Ground networks for mobile satellite services

Abstract

This paper addresses the architectures used or proposed for use in the ground networks associated with multi-beam satellites designed to provide mobile satellite services (MSS). These systems are designed to provide service over wide geographic areas using new generations of satellites. These new satellites provide significant advances in technology including on-board processing and large antennas which offer increased transmit power and improved receive sensitivity. Specific topics include: the North American Mobile Satellite (MSAT) system ground network, and a large regional geosynchronous (GEO) satellite based system example.