satellite must have high durability and robustness
to maintain an optimal operating temperature
because of exposure to the sun and the cold
infinite dark space [5]. Unpredictable space
weather conditions can change the satellite
manoeuvre which may cause the satellite to drift
from its orbit.
Each satellite has its own specific function
and is launched into a designated orbit. The three
main orbits are LEO, MEO and GEO.
Malaysia, like other developing nations,
is keeping pace with the advancement in
satellite technology. Satellite communications
infrastructure in Malaysia is the brainchild of Tun
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister
and is part of the bold plan to realise and achieve
Vision 2020. With the help of a group of certified
experts, Binariang Sdn Bhd has successfully
built the first satellite communications system
for Malaysia. The company was later renamed
MEASAT (Malaysia East Asia Satellite). The
company’s efforts paid off with the successful
launch of Malaysia’s first satellite on January 12,
1996, named MEASAT-1, followed by MEASAT-2
on November 13 of the same year from Kourou,
French Guaina. The launch of MEASAT-1 and
MEASAT-2 drove rapid development in satellite
communications systems and infrastructure in
Malaysia. They also enabled recognisable DTH
services (direct-to-home) to be provided by Astro, a
television broadcasting company, through the use
of advanced digital technology. These satellites
not only cover Malaysia but also cover areas from
India to Hawaii and from Japan to East Australia
[6].
In line with the rapid development of satellite
communications technology, MEASAT-3a was
launched to help complete MEASAT-3’s functions.
The MEASAT-3 series of satellites was the latest
edition to enable coverage of a wider area.
MEASAT-3b, as shown in Figure 3, was launched
in September 12, 2014 and is currently the latest
satellite delivered to orbit in synchronous space.
MEASAT-3b had to undergo tests for a month
before being commercialised. All three satellites
are placed at 91.5°E and form one of the regions
that have strong signal and strong orbit.
Satellite technology plays a major role in
the emergence of global communication and
influences international communications network,
Figure 3:
MEASAT-3b
Source: MEASAT
website
contributing and leading to the improvement of
a country’s economy. The evolution of satellite
technology has produced better performing
technology such as high durability, longer lasting
power sources, reliable speed signal bounces and
many others. However, there are still weaknesses
in satellite technology that are difficult to handle.
Thus, the exploration of new technologies
continues to be conducted by researchers to
overcome these weaknesses so that greater
benefits can be generated for mankind.
REFERENCE
[1] “Asas Sistem Satelit Komunikasi | ANGKASA.”
[Online]. Available: http://www.angkasa.gov.
my/?q=node/265. [Accessed: 11-Jan-2016].
[2] “Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Infographics.”
[Online]. Available: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/
infographics/infographic.view.php?id=11182.
[Accessed: 11-Jan-2016].
[3] “Communications Satellite, SCORE | National
Air and Space Museum.” [Online]. Available:
ht tp://airandspace.si.edu/collections/
artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A20030091000.
[Accessed: 12-Jan-2016].
[4] “NASA History - Communications Satellites.”
[Online]. Available: http://history.nasa.gov/
commsat.html. [Accessed: 12-Jan-2016].
[5] Elbert, B. R. Introduction to satellite
communication, Third. Artech House Inc., 2008.
[6] “MEASAT Company History.” [Online].
Available: http://www.measat.com/corp_
profile_history.html. [Accessed: 11-Jan-2016].
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