This volume presents a unified treatment of all the basic aspects of satellite communications and gives practical examples from real systems. Whereas most texts in the field concentrate on a mathematical description of the communications link, this book aims to give the reader a thorough knowledge of the subject by going on to cover orbits, propagation and the equipment that comprises a working system. The authors go beyond the standard treatment of ideal channels to deal with the problems associated with transmitting digitally modulated signals through real satellites and Earth stations. Included are chapters on orbital mechanics, spacecraft construction, satellite-path radio wave propagation, modulation techniques, multiple access, and a detailed analysis of the communications link. Also contained in the book are worked examples and homework problems based on current industrial practice.