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Pocket guide: Satellite technologies

Author: Dr. Marco Krondorf, Professor at Leipzig University of Applied Sciences

Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast, our free pocket guide offers a broad insight into satellite technologies in one handy place. From clear definitions and explanations, to helpful formulas and diagrams, it’s a unique reference that helps you better understand satellite systems and complex concepts.

Inside, you’ll learn about:

Orbits and satellite categories
Satellite communications
Antennas and waveguides
GEO and LEO satellite systems
5G non-terrestrial networks
PNT systems

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Deepen your satellite technology expertise!

This free pocket guide offers a genuine look into satellite technology, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced systems. Inside, you’ll find the essentials of satellite communications, antenna design and waveguides. This includes information about specific types of satellite, such as geostationary and LEO satellite systems, SATCOM monitoring systems, as well as coverage of key applications like positioning, navigation & timing (PNT) and emerging 5G non-terrestrial networks. In other words, everything you need – from satellite technology basics to breakthroughs – at your fingertips.

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What can you see inside the satellite technology pocket guide?

Satellite overview

This section takes a look at satellite systems and definitions, breaking down essential concepts and technicalities across multiple facets. Starting with a general satellite overview, it establishes foundational knowledge, including field of view, overflight duration, slant path and more, connected to satellite types and their roles in modern communications.

Satellite communications

The “satellite communications” section delves into the physics of achieving robust and reliable satellite links and transmissions. Starting with the RF spectrum and carrier bandwidth, you’ll learn about multiplexing and access methods like FDMA, TDMA, and PCMA. Other topics covered include signal processing, MODCOD, the role of satellite modems and SATCOM link budget calculations. Additionally, you’ll find information about environmental factors, such as atmospheric attenuation and scintillation, as well as a detailed analysis of both uplink and downlink metrics—including CNR, EIRP, and G/T link budget calculations.

Antennas and waveguides

This section introduces essential satellite signal transmission concepts, covering antenna patterns, signal polarization and the use of waveguides. Additionally, it explores the roles of key antenna types, such as parabolic and electronically steerable antennas (ESAs). Overall, it provides an understanding of antenna systems critical to efficient satellite communication.

Geostationary and LEO satellite systems

This section explores two major satellite systems.

For geostationary systems, it covers GEO constellations, transponder types and system topologies, introducing technologies like Single Carrier per Channel (SCPC), Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems and high-throughput satellites.
For LEO satellite systems, it examines the unique aspects of low Earth orbit, including LEO constellation architecture, inter-satellite links (ISL), and the impact of time-varying propagation conditions and Doppler effect. Additionally, it addresses payload architectures, control mechanisms and adaptive coding techniques like ACM, as well as the role of CubeSat architectures

Satellite technologies at a glance

What can you expect to see inside the satellite technology pocket guide? Crucial background information, overviews, charts, graphs and more than 90 explanatory graphics and tables like these: