Satellite Communications Glossary

P Band.  P Band: 0.2-1.0 GHz. Because lower frequencies are trapped by the ionosphere, only frequencies above 100 MHz are available for satellite communications.

Parametric amplifier.  A parametric amplifier is a form of low-noise amplifier (LNA), which is used in a transponder to amplify the weak radio frequency (RF) uplink signal.

Period.  The period of the orbit is the time to complete one cycle around the Earth.

Polar Orbit.  When the satellite rotates in an orbit over the north and south poles, it is called a polar orbit.

Polarisation Loss.  In satellite communications, polarisation loss results from a rotation of the polarisation of the signal as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere.

Portable satellite radio.  Other entries related to Portable satellite radio include: Radio XM, Satellite radio, Satellite radio antenna, XM car radio, Sony XM satellite radio receiver, XM satellite radio, Sony satellite radio.

Power Subsystem.  The Power Subsystem generates, stores, controls and distributes electrical power to the other subsystems on board.

Prograde Orbit.  If the satellite is orbiting in the same direction as Earth’s rotation with an angular velocity greater than that of the Earth at an angle of inclination of less than 90°, the orbit is called a prograde orbit.

Project West Ford.  In 1963, Project West Ford (also known as Project Needles) launched millions of small hair-thin copper wires to form an orbital belt 3 700-km high to act as passive reflectors.

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