EARTH STATION IMPLEMENTATION IN THE CANADIAN DOMESTIC SATELLITE SYSTEM

Abstract

The domestic communications satellite system operated by Telesat Canada has expanded significantly since its inception in 1973, when, using the Anik A series of satellites in the 6/4 GHz bands, 34 stations commenced service. Since that time, Telesat Canada has implemented many earth stations operating in the 6/4 GHz and 14/12 GHz bands. The paper reviews the design and performance features of the earth stations which provide the wide variety of Telesat services, from “Thin Route” stations used in the Canadian North to the “Network Television” stations used in more southern locations. As an example, the 14/12 GHz heavy-route stations, providing long-haul digital and video uplinks between major city downtown locations, are described in more detail. In conclusion, a summary of new directions in satellite earth station design is presented, including single-circuit transportable earth stations for exploration companies and light-route TDMA earth stations for advanced business networks.