2.5 Satellite Communication Flashcards
What is satellite communication?
Satellite communication is where ground stations send and receive microwave signals to and from manmade satellites which are in orbit around the Earth.
What is the period of a satellite?
The time it takes to orbit a planet.
How does a satellite’s period change with its height above the planet?
If the satellite is really high above a planet’s surface then it will have a long period.
What is a geostationary satellite?
A geostationary satellite is a satellite that stays above the same point above the Earth.
How long does a geostationary satellite take to orbit the Earth?
24 hours
What kind of transmitter do ground stations use to transmit to satellites?
Ground stations send signals to the satellite using a curved dish transmitter to transmit a strong signal.
What is the purpose of a curved reflector on a satellite?
Curved reflectors on satellites boost any signals they receive.
How high must the geostationary satellite be to achieve its orbit?
The satellite must be at an altitude of 36,000 km and positioned above the equator of the Earth.
How are ground signals transmitted around the earth?
Ground stations send signals to the satellite using a curved dish transmitter to transmit a strong signal. At the satellite the weakened signal is collected by a curved dish receiver. It is then amplified and finally retransmitted, at a different frequency, back to the ground using another curved dish transmitter.
What does a satellite dish consist of?
A reflector and dipole.
