Z3D153 CDC: Communications Satellite System! Trivia Questions Quiz

Active and passive are the two types of communication satellites. Active satellites are equipped with their own power source and are capable of amplifying and transmitting signals to Earth. They actively participate in the communication process. On the other hand, passive satellites do not have their own power source and rely on reflecting or redirecting signals from one location to another. They passively reflect or bounce signals back to Earth.

The correct answer is Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). DISA is responsible for issuing telecommunications service orders. They are a combat support agency of the Department of Defense (DOD) and provide information technology and communications support to the military and other government organizations. DISA plays a crucial role in ensuring secure and reliable communication systems for the DOD and its users.

UTC is based on a 24-hour clock system because it is a standard timekeeping system used globally. Unlike the 12-hour clock system, which alternates between AM and PM, the 24-hour clock system uses a continuous count of hours from 0 to 23. This allows for a consistent and unambiguous representation of time across different time zones and eliminates any confusion or ambiguity that may arise from using a 12-hour clock system.

The inclination angle of a polar orbit is 90o. A polar orbit is a type of orbit that passes over or near the Earth's poles, and it is inclined at 90o with respect to the equator. This means that the orbiting object will pass over or near both the North and South poles during its orbit.

Astronomical time is based on the apparent motion of the sun in the sky. This is because the rotation of the Earth causes the sun to appear to move across the sky, creating the cycle of day and night. Astronomers use this motion to measure time and track the position of celestial objects. The other options, such as atomic clock oscillations, apparent constellation movement, and the moon's rotation about the Earth, are not directly related to the measurement of astronomical time.

The correct answer is "Spot beam." A spot beam antenna is designed to provide high gain and selective coverage of any ground station visible within its own footprint. It focuses the radio frequency energy into a narrow beam, allowing for more efficient and targeted communication with specific ground stations. This type of antenna is commonly used in military strategic and tactical relay systems like MILSTAR.

When the same frequency radiates simultaneously in two different planes, it is referred to as polarization diversity. Polarization diversity is a technique used in wireless communication systems to improve signal quality and reduce interference. By transmitting the same signal in different polarizations, the system can overcome the effects of multipath fading and improve overall signal strength and reliability.

Iridium is not included in INMARSAT mobile satellite services (MSS).

Passive satellites reflect signals transmitted towards them. Unlike active satellites, which generate and transmit their own signals, passive satellites simply reflect or bounce back signals that are directed towards them. These satellites are often used for communication purposes, such as relaying television signals or providing internet connectivity. They do not require their own power source and rely on the signals they receive to fulfill their function.

Conflicts regarding Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) ground mobile forces (GMF) satellite resources that cannot be settled by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the regional satellite communications support center (RSSC) are resolved by the Joint Staff. The Joint Staff is responsible for assisting the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in providing military advice to the President and the Secretary of Defense. They coordinate and integrate military activities across the different branches of the armed forces, and they have the authority to resolve conflicts and make decisions in such situations.

The explanation for the correct answer, "Meridian," is that a meridian is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and passes through the Prime Meridian, which is located in Greenwich, London. The Prime Meridian is used as the reference point for determining time zones and is where Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is based. By determining the number of time zones between your location and the Prime Meridian, you can calculate the time difference between your local time and UTC.

Organizations can maintain accurate time-of-day clocks by referencing a standard time interval of one second. This is because a second is a universally recognized unit of time measurement that provides precision and consistency. By synchronizing their clocks to this standard, organizations can ensure that their timekeeping systems are accurate and reliable.

The correct answer is London, England. INMARSAT, an international satellite communications company, has its headquarters located in London, England.

Satellite access authorization is a method provided by SATCOM planners. This method involves obtaining authorization to access a satellite for communication purposes. It ensures that only authorized users are allowed to access the satellite, preventing unauthorized access and potential interference with satellite operations. This method helps in managing and controlling satellite resources effectively and efficiently.

A quartz oscillator's frequency can drift due to temperature and aging. Temperature changes can affect the stability of the quartz crystal, causing its frequency to shift. Aging refers to the gradual change in the characteristics of the quartz crystal over time, which can also lead to frequency drift.

The signal originating from the satellite that we use to acquire and track the satellite is called a beacon. A beacon signal is a continuous wave signal transmitted by the satellite that helps in determining the satellite's position, velocity, and other parameters. It is used for tracking and monitoring the satellite's movements and is an essential component in satellite communication and navigation systems.

The highest priority mission of the Defense Support Program (DSP) is the North American warning. This means that the DSP is primarily focused on providing early warning and detection of any potential threats to the North American region. This mission is crucial for ensuring the security and defense of North America, as it allows for timely response and preparedness in the event of any potential attacks or threats.

The satellite readout station equipment group consists of three types of equipment: radio frequency set, transmit/receive set, and digital equipment set. These three types of equipment are essential for receiving and processing satellite signals. The radio frequency set is responsible for receiving the signals from the satellite, the transmit/receive set enables both the transmission and reception of signals, and the digital equipment set processes and analyzes the received signals. Therefore, the correct answer is the set that includes all three types of equipment.

Forward error correction is a technique that relies on the transmitter to send multiple copies of the same message to the distant end using a predetermined algorithm. This algorithm adds redundant information to the message, allowing the receiver to detect and correct errors that may occur during transmission. By sending multiple copies of the message, the receiver can compare them and determine the most likely correct version. This ensures that the message is received accurately, even if there are errors or noise in the transmission.

The correct answer is 14.4 to 15.25 GHz. This frequency range is commonly used for tropo/satellite support. Tropospheric scatter communication and satellite communication systems require a high frequency range to transmit signals over long distances. The 14.4 to 15.25 GHz range provides a suitable frequency band for these types of communication systems, allowing for reliable and efficient transmission of data and voice signals.

The correct answer is the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). The BIPM is responsible for coordinating and maintaining the international standard for time, which is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). UTC is used as a basis for timekeeping around the world and is crucial for ensuring accurate and synchronized time measurements across different countries and time zones. The United States Naval Observatory (USNO), Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) may be involved in timekeeping and measurement activities, but they are not specifically responsible for coordinating UTC.

The correct answer is that the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) command and control nodes are the Environmental Satellite Operations Center at Schriever AFB, CO and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Satellite Operations Control Center at Suitland, MD. These two facilities are responsible for managing and controlling the operations of the Air Force's satellite network, including monitoring and tracking satellites, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring the overall functionality and security of the network.

Crosslinking is the correct answer because it refers to the capability of military strategic and tactical relay (MILSTAR) systems to communicate directly with each other, without the need for ground-based infrastructure or additional satellites. This is different from previous military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) and commercial satellite communications systems, which typically rely on ground stations to relay information. Crosslinking allows for more secure and efficient communication between MILSTAR systems, enhancing their overall effectiveness in military operations.

The demodulator module is responsible for stripping away the intelligence from the intermediate frequency. It is used to extract the original information signal from the carrier wave, which is modulated during transmission. The demodulator reverses the process of modulation, separating the intelligence from the carrier wave and allowing it to be processed further.

There are a total of 39 ultrahigh frequency (UHF) channels available for each UHF follow-on.

XTAR is the correct answer because it is a satellite company that is specifically designed to interface with all current X-band terminals. X-band is a frequency range used for satellite communication, and XTAR specializes in providing satellite services and connectivity in this frequency range. Therefore, XTAR is the most suitable option for interfacing with X-band terminals.

The major axis is the correct answer because it refers to the longest distance across an elliptical orbit. In an ellipse, the major axis is the line passing through the center and the two farthest points on the ellipse. It represents the maximum distance between two opposite points on the elliptical orbit. The minor axis, on the other hand, represents the shortest distance across the ellipse. Apogee and perigee are terms used to describe the farthest and closest points respectively in an orbit around a celestial body.

The function of the Telecommunications certification office is to ensure that the user agency is prepared to pay for the service. This suggests that the office is responsible for verifying the financial readiness of the user agency before providing the requested telecommunications service. It is important for the office to ensure that the user agency has the necessary funds or budget to cover the costs associated with the service. This helps to ensure that the office can provide the service without any financial issues or delays.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is a time scale that provides a universally agreed standard time with the stability and accuracy of atomic time. It also ensures synchronous operation with the Earth's motion about the sun, making it a reliable time scale. UTC is widely used across different countries and industries to ensure consistent and coordinated timekeeping.

The up converter is used to produce the final transmit frequency in a SATCOM system module. It takes the baseband signal and converts it to a higher frequency that can be transmitted over the satellite communication link. This is necessary because the satellite operates in a different frequency band than the baseband signal. The up converter increases the frequency of the signal to match the satellite's frequency range, allowing it to be transmitted effectively.

Iridium is the correct answer because it is the only commercial satellite communication system that can offer true pole-to-pole global coverage. Unlike other systems, Iridium has a network of 66 interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit, which allows it to provide coverage even in remote and polar regions where other systems may have limited or no coverage. This makes Iridium the preferred choice for industries such as aviation, maritime, and government agencies that require reliable global communication capabilities.

Demand assigned multiple access (DAMA) is the satellite access technique being used when all channels are pooled and used by any station according to its instantaneous traffic load. In DAMA, channels are dynamically assigned to stations based on their demand, allowing efficient utilization of satellite resources. This technique ensures that each station gets access to the required number of channels when needed, optimizing the overall system capacity. Unlike other access techniques such as CDMA, TDMA, and FDMA, DAMA provides flexibility and adaptability in allocating channels, making it suitable for scenarios where traffic loads vary over time.

Atomic clocks operate based on the phenomenon that atoms release energy at a particular resonant frequency. This frequency is extremely stable and consistent, allowing atomic clocks to keep very accurate time. By measuring this resonant frequency, atomic clocks can maintain precise timekeeping.

Solid state power amplifiers use semiconductor transistors designed for microwave and higher frequency RF operation. These transistors, such as Metal Oxide Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), are able to handle the high frequencies and power levels required for amplifying microwave and RF signals. Solid state power amplifiers are commonly used in applications such as radar systems, communication systems, and satellite communications.

The MARK IVB antennas can be located up to 1500 feet away from the processing area.

Time division multiplexing (TDM) is a multiplexing division technique that samples each low-speed channel in sequence, interleaves the bits or characters, and then transmits them at a high speed. In TDM, each channel is given a specific time slot within a predefined time frame. This allows multiple channels to share the same transmission medium by taking turns transmitting their data. Therefore, the correct answer is Time.

The MILSTAR satellite sends downlink communications transmissions at Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) and super-high frequency (SHF). This means that the satellite is capable of transmitting signals at both UHF and SHF bands. UHF frequencies range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, while SHF frequencies range from 3 GHz to 30 GHz. By utilizing both UHF and SHF, the MILSTAR satellite can provide a wide range of communication capabilities, including long-range and high-bandwidth transmissions.

The low noise amplifier is the first step in the receive signal path because it amplifies the weak incoming signal from the antenna while introducing minimal noise. This amplification is necessary to compensate for the signal loss that occurs during transmission and reception. By amplifying the signal at the earliest stage, the low noise amplifier improves the overall signal-to-noise ratio and ensures that the subsequent modules in the receive signal path receive a stronger and cleaner signal for further processing.

Programmed track is a tracking method that does not require any input from a satellite. It involves pre-programming the path or trajectory that an object or target should follow, and the tracking system then monitors and records the object's position based on the programmed instructions. This method is commonly used in applications such as aircraft navigation and missile guidance systems, where the object's movement can be accurately predicted and programmed in advance without relying on real-time satellite data.

The SATCOM control segment is responsible for managing and controlling the satellite communication system. It includes functions such as spacecraft control, network control, and payload control. However, ground control is not a function of the SATCOM control segment. Ground control refers to the control and monitoring of the satellite system from the ground station, which is separate from the control segment.

When establishing a communication link with a satellite, the first step is to predict the satellite's orbit. This allows the ground station to know where the satellite will be located at a specific time. Next, the antenna needs to be pointed towards the predicted location of the satellite. Once the antenna is properly pointed, the ground station can then acquire the satellite by establishing a connection. Finally, satellite tracking is performed to continuously monitor the satellite's position and make any necessary adjustments to maintain the communication link.

The payload segment is not one of the three distinct elements that work together to make satellite communication (SATCOM) possible. The three elements are the space segment, control segment, and terminal segment. The space segment consists of the satellites in space that transmit and receive signals. The control segment includes the ground-based stations that monitor and control the satellites. The terminal segment involves the user terminals that send and receive signals from the satellites. The payload segment refers to the actual data or information that is transmitted through the satellite system.

Multiplexing refers to the process of combining multiple information channels onto a common transmission medium. This allows for efficient use of the available bandwidth and enables multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously. By multiplexing, different signals can share the same transmission path, increasing the overall capacity and reducing costs.

Wavelength division multiplexing assigns each incoming optical signal a specific frequency of light. This means that different signals can be transmitted simultaneously through a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths of light. Each signal is assigned a unique frequency, allowing for efficient and simultaneous transmission of multiple signals.

Polarization diversity requires two antennas, two receivers, and two transmitters. This type of diversity is used to improve signal quality and reduce interference by transmitting and receiving signals in different polarizations. By using two antennas with different polarizations, the system can capture and transmit signals that may be blocked or weakened by obstacles or interference. This helps to enhance the overall performance and reliability of the communication system.

Handheld satellite phone communications are not normally provided through commercial wideband services. Commercial wideband services typically offer high-speed internet connectivity, video teleconferencing, and very small aperture terminal networks. Handheld satellite phone communications, on the other hand, require a separate satellite phone network that is specifically designed for providing mobile phone services in remote areas where traditional cellular networks are not available.

Ku-band service for commercial satellite services is not worldwide and is primarily located over land masses and highly populated areas. This means that the coverage of Ku-band service is limited to specific regions and is concentrated in areas with a higher population density. It is not available in all parts of the world and is more focused on serving areas where there is a greater demand for satellite services.

The number of Global Positioning System (GPS) orbital planes is 6. GPS satellites are placed in 6 orbital planes, each containing multiple satellites. These satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km and are evenly distributed across the orbital planes to provide global coverage. This configuration allows for accurate positioning and navigation services worldwide.

The Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) follow-on satellite system provides Global Broadcast Services (GBS).

The element of the MILSTAR mission that allocates communication resources is "Planning." Planning involves the process of determining the necessary communication resources, such as frequencies, bandwidth, and equipment, to support the mission objectives. It also involves coordinating and scheduling the use of these resources to ensure effective and efficient communication among military units. By allocating communication resources, planning helps to optimize the use of available resources and ensure reliable and secure communication during military operations.