Satellite Subsystems
Communication satellites are very complex, extremely expensive to purchase, and also expensive to launch. A lot of cost involved in monitoring and control of a satellite. Since satellite is a microwave communication system its maintenance is a very costly.
Communication satellites are usually designed to have a typical operating life time of 10-15 years. The operator of the system hopes to recover the initial and operating costs well within the expected life time.
In order to support the communications system, the satellite must provide a stable platform on which to mount the antennas, be capable of station keeping, provide the required electrical power for communication system, and also provide a controlled temperature environment for the communications electronics.
