Satellite Applications Handbook: The Complete Guide to Satellite Communications, Remote Sensing, Navigation, and Meteorology

Abstract

This chapter introduces what is meant by the term "applications satellite" and addresses why it makes sense to address the four main space applications in a consolidated reference work. This handbook also provides a multidisciplinary approach that includes technical, operational, economic, regulatory, and market perspectives. These are key areas whereby applications satellite share a great deal. This can be seen in terms of spacecraft systems engineering, in terms of launch services, in terms of systems economics, and even in terms of past, present, and future market development. This is not to suggest that there are not important technical and operational differences with regard to communications satellites, remote sensing satellites, global navigation satellites and meteorological satellites. Such differences are addressed in separate sections of the