Checking date: 20/01/2025


Course: 2024/2025

Satellite and space communications
(18513)
Bachelor in Mobile and Space Communications Engineering (Study Plan 2019) (Plan: 442 - Estudio: 217)


Coordinating teacher: MORALES CESPEDES, MAXIMO

Department assigned to the subject: Signal and Communications Theory Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
There are no specific requirements for this subject.
Objectives
- Choose the most appropriate architectures and platforms for a problem of satellite or space communications - Design orbits and locate the satellite in them - Analyze the coverage through link budgets - Choose the most appropriate modulations and multiple access techniques - Integrally design a space or satellite communications system - State of art of satellite communications. Satisfying the current requirements about satellite communications
Learning Outcomes
CB1: Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study. CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CG1: Ability to write, develop and sign projects in the area of telecommunications engineering aimed at design, development and utilization of telecommunications and electronic networks, services and applications, in accordance with the competences acquired in the degree program, as set out in Section 5 of the corresponding mandate. ECRT1: Ability to learn and acquire autonomously the requisite new knowledge for design, development and utilization of telecommunication systems and services. ECRT4: Ability to analyze and specify the fundamental parameters of a communications system. ECRT5: Ability to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different alternative technologies for development and implementation of communication systems, from the point of view of signal space, perturbations and noise and analog and digital modulation. ECRT6: Ability to conceive, develop, organize and manage telecommunication networks, systems, services and structures in residential (home, city, digital communities), business and institutional contexts, responsibility for its set up, continuous improvement, as well as determining social and economic impact. ETEGISC1: Ability to construct, use and manage telecommunication networks, services, processes and applications, such as systems for capture, transport, representation, processing, storage, multimedia information presentation and management, from the point of view of transmission systems. ETEGISC2: Ability to apply techniques on which telecommunication networks, services and applications are based in fixed environments as well as mobile, personal, local or long distance, with different bandwidths, including telephone, radio broadcasting, television and data, from the point of view of transmission systems. RA1: Knowledge and Understanding. Knowledge and understanding of the general fundamentals of engineering, scientific and mathematical principles, as well as those of their branch or specialty, including some knowledge at the forefront of their field. RA2: Analysis. Graduates will be able to solve engineering problems through an analysis process, identifying the problem, recognising specifications, establishing different methods of resolution, selecting the most appropriate one and implementing it correctly. They must be able to use various methods and recognize the importance of social constraints, human health, safety, the environment, as well as commercial constraints. RA3: Design. Graduates will have the ability to make engineering designs according to their level of knowledge and understanding, working as a team. Design encompasses devices, processes, methods and objects, and specifications that are broader than strictly technical, including social awareness, health and safety, environmental and commercial considerations. RA5: Applications. Graduates will have the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems, conduct research, and design engineering devices or processes. These skills include knowledge, use and limitations of materials, computer models, process engineering, equipment, practical work, technical literature and information sources. They must be aware  of all the implications of engineering practice: ethical, environmental, commercial and industrial. RA6: Generic competences. Graduates will have the generic skills necessary for engineering practice, and which are widely applicable. First, to work effectively, both individually and as a team, as well as to communicate effectively. In addition, demonstrate awareness of the responsibility of engineering practice, social and environmental impact, and commitment to professional ethics, responsibility and standards of engineering practice. They must also have knowledge of business and project management practices, as well as risk management and control, and understand their limitations. Finally, have the capacity for continuous learning.
Description of contents: programme
This course provides an overview of satellite communication systems and the background to address the integral design of this type of systems. The specificities of space communication systems for space missions, within the solar system and in outer space, are also tackled. The subject covers the following topics: 1. Introduction. a. History of the satellit communications b. Overview of the architecture and satellite and space communications platforms c. Future of satellite communications 2. Orbital concepts and angles a. Satellite launching and orbital concepts b. Main orbital parameters and impact on satellite communications c. LEO, MEO, GEO and HEO orbits 3. Satellite subsystems, link budget and planning a. Elements of satellite communcations b. Transmission, amplifiers and parabolic antennas c. Reception, noise and bandwidthRecepción, ruido, ancho de banda d. Propagation losses, small scale effects, losses because of noise and atmospheric gases 4. Modulation and multiple access for satellite and space communications a. Analog and digital modulations b. Orthogonal schemes. TDMA, FDMA, CDMA c. Frequency reuse 5. Satellite communications standards a. Video transmission based on DVB-S b. Satellite WiFi c. Satellite communications for 5G/6G 6. Communications systems in space missions a. Opmization of satellite communications b. Two-tier (GEO-LEO) satellite systems 7. Overview of emerging systems and technologies a. Nanosatellites and cubesats b. Hiper-dense satellite constellation c. Very high frequency satellites
Learning activities and methodology
The subject is developed through lectures, problems and practical cases, illustration of the concepts through simulations and personal work of the students.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 60
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 40

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • G. Maral, M. Bousquet. "Satellite communications systems: systems, techniques and technology. John Wiley & Sons. 1998
  • Zhili Sun. Satellite Networking: Principles and protocolos. Wiley.

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.