Orbital Mechanics and Earth Station Fundamentals

SAT 101 offers technician-level insights into the principles governing satellite communications, focusing on the mechanics of Geostationary (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. The curriculum covers essential topics such as calculating satellite look angles, understanding the layout and components of an earth station, and the critical importance of radio frequency (RF) safety. Through theoretical lessons and practical laboratory exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to analyze orbital parameters, comprehend signal paths, and identify key considerations for the safe and efficient operation of satellite ground systems. This course is designed to equip learners with the foundational knowledge required for entry-level roles in satellite communications.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Satellite Communications and Orbitslecture

02Lesson 2: Fundamental Principles of Orbital Mechanicslecture

03Lesson 3: Geostationary Earth Orbits (GEO) and Their Characteristicslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Calculating Orbital Parameters and Satellite Positionslab

05Lesson 5: Medium Earth Orbits (MEO) and Their Applicationslecture

06Lesson 6: Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and Constellation Conceptslecture

07Lesson 7: Understanding Satellite Look Angles and Earth Coveragelecture

08Hands-on Lab: Determining Earth Station Look Angles and Pointinglab

09Lesson 9: Earth Station Subsystems and Architecturelecture

10Lesson 10: Antenna Types and Feed Systems for Satellite Communicationslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Earth Station Component Identification and Interconnectionslab

12Lesson 12: Principles of Radio Frequency (RF) Safety and Mitigationlecture

13Lesson 13: Operational Considerations for Earth Station Maintenance and Troubleshootinglecture

14Capstone Service Project: Earth Station Design and Safety Plan Developmentassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Satellite Communications and Orbits","Week 2: Lesson 2: Fundamental Principles of Orbital Mechanics","Week 3: Lesson 3: Geostationary Earth Orbits (GEO) and Their Characteristics","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Calculating Orbital Parameters and Satellite Positions","Week 5: Lesson 5: Medium Earth Orbits (MEO) and Their Applications","Week 6: Lesson 6: Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and Constellation Concepts","Week 7: Lesson 7: Understanding Satellite Look Angles and Earth Coverage","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Determining Earth Station Look Angles and Pointing","Week 9: Lesson 9: Earth Station Subsystems and Architecture","Week 10: Lesson 10: Antenna Types and Feed Systems for Satellite Communications","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Earth Station Component Identification and Interconnections","Week 12: Lesson 12: Principles of Radio Frequency (RF) Safety and Mitigation","Week 13: Lesson 13: Operational Considerations for Earth Station Maintenance and Troubleshooting","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Earth Station Design and Safety Plan Development"]