SSPI Satellite Network Design & Operations 4

Question 1

What does the term 'figure of merit' (G/T) represent in satellite earth station performance?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of antenna gain to system noise temperature, indicating receive sensitivity

Answer

G/T (dB/K) quantifies how effectively an earth station receives weak satellite signals, combining antenna gain and total noise temperature.

Question 2

Which orbital regime do most broadband LEO constellation satellites (e.g., Starlink, OneWeb) operate in?

Accepted Answer

500-1,200 km altitude

Answer

Modern LEO broadband constellations typically operate at 500-1,200 km to balance low latency, coverage, and atmospheric drag.

Question 3

What is the primary function of a satellite's attitude control system (ACS)?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the satellite's antennas and solar panels in their correct orientations

Answer

The ACS keeps the satellite properly oriented so antennas point toward Earth and solar panels face the Sun for power generation.

Question 4

In satellite frequency coordination, what is a 'coordination arc'?

Accepted Answer

The portion of the geostationary arc within which other operators must coordinate frequency use with a given satellite

Answer

The coordination arc defines the range of GSO orbital positions whose satellites could cause harmful interference and therefore require ITU coordination.

Question 5

What is the key design challenge when implementing inter-satellite links (ISLs) in a LEO constellation?

Accepted Answer

Pointing and tracking fast-moving neighbor satellites while maintaining sufficient link margin

Answer

LEO ISLs require precise, rapidly-updated pointing mechanisms because neighboring satellites move relative to each other at high angular rates.

(SSPI) Society of Satellite Professionals International Certification Practice Test

(SSPI) Society of Satellite Professionals International Certification Practice Test

SSPI Satellite Network Design & Operations 4