Structure of Satellites
Communications Satellites are usually composed of the following subsystems:
Communications Satellites are usually composed of the following subsystems:
- Communication Payload, normally composed of transponders, antenna, and switching systems
- Engines used to bring the satellite to its desired orbit
- Station Keeping Tracking and stabilization subsystem used to keep the satellite in the right orbit, with its antennas pointed in the right direction, and its power system pointed towards the sun
- Power subsystem, used to power the Satellite systems, normally composed of solar cells, and batteries that maintain power during solar eclipse
- Command and Control subsystem, which maintains communications with ground control stations. The ground control earth stations monitor the satellite performance and control its functionality during various phases of its life-cycle.
Primary Function: Worldwide, long-haul communications
Primary Contractor: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space
Weight: 2,716 pounds (1,232 kilograms)
Power Plant: Solar arrays generating average of 1,500 watts
Orbit Altitude: 22,230 miles (35,887 kilometers)
Dimensions: Rectangular body is 6 feet long (1.8 meters), 6 feet high (1.8 meters), and 7 feet wide (2.1 meters); 38-foot span (11.5 meters) with solar arrays deployed
Launch Vehicle: Atlas II, later the evolved expendable launch vehicle
Primary Contractor: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space
Weight: 2,716 pounds (1,232 kilograms)
Power Plant: Solar arrays generating average of 1,500 watts
Orbit Altitude: 22,230 miles (35,887 kilometers)
Dimensions: Rectangular body is 6 feet long (1.8 meters), 6 feet high (1.8 meters), and 7 feet wide (2.1 meters); 38-foot span (11.5 meters) with solar arrays deployed
Launch Vehicle: Atlas II, later the evolved expendable launch vehicle
References:
- Defense Satellite Communications System [online] Available: http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/affacts/bldefensesatellitecommunicationssystem.htm
- Defense Satellite Communications System [online] Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSCS_3