Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Satellite Communications
This program provides you with a comprehensive understanding of modern communication systems, from fundamental theory to practical applications. Master transmission, modulation, and medium access technologies, and learn to design…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts16 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Satellite Communications?
The Diploma in Satellite Communications
This program provides you with a comprehensive understanding of modern communication systems, from fundamental theory to practical applications. Master transmission, modulation, and medium access technologies, and learn to design and implement effective solutions for diverse industries. This program prepares you to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving sector.
This program provides you with a comprehensive understanding of modern communication systems, from fundamental theory to practical applications.
Differential Advantages
- Comprehensive Coverage: Satellite system architecture, communication protocols, and industry standards.
- Practical Applications: Telecommunications, remote sensing, broadcasting, and global positioning services.
- Simulation Tools: Modeling and analysis of satellite links to optimize performance.
- Industry Experts: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in the design and operation of satellite systems.
- Flexibility: Online format with multimedia resources and interactive discussion forums.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Essential Fundamentals: Master the theory and practice of satellite communications, from systems architecture to signal propagation.
- Cutting-Edge Technologies: Explore the latest innovations in modulation, encoding, and multiple access, including satellite 5G and new constellations.
- Applications and Services: Discover the potential of satellite communications in telecommunications, broadcasting, navigation, and Earth observation.
- Design and Implementation: Acquire practical skills to design, configure, and operate satellite systems, using software Specialized.
- Regulations and Standards: Understand the international legal and regulatory framework governing the use of the radio spectrum and satellite services.
- Boost your career in the space and telecommunications sector with comprehensive and up-to-date training in Satellite Communications.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of Orbital Physics and Satellite Systems
- History and Evolution of Satellite Communications: From Sputnik to Leo Megaconstellations
- Laws of Kepler, Orbital Mechanics and Two-Line Orbital Parametres (TLE)
- Orbits classification: GEO (geostationary), MEO (medium Earth orbit), Leo (low Earth orbit) and HEO (high elliptical)
- Satellite coverage geometry: footprint area, elevation angle, azimuth and distance of bias (slant range)
- Wave propagation in free space, atmospheric effects, attenuation due to rain and fading (scintillation)
- Satellite frequency bands: L band, C, X, KU, KA, Q/V and ITU assignments (International Telecommunications Union)
- Atmospheric drag, satellite life, position maintenance manoeuvres and space waste
- Laws of Kepler and Orbits
02
Space segment and satellite architecture
- Space Vehicle Structure and Subsystems: Platform (Bus) vs. Payload (payload)
- Power generation and storage subsystem (EPS): solar panels, batteries and power distribution
- Attitude and Orbit Control (AOCS): Gyroscopes, Reaction Wheels, and Hall Effect Propellers
- Satellite Transponders: Transparent Architectures (Bent-Pipe) vs. Processed on board (Regenerative Payload)
- Satellite Antennas: Paratolic Reflectors, Multiple Feeding and Conformed Beams (Shaped Beams)
- High performance satellite technology (HTS) and targeted beams with frequency reuse
- Intersatellite Links (ISL): Optical laser communications in space and orbital routing
- Payloads and transponders
03
Ground segment and earth stations
- Earth Station Architecture: Teleports, Gateways and End User Terminals (VSAT)
- Surface Antennas: Geometry Cassegrain, Gregory, Off-Centreed Paratolic (off-set) and Array Phases (Phased Arrays)
- Satellite tracking systems in earth stations: step-track, auto-track and tracking by program
- Lowering Radio Frequency (RF) Chains: Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA, LNB) and Down Converters (BDC/LNB)
- RF Strings (RF) Up: Upload Converters (BUC), High Power Amplifiers (HPA: TWT vs. SSPA)
- Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) and Mission Control Centres (MCC)
- Moving communication terminals (COTM) and on-the-fly terminals (COTP) for maritime, air and land environments
- Earth station antennas
04
Modulation, coding and radio frequency links (link budget)
- Advanced Digital Modulations for Satellite: QPSK, 8PSK, 16APSK, 32APSK and DVB-S2X
- Forward Error Correction Coding Techniques (FEC): LDPC, Turbo Codes and Reed-Solomon
- Detailed link budget calculation: PIRE (EIRP), free space losses (FSL) and G/T ratio
- Evaluation of the signal to noise ratio (SNR), Carrier-to-Noise ($C/N$) and Bit Error Rate (BER)
- Interference between contiguous satellites (ASI), cross-polarization and non-linear distortion in amplifiers
- Adaptive Fade Mitigation Techniques: Adaptive Modulation and Coding (ACM) and Up Power Control (UPC)
- Simulation of satellite communication links using specialised computer tools
- Link Balance Calculation
05
Multiple access, network protocols and satellite topologies
- Multiple Access Schemes: FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, and Multiple Access by Time Division Allocated DDM/MF-TDMA
- Satellite Network Topologies: Point to Point (SCPC), Star (Hub-and-Spoke) and Mesh (Mesh)
- Satellite DVB-S2, DVB-RCS2, and DVB-NIP
- Satellite latency mitigation: TCP/IP protocol acceleration, WAN optimisers and TCP spoofing
- Routing and switching protocols in hybrid satellite networks: BGP, MPLS and SD-WAN Satellite
- Quality of Service (QoS), Dynamic Bandwidth Management (DAMA) and Priority Traffic Allocation
- Software Defined Satellite Networks (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) in Teleports
- TDMA, FDMA and CDMA techniques
06
Leo Megaconstellations and New Generation Technologies
- The NewSpace Revolution: Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, Amazon Kuiper and Telesat Lightspeed
- LEO Constellation Technical Challenges: Call Transfer (Handover) between Satellites and Dynamic Tracking
- Flat panel antennas with electronic aiming (phased array antennas) based on meta-surfaces and BFIC chips
- Non-Earth Access Networks (NTN) in the 5G/6G 3GPP (Release 17 and above)
- Direct-to-cell / Direct-to-device - D2D
- Integration of LEO/MEO/GEO constellations in multi-orbit and multi-band hybrid networks
- Business models, financial sustainability and regulation of radioelectric spectrum for mega-constellations
- Constellations Starlink and OneWeb
07
Cybersecurity, regulations and sector applications
- Cybersecurity in Satellite Networks: Command Link Encryption (TT&C), User Data Encryption (AES-256) and Anti-Jamming Immunity
- International Regulatory Framework: ITU, Radio Regulations, Frequency Coordination and Orbital Positions
- Satellite communications in the maritime sector: VSAT Marina, integration with GMDSS, rescue and crew connectivity
- Aeronautical Applications: Onboard Connectivity for Passengers (IFEC), Aircraft Tracking and Communications ATS/CPDLC
- Emergency communication networks, response to natural disasters and national security / defence
- Internet of Things by Satellite (SAT-IoT): Low-consumption connectivity for remote assets, agriculture and global logistics
- Earth observation services, remote sensing and integration with satellite data networks
- ITU Spectrum Regulation
08
Project Engineering, Operation and Capstone Project
- Methodology for the design, dimension and implementation of a private satellite communication system
- Approval tests, VSAT antenna alignment and RF parameter measurement with spectrum analyser
- Operation, monitoring and preventive maintenance of earth stations and teleports
- Technical and financial feasibility analysis (Capex, OPEX, cost per MHz / Mbps) in satellite projects
- Interference management and spectrum coordination before national and international regulatory bodies
- Contingency Protocols, Service Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP) in Telepuertos
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Capstone Project: Conceptual design, link budget calculation, network architecture selection, and operational plan for a multi-orbit satellite communication system
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Telecommunications engineers and technicians looking to specialize in the design, implementation, and maintenance of satellite systems.Professionals in the maritime, aeronautical, and mining industries who need reliable connectivity solutions in remote areas.Cybersecurity specialists interested in protecting satellite communications infrastructures against threats.Technology consultants and
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Design and optimize satellite communication networks
- 02Implement and manage satellite ground stations
- 03Diagnosing and resolving problems in satellite systems
- 04Evaluate and select emerging satellite technologies
- 05Leading innovative satellite communication projects
- 06Mastering the satellite radio spectrum
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Satellite Telecommunications Engineer: Design, implementation, and maintenance of satellite systems.
02Ground Station Technician: Operation and maintenance of equipment at satellite communication ground stations.
03Satellite Network Specialist: Design and management of communication networks that utilize satellites.
04Satellite Communications Consultant: Technical and strategic advice to companies and organizations on the use of satellite technologies.
05Ship or Aircraft Communications Officer: Operation and maintenance of satellite communication equipment in maritime or air transport.
06Satellite Application Developer: Creation of software and applications that utilize satellite data and services.
07Technology Researcher
08Satellite Communications: Development of new technologies and applications in the field of satellite communications.
09Satellite Project Manager: Planning, management, and supervision of projects related to satellite systems and services.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Electromagnetic waves (radio frequency).
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Satellite communications technology.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Advanced Technician Diploma in Telecommunications, Telecommunications Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or related qualification; or demonstrable professional experience in the telecommunications sector or areas related to satellite communications.Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of telecommunications, networks, and communication systems is recommended. Familiarity with radio frequency and modulation concepts is desirable.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of academic degree or work experience certificate, ID/Passport, letter of interest explaining
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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