Satellites at sea

The International Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) organization, equipment, and services are presented. Essential components of the INMARSAT system are: the space segment, the satellites and ground support facilities planned, procured and maintained by INMARSAT and funded by its Signatories; the Coast Earth Stations (CES) which provide an interface between the space segment and the national and international fixed telecommunications networks and which are funded, generally, by Signatories; and the Ship Earth Stations, the satellite communications terminals which are purchased or leased by individual owners/operators. Communications from the CES to satellite are in the 6 GHz band (C-band) and from the satellite to the CES are in the 4 GHz band. The links between the satellite and user are at L-band; 1.5 GHz from satellite to user and 1.6 GHz from user to satellite.