Satellite digital multimedia mobile broadcasting (S-DMB) system

The MBSAT spacecraft was lunched in March 2004 and has been in service for the world first satellite base multimedia service for mobile users in Japan and Korea. The service is based on the unique hybrid system named satellite digital multimedia mobile broadcasting (S-DMB). The system consists of sophisticated high-power satellite and ground base repeaters called gap filler (GF). The satellite MBSAT has unique features such as 12 m unfurlable mesh reflector antenna, the use of stationary plasma thruster for north-south stationkeeping and ring laser gyro for attitude control references. The MBSAT provides more than 57 dBW equivalent isotropic radiated power over Japan and Korea coverage area. The S-DMB service has started using MBSAT in Japan and Korea. People can enjoy video, audio and data broadcasting services with mobile handy terminal in outdoor, in high-speed moving vehicle, in commuter train and even in airplane. This system is also useful as an emergency media for disaster prevention such as tsunami warns or earthquake alarming. As S-DMB is a flexible hybrid system, the service Could be initiated by using only GF system in urban area. This approach enables launching mobile TV service fast and efficiently. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.