Antenna systems for mobile satellite applications

In the beginning of radio development, mobile communication systems were conceived for the transmission and receiving of telegraphy and telephony signals via mobile antenna at first from ships, and then from cars, trains and aircraft. The consideration of antenna transmission is inevitable, especially in Global Mobile Satellite Communications (GMSC), where their propagation characteristics are much affected by different and changeable local environments during movement of mobile and differ greatly from those observed in fixed satellite systems. To create adequate antenna hardware for mobile GMSC systems, engineers have to consider all related factors in order to realize full mechanical and transmission potentials. This article describes evolution and development of mobile antenna systems, classification and types, characteristics, requirements and basic relations of antenna systems for Maritime Mobile Satellite Communications (MMSC), Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Communications (AMSC) and Land Mobile Satellite Communications (LMSC).