Communication with land vehicles and aircraft via satellite

The present article is concerned with the feasibility to utilize satellites as a basis for large-area or even worldwide networks providing communication services to mobile participants in land vehicles, on ships, in aircraft, and in emergency situations. The current situation with respect to the considered communication services is examined, taking into account also the International Maritime Satellite Organization Inmarsat. An antenna with a size of about 10 cm would be sufficient for the smallest terminal on a ship. Antennas with such small dimensions would also be suitable for a use in the case of aircraft, automobiles, and emergency messages. Problems are related to the development of cost-efficient equipment; and research conducted by the DFVLR to overcome these problems is discussed. Developments regarding the satellite-aided communication with land vehicles are described, along with the advantages of satellite-aided communication in the case of aircraft. An improvement of communication with aircraft over the North Atlantic would make it possible to increase air traffic density and save fuel.