.