Global satellite communications services provided by nongeostationary satellite systems have been planned and launched from many countries. Small satellites are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than conventional satellites and will revolutionize space systems architecture. The advantages of low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit satellite constellations are low latency and the lower power required due to the shorter distance; however, there is a problem with frequency allocation. This chapter describes the technological trends and the future prospects of satellite communications for megaconstellations with small satellites and the frequency allocation problem.

Chapter Contents:

• 28.1 Introduction
• 28.2 Trends in mega-constellation programs
• 28.3 Frequency map for mega-constellations
• 28.4 Frequency allocation for mega-constellations
• 28.4.1 Definition of a mega-constellation
• 28.4.2 Date of bringing into use
• 28.4.3 Short-duration mission
• 28.5 Conclusion
• References

Inspec keywords: frequency allocation; artificial satellites; satellite communication

Other keywords: global satellite communications services; mega-constellations; technological trends; space systems architecture; nongeostationary satellite systems

Subjects: Satellite communication systems