Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Commons^™

Technological Issues: Closing The Digital Divide Through Resource Allocation Techniques, Avi Barda, Zvi Ner, Shaul Laufer

Online Journal of Space Communication

It is only after access to technology is assured that computer literacy can begin. Access is not simply having access to up-to-date technology; it should also include access to qualified teachers, appropriate software and Web content. Vital to this issue is the quality and quantity of the access.

The optimisation of the bandwidth use, obtained by implementing bandwidth allocation schemes and suited protocol solutions, will allow providing improved quality of service and reduced cost of broadband Internet access. This technology will allow the provision of QoS-based broadband services in hazardous environments and in areas where the technological development is less …

Social And Cultural Issues: The Impact Of Digital Divide On Development And How Satellite Addresses This Problem, Robin Gambu Wani Latio

Online Journal of Space Communication

The paper examines the problem of inaccessibility to education by the vast majority in East Africa, the factors that contribute to education problems and how the digital divide further helps isolate people in the rural communities of the region.

The author proposes satellite technology as the solution to the digital divide and offers reasons to support this proposition. Technology use in Uganda is discussed as a case study to provide further evidence that satellite communications help close the digital divide gap.

Social And Cultural Issues: Information And Communication Technology Policy In Mongolia, Lkhagvasuren Ariunaa

Online Journal of Space Communication

In the networking age, every country needs the capacity to understand and adjust global technologies for local needs. In the mid-seventies, the Government of Mongolia was giving much emphasis to science and technology information, having State Committee on Science and Technology and research institutions underneath.

The main purpose of the State Committee was to focus on the provision of the science and technology information mainly received from academic institutions of former Soviet Union and socialist system countries. A number of the policy regulatory documents were developed to address the issues of the science and technology information.

Social And Cultural Issues: The Digital Divide In The Gobi Desert: Spatiality, The National Identity Collapse, And A Language Gap, Undrahbuyan Basaanjav

Online Journal of Space Communication

No research has been conducted to examine how people in the countryside of Mongolia use the Internet and what social and cultural influences the Internet bring to these people. This study focuses on the geographical and cultural aspects of the digital divide in the Gobi desert of Mongolia. In this paper, I argue that the Internet brings a sense of mobility to people in remote Mongolia, which lets them move through social spaces. In the Gobi Desert the Internet has begun to break the geo-spatial notion of local vs. global. People in the Gobi Desert already use instant and mobile …

Social And Cultural Issues: Social, Cultural And Economic Issues In The Digital Divide - Literature Review And Case Study Of Japan, Shuho Otani

Online Journal of Space Communication

The definition of the digital divide generally refers to unequal access to digital and network resources, including the Internet, and opportunities to learn using information and communication technologies. The gaps are usually concerned with economic, social and cultural issues, such as income, age, education, gender, ethnic background, and physical handicaps.

Current Development: Domestic Satellites Make Indonesia A Model Of Telecommunications Development, Saleh Gunawan

Online Journal of Space Communication

Our Palapa A Domestic Satellite System, named for a mythical fruit, was inaugurated on August 17, 1976, almost 30 years ago, and it was surprising how quickly our nation started enjoying the ease and speed of telephone connections from an affordable high quality direct distance dialed network. Prior to this, Indonesian inter-island public telecommunications were served mainly by way of High Frequency radio. Dependence on the ionosphere limited connections to a few hours a day. In addition to poor capacity and quality, anyone wanting to place a call had to make prior booking through human operators.

Current Development: Soiasia Project: A New And Effective Distance Learning Environment For Internet Developing Area Utilizing The Satellite Link, Shoko Mikawa, Jun Takei

Online Journal of Space Communication

This paper describes a distance learning environment using the Internet via satellite in Asian regions where Internet infrastructure is insufficient. The merit of distance learning is that students can receive cutting edge lectures from professors all over the world. For those areas with sufficient Internet infrastructure, there would be no problem receiving these kinds of lectures. However, it is difficult for countries with insufficient Internet infrastructure to receive them. The SOI (School of Internet) ASIA project proposes and demonstrates a distance learning environment utilizing satellite links as an Internet infrastructure that can be quickly installed with low cost for those …

Current Development: How One Faith-Based Organization Uses Satellite Technology To Bridge The Digital Divide, Jeffrey B. Roberts

Online Journal of Space Communication

From its founding in 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has endeavored to fulfill the divine command to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world remains a daunting challenge even in modern times. How does a religious organization preach its doctrine to people of all nations, race, cultures, etc? How does it support its growing membership and provide the necessary training for new members and new leaders? How does it assure that its teachings remain consistent around the world? How does it …

Current Development: The Digital Divide - An Appalachian Ohio Perspective, John C. Hoag

Online Journal of Space Communication

The objective of this paper is to assess the role of satellite communication with respect to the Digital Divide in the United States. A secondary objective is to review the capabilities, capacity, and availability of current solutions in light of potential applications in other markets and situations.

This paper contains a review of the Digital Divide in general with additional attention to local Ohio developments and the use of satellite broadband Internet service. We then discuss different satellite-based solutions for residential and commercial Internet access.

Current Development: Satellite Newsgathering Crosses The Digital Divide, Eli Flournoy

Online Journal of Space Communication

Current developments in news gathering.

Current Development: Learning Without Boundary: Application Of Satellite Communication System On Distance Education, Hsin-Ho Tsao

Online Journal of Space Communication

Nowadays, the concept of global village has been developed over the world due to the development of communication technology. The information boundaries between areas and regions are gradually eliminated. People are able to have long-distance communication and information exchange, such as searching information via the Internet and making long distance calls that include images. The convenience of communication brought by the technology is applied to education as well.

Issue 5: From The Guest Editor, Bruce Elbert

Online Journal of Space Communication

This issue of the Online Journal of Space Communication focuses on a matter of social concern for which satellite technology is well-positioned to help overcome traditional communication limitations of terrain and distance. Literally the entire globe is within the reach of one satellite system or another, making it possible to extend telephone, television, radio, data and Internet communications to every corner and everybody.

Development Of A Cubesat Conceptual Design Tool And Implementation Of The Eps Design Module, Sean K. Nogrady

Master's Theses

This thesis is the product of an effort to develop a CubeSat Conceptual Design Tool for the California Polytechnic State University CubeSat Laboratory. Such a tool is necessary due to inefficiencies with the current conceptual design process. It is being developed to increase accessibility, reduce design time, and promote good systems engineering within CubeSat development.

The development of the architecture of a conceptual design tool, the core user-interface element, and the completion of a module for the electrical power subsystem is the focus of this thesis. The architecture is built around different modules to design different subsystems that work in …

Cultivating Creativity In Aerospace Systems Engineering To Manage Complexity, Kenneth Lucas Dodd

Master's Theses

In recent decades, complexity in aerospace programs has been increasing, leading to large budget and schedule overruns. Many of the risks of complex system development can be attributed to the inadequacy of linear methods when applied to nonlinear domains, i.e., oversimplification in a program amplifies the amount of risk produced when a system behaves unexpectedly. Effectively managing complexity involves responding to the various sources of complexity, whether it appears in the objective behavior of the system itself or in the subjective behavior of the people developing it. Thus, the engineering of complex systems requires nonlinear modeling methods of the system …

Simulation Of A Configurable Hybrid Aircraft, Brandon Bartlett

Master's Theses

As the demand for air transportation is projected to increase, the environmental impacts produced by air travel will also increase. In order to counter the environmental impacts while also meeting the demand for air travel, there are goals and research initiatives that aim to develop more efficient aircraft. An emerging technology that supports these goals is the application of hybrid propulsion to aircraft, but there is a challenge in effectively exploring the performance of hybrid aircraft due to the time and money required for safe flight testing and due to the diverse design space of hybrid architectures and components. Therefore, …

Issue 4: Contributors, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

The material in this issue has been developed and supplied by Telesat, the Communications Research Centre, and the Canadian Space Agency - the major players in Satellite Communications in Canada.

The Role Of Partnerships Government/Industry/International, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Much of Canada's involvement in space activities, particularly in the earlier years, related to its interest in satellite communications as a means to provide equitable access by all Canadians to telecommunications services. It also provided the impetus for Canada signing a cooperative agreement with ESA. There are a number of firsts in satellite communications to which Canada can lay claim. However the environment for space communications systems and services has changed dramatically and continues to change due to factors such as global deregulation, rapid advance of telecommunications technology, industrial consolidation and intense competition.

Market Analysis, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Canadian space companies have developed impressive and globally competitive competencies in some niche areas of satellite communications. This has allowed them to be very successful in domestic and export markets. In fact, 63% of total 2000 revenues of $1.4 billion were from Telecommunications. Satellite communications can be considered the cornerstone of the Canadian space industry at large.

Industry Capabilities And Services, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Space Communication technologies have provided the world with satellite communications and global satellite navigation infrastructures that have become strategic assets for the economic, political, and military sectors of countries around the world. Their omnipresence in our everyday lives and their significant role in world commerce, security and humanitarian operations such as Search and Rescue have made telecommunications and global navigation satellites indispensable.

Canada: Innovation And Inclusion In The Network Age, Michael Binder

Online Journal of Space Communication

Michael Binder, Assistant Deputy Minister Spectrum Information Technologies and Telecommunications Industry Canada

Paper based on a presentation given to the Canadian Satellite Users Association October 31, 2002

Ecanada = Equality Of Life; Fast Forward To Canadian Prosperity, Laurier J. Boisvert

Online Journal of Space Communication

Speaking notes for an address at the 17th Annual CATAAlliance Innovation and Leadership Awards Reception and Gala Smart City Summit April 23, 2002, Ottawa, Canada

Crc Perspective, Gerry Turcotte

Online Journal of Space Communication

Gerry Turcotte, President Communications Research Centre Canada

Internationacommunications Satellite Systems Conference Speaking Notes, Marc Garneau

Online Journal of Space Communication

Speaking notes at the plenary session of the International Communications Satellite Systems Conference Montreal, Canada

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: R & D Labs, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Recognizing the need to evaluate and test emerging technologies and applications, Telesat has recently made a significant additional investment to its existing R&D lab. The upgraded facility is a 4000 square-foot area dedicated to satellite-based broadband trials and demonstrations. The R&D Lab hosts active computing platforms that are networked over satellite and linked by a common theme of connecting Canada and Canadians. On-going trials are managed from a hub area and a network control centre within the Lab. The lab is designed to provide both a development environment and an educational and demonstration area.

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: New Technologies Needed, Virendra Jha

Online Journal of Space Communication

The Government of Canada has a clear goal of making Canada the most connected country in the world. The vast geographic topology and wide population distribution - some in remote communities - raise distinct technical and economic challenges in achieving this goal. In addition, communications are already used in virtually all space projects - either for the command of the Spacecraft, or as the raison d'être of the mission. Undoubtedly, to support the very nature of space projects and to achieve the goal of connecting all Canadians, ever-improved technologies are being sought.

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: Smart Communities, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Telesat has been a pioneer in the development of satellite-based smart communities

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: Schoolnet, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Telesat became involved in the Schoolnet I initiative by providing a satellite solution to facilitate Internet connectivity to approximately 1600 schools located in remote parts of Canada. Approximately 10% of the schools were connected under the Schoolnet I initiative.

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: New Applications/Services, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Telesat is the world's most experienced commercial fixed satellite operator, and a highly respected consultant and partner in satellite ventures around the globe. The Company competes with other top international satellite fleets in providing telecommunications and broadcasting services to more than 275 customers throughout the Americas. With over thirty years of engineering and technical experience, Telesat is a diversified, end-to-end satellite services company with some 500 employees stationed throughout the Americas and on international assignment.

Satcom Today In Canada: Significant Research: Broadband Satellite Communications List Of Citr Related Publications (1998-2003), W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Journal Papers

Conference Papers

Contributions to Standards

Canadian Space Agency Recent Publications

Satcom Today In Canada: Significant Research: Overview Of The Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System For Search And Rescue, J. V. King

Online Journal of Space Communication

Cospas-Sarsat, an international satellite system for search and rescue, started operating in 1982 and has been credited with saving thousands of lives since then. Hundreds of thousands of aviators, mariners and land users worldwide are equipped with Cospas-Sarsat distress beacons, which could help save their lives in emergency situations anywhere in the world. This paper outlines the evolution of the system and describes how satellites are constantly circling the globe monitoring for ‘SOS signals’, while tracking stations on six continents receive the satellite signals, compute the locations of the distress events and forward the calls for help to the appropriate …