ABSTRACT
Inmarsat-C is a digital satellite communications messaging system and is an integral part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, because it does not require a gyro input and operates easily from the 24-volt reserve power supply. The introduction of the Inmarsat I-4 satellite system supports the Inmarsat Fleet Broadband and Global Area Network providing mobile data communications at up to 432 kbps for Internet access, mobile multimedia and other modern applications. The satellites are networked together so that each satellite can ‘talk’ to the one ahead and behind in the same orbital plane. There is also the facility for allowing satellites to communicate east and west between neighbouring satellites in different orbits. Similar services are also offered to land mobile and aeronautical users via the same satellite system. Inmarsat has responsibility for the procurement and operation of the space segment of the global mobile satellite communications system.
