This book explains the different types of satellite communication systems and technologies including the basic types of satellite systems: GEO, MEO, LEO, and elliptical orbit satellites. It covers the key parts of a satellite system including telemetry, tracking, and control (TTandC), ground segment, and end user equipment. It covers how satellite systems are changing, growth in key satellite markets, key technologies that are used in satellite systems, commercial satellite systems, and provides information on the leading services and their costs for satellite communication. You will discover the key voice, dispatch, data, and broadcast services that satellite systems provide including VSAT, MSS, SDARS, GPS, and DTH/DVB. You will learn that very small aperture terminals (VSAT) can provide high-speed data links almost anywhere in the world. Mobile satellite services (MSS) provide for two-way voice and wide area dispatch communication. Satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS) are achieving commercial through the use of efficient transmission and innovative pay for subscription services. Accurate location information can be obtained by the global positioning system (GPS). Direct to home (DTH) digital video broadcasting (DVB) satellite systems are projected to provide broadcast television service to more than 90 million subscribers by 2007. Covered are the key technologies used by satellite systems including bent pipe transmission, multibeam transmission and satellite cross-links. You will learn how satellite transmission systems have been simplified using bent pipe transmission and how multibeam satellites dramatically increase the communication capacity of satellites. Each type ofsatellite system and its technologies have unique advantages and limitations, which offer important economic and technical choices for managers, salespeople, technicians, and others involved with satellite equipment and systems. This Introduction to Satellites book provides a basic understanding of the major satellite systems, technologies, issues, and how satellite systems are evolving to offer high-speed Internet services.