From the author of
From the author of
From the author of
Applications
The most obvious application of satellite communication, and the most successful, is one-way broadcast, especially video services. Video services include multipoint broadcast of TV programming to terrestrial TV stations, point-to-point broadcast of programming material between studios or between remote locations and studios, multipoint distribution of program material to cable TV hubs, and direct broadcast of programming material to homes. Satellite-based systems also have the unique capability of providing global communication, including transmission to and from moving terminals (trucks, ships, airplanes, etc.) without the need of an extensive terrestrial infrastructure. Voice communications using satellites have declined in favor because of the significant propagation delay except in rural areas or other situations without effective wired infrastructure; however, with the new LEO services, telephony applications may become more common. Mobile telephony especially is being considered for LEO systems. However, successful business plans for data and mobile telephony are rare. Many of the dozen or so proposals have been unable to find financing, and two of the proposals that are proceeding are doing so under the protection of bankruptcy laws (Iridium and ICO).