ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the routine operational and maintenance procedures that are unique to satellite systems. It also describes the special maintenance procedures that are unique to satellite earth stations. The first requirement for placing an earth station into operation, either as an uplink or a downlink, is to locate the satellite. The most critical performance criterion for a satellite system is its signal to noise ratio, and a special maintenance program should be established to monitor this on a routine basis. The linearity and frequency response of a complete earth station, including both an uplink and downlink, can be tested with a loop test translator without passing the signal through the satellite. The linearity and frequency response of a complete earth station, including both an uplink and downlink, can be tested with a loop test translator without passing the signal through the satellite.