Types of Satellites

using a pointing guide called the Equatorial Satellite Antenna Pointing Guide. This guide is normally available through the Navy Supply System. The antenna pointing guide is a clear plastic overlay, which slides across a stationary map. It indicates AZ and EL angles in degrees to the satellite. The values obtained are useful to the operator in setting up the antenna control unit of a satellite system. To use the guide, follow these procedures: Center the overlay directly over the desired satellite position on the stationary map. Mark the latitude and longitude of the ship on the plastic antenna pointing guide with a grease pencil. Determine the approximate azimuth angle from the ship to the satellite. Locate the closest dotted line radiating outward from the center of the graph on the overlay in relation to the grease dot representing the ship’s location. This dotted line represents degrees of azimuth as printed on the end of the line. Some approximation will be required for ship positions not falling on the dotted line. Determine the degrees of elevation by locating the solid concentric line closest to the ship’s marked position. Again, approximation will be required for positions not falling directly on the solid elevation line. Degrees of elevation are marked on each concentric line. Example: Assume that your ship is located at 30° north and 70° west. You want to access FLTSAT 8 at 23° west. When we apply the procedures discussed above, we can see the example indicates an azimuth value of 115° and an elevation angle of 30°. TYPES OF SATELLITES Three types of communications satellites are in use by the U.S. Navy today. They are GAPFILLER, Fleet Satellite Communication (FLTSATCOM), and Leased Figure 2-3.—Equatorial Satellite Antenna Pointing Guide. 2-3