At the core of recent world dynamics involving civil economic and military applications is global mobile satellite communications (GMSC), a vital component of the modern Internet. A very experienced author presents a comprehensive yet relatively simple and clear handbook in the field of GMSC technology.

The book covers a range of subjects from early radio through up-to-date technologies for satellite communication architecture. A very useful and comprehensive introduction, supported by a practical set of figures, helps the reader with different parts of the GMSC system. With enough details of major system components, it breaks down the complexity of their configuration and services. It starts with the deployment factors of satellites and the essentials of launching systems, and evaluates types of orbits (notably the important non-geostationary earth orbit (GEO) MSC that addresses the recent satellite crowding problem). The author depicts intersatellite links (ISL) and communications, as well as emerging technologies such as the important mobile broadband and Internet protocols that make satellites amenable for future applications (for example, multimedia delivery, high-speed/capacity Internet). Thoroughly covered are GMSC propagation fundamentals and characteristics, including terminals and mobile tracking continuity. Also of note are introductions to: the Iridium LEO satellite-based network for mobile and personal applications; the maritime O3B medium earth orbit (MEO) backhaul satellite constellation for terrestrial cellular phones in remote countries; and the mobile digital video broadcasting-returm channel via satellite (DVB-RCS) GEO connecting users locally/globally, reliably, and efficiently.

Overall, it is a concise and informative text for introducing GMSC system architecture, applications, and services. I can say that this is an exemplary handbook, mixing the right amount of theory with concrete examples. The book would be very beneficial as a source/reference for students and academics alike.