Satellite communication uses satellite technology for the purpose of communications. The services provided by satellite communications like voice and video calling, internet, fax, television and radio channels, are diverse and wide ranging.

1. Satellite Communication Technology
Content Developed by
Brainware University Kolkata
https://www.brainwareuniversity.ac.in/

2. Summary
 Satellite communication uses satellite technology for the
purpose of communications. The services provided by
satellite communications like voice and video calling,
internet, fax, television and radio channels, are diverse and
wide ranging.
 Satellite communications can provide flawless
communication by enhancing its capabilities by spanning
communication through remote/long distances. This can
operate under various circumstances or conditions that
may be unfeasible for other types of communication.

3.  Satellites used in satellite communication are generally in
geostationary orbit. A few of them are located in highly elliptical orbits.
 Satellite communication can provide global availability. Land/air/
maritime areas as well can be covered. Large distances can thus be
brought under coverage quiet easily.
 One of the main advantages of satellite communication is the greater
reliability unlike other forms of communication modes. It does not
require terrestrial infrastructure for operation.
 Satellite communication can provide superior performance as
uniformity and speed are much more pronounced than other forms of
communication.
 Scalability is greater in case of satellite communications.
 Deployment cost is higher than most other forms of communications.

4. There has been a wide spread and ubiquitous
utilization of Satellite Communication throughout the
country for numerous diverse applications like
Television, DTH Broadcasting, VSAT and DSNG,
where the unique capabilities of satellite
communication can be exploited in terms of coverage
and outreach. The technology has grown fully-fledged
over the past three decades and even is being used for
commercial purposes for a huge number of
applications. Most of us are touched by satellite
communication in more ways than we realize.

5. In India, to explore the potential of the satellite
technology for societal applications has always
remained a priority by the top research bodies of the
country. ISRO has been in a leading position from the
first and it has been working to leverage the benefits of
technology to the betterment of mankind since long. A
few significant initiatives pursued by ISRO towards
societal development include Tele-medicine, Tele-
education, Village Resource Centre (VRC) and Disaster
Management System (DMS) Programmes.

6. Diverse Applications of Satellite Communication:
 Telecommunication: INSAT satellites traditionally were
supporting telecommunication applications mainly to provide
voice and data communications. Satellite links are the chief
means of connectivity across remote and far-flung regions in
India. They also provide the backup links for a large number of
terrestrial connectivity in the mainland.
 Tele-Medicine: Telemedicine is a unique application of Space
Technology that serve societal benefits. ISRO Telemedicine
programme, began in 2001 has been connecting rural/
remote/medical college hospitals and Mobile Units through the
Indian satellites to major specialty hospitals in cities and towns.
 Tele-Education: India’s first thematic satellite, ‘EDUSAT’ is
exclusively dedicated for educational services and is used widely
to cater to a wide range of interactive educational

7. delivery modes such as, one-way TV broadcasting, video
conferencing, computer conferencing, web-based instructions,
etc. EDUSAT provides connectivity to schools, colleges, higher
level education as well as non-formal education like
development communication.
 Mobile Satellite Services: An S-band Mobile Satellite Service
(MSS) was connected to INSAT system with the launch of
INSAT-3C in 2002 and GSAT-2 in 2003. A small portable satellite
terminal that works with INSAT for voice/data communication
has been developed with the participation of Indian industries.
 Radio Networking: Radio Networking (RN) via INSAT provides
a reliable high-fidelity programme channels for both National
and Regional Networking. At present, 326 All India Radio (AIR)
stations have been equipped with receive terminals.

8. There are a lot more applications of satellite
communication, such as-
 Village Resource Centre
 Satellite Aided Search and Rescue
 Satellite Navigation Programme
 Satellite News Gathering and Dissemination
 Standard Time and Frequency Signal Dissemination
Services
 Television
 Training and Developmental Communications Channel
(TDCC)
 Satellites for Communication