NG4S802 - Satellite Communications 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG4S802
Module Title: Satellite Communications
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader: Leshan Uggalla
Module Team: Sivagunalan Sivanathan, Elango Nagasundaram
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To provide a comprehensive introduction to satellite communications and a thorough grounding in the design/planning issues and the signal processing schemes involved.

Content Summary

Section A: Overview of Satellite Communications
- Advantages, History, Orbits, Services, Radio Regulations and Bands, Organisations, Satellite System Segments, Satellite Communications Business


Section B: Satellite Orbits Design
- Orbital mechanics, GEO, LEO, MEO and Elliptical Orbits, Satellite Installation and Launch Vehicles, Satellite Platform (power supply, attitude control, propulsion, TTC and thermal control), Space environment, Reliability


Section C: Satellite Link Design
- Propagation Effects and Interference, Antennas used for Satellite Communications, Link analysis, Link budgets and Link Quality, Earth Stations, Communication Payload


Section D: Satellite Signal Processing
- Modulation (FM, BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, 32APSK), Multiplexing (FDM, CDM, TDM), Multiple Access (FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, RAMA, Multibeam), Error Control Coding for Digital Satellite Links


Section E: Satellite Applications
- DVB, HDTV, SDAR, GNSS, VSAT Networks, Military

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 30
Tutorial 12
Practical classes and workshops 6
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 32
Groupwork 20
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Systematic understanding and critical awareness of satellite systems operations and planning
LO2 Comprehensive understanding and ability to design state of the art satellite systems and services, specifying link and system parameters to achieve required quality of service.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Presentation (Asynchronous) 1 Digital communication systems design, simulation, and analysis 15 N/A 40 No 50
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 Exam 120 N/A 60 No 50

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Asynchronous) 1
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1

Reading List

T Pratt, C Bostian & J Allnutt (2003), Satellite Communication (2nd Edition), Wiley, ISBN 0-471- 37007-X

G Maral and M Bousquet (2009), Satellite Communications Systems, Techniques and Technology (5th Edition), Wiley, ISBN 978 0 470 71458 4

Ifiok Otung (2021), Communication Engineering Principles 2E, Wiley, ISBN 978-1119274025

Ifiok Otung (2014), Digital Communications Principles and Systems, IET, ISBN 978 1 84919 611 6