The principle of mobile satellite SMS allows users to communicate in remote areas or places without communication infrastructure. This is particularly useful in emergency situations as it provides a way to connect with the outside world without relying on the availability of ground stations.
Satellite telephone is another important satellite communication technology that allows users to make voice calls on a global scale. Similar to mobile satellite SMS, the principle of satellite phone is:
User terminal device: Users need to use a satellite phone that supports satellite communication. These phones are usually larger than regular phones because they require more powerful antennas and hardware to communicate with satellites.
Satellite link: Satellite telephone communicates by establishing a connection with communication satellites. The satellite link is responsible for transmitting sound data, enabling users to make global calls.
Ground station: The ground station connected to the satellite link is a key component of the satellite telephone system. These ground stations receive call requests from user terminal devices and then forward them to satellite links, enabling calls to be made.
Satellite relay: Satellites play a crucial role in relaying communication signals. It receives signals from ground stations, forwards them to the target satellite or ground station, and then transmits them to the receiving party of the call.
Call quality and latency: Satellite phones typically face certain challenges, such as higher call latency and lower sound quality. This is because the signal needs to be transmitted through satellite links, which can cause some delay. However, in remote areas or places without other means of communication, these issues are usually acceptable.