We are currently observing a discussion about the usefulness
of space research and the amount of spin-off we obtain from
space programs. One area which is widely overlooked is
digital communications, although it is quite clear that the
application of space research which has directly affected
most people is certainly space communication via satellite.
Direct broadcasting satellites, international telephone
callsvia geostationary satellites and the growing mobile
services by satellites serve more and more users.
This book provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in
communications systems in space . Leading experts from
arount the world the contributions in this book describe
advanced features of their fields and give an outlook at the
next steps in such communications systems. Special emphasis
is on digital modulation and codingwhere progress in
technology allows the implementation of sophisticated
methods reaching almost the limits of theory. The papers
include survey articles as well as advanced research topics.