Performance criteria affecting pointing error and the impact on total cost of ownership

Methods to determine pointing error per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Vehicle Mounted Earth Station (VMES) license have been presented with accurate measurements. Accurate pointing is a defining requirement for transmitting mobile satellite communication ("Satcom-on-the-move") antennas. Indirectly, pointing error has an immediate impact on the total space segment cost by the user community. The following paper will discuss system performance parameters that affect pointing error, its implications in meeting FCC VMES regulations and impact on leased bandwidth cost, and the overall effect on the user community.