Satellite Communications

The only work to present a unified treatment of all the basic aspects of satellite communications and to give practical examples from real systems. Whereas most texts in the field concentrate on a mathematical description of the communications link, Satellite Communications gives the reader a thorough knowledge of the subject by going on to cover orbits, propagation, and the equipment that comprises a working system. Pratt and Bostian go beyond the standard treatment of ideal channels (which ignores some very real practical limitations) to deal with the problems associated with transmitting digitally modulated signals through real satellites and earth stations. Included are chapters on orbital mechanics, spacecraft construction, satellite-path radio wave propagation, modulation techniques, multiple access, and a detailed analysis of the communications link. Contains worked examples and homework problems based on current industrial practice.