Introduction to Satellite Communications – Online Short Course (Starts 8 April 2026) 8 April 2026 - 20 May 2026 Online

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Introduction to Satellite Communications – Online Short Course (Starts 8 April 2026)


  • From 8 April – 20 May 2026 (7 Weeks, 7 Classes, 14 Classroom Hours, approximately 28 Total Hours)
  • Every Wednesday from 6–8 p.m. Eastern Time (all sessions will be recorded and available for replay; course notes will be available for download)
  • This new essential course, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University, will cover the fundamentals of satellite communications, including basic link analysis, antennas, and real-world system examples in this very dynamic field!
  • All students will receive an AIAA Certificate of Completion and an additional Certificate of Completion from Johns Hopkins University.

OVERVIEW
This practical course gives working professionals a clear understanding of how modern satellite communications work end-to-end, with real systems examples applied across seven weeks with one two-hour live session per week. You’ll build literacy in the language of satcomm (signals and decibels), understand a high-level link budget via a guided spreadsheet, be able to compare and contrast antenna options (including electronically steered antennas), grasp qualitative modulation/coding trade-offs, and survey today’s architectures and trends (GEO/MEO/LEO/VLEO and beyond, crosslinks, optical links, 5G NTN, software-defined payloads), with recordings, downloadable slides, an optional mini-project, and between-session email support—culminating in two Certificates of Completion – from both AIAA and Johns Hopkins University.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Explain the core segments of a satellite communications link (space & ground) and how they interact.
  • Walk through a satellite communications link budget and understand its key parameters (EIRP, G/T, bandwidth, coding) and results.
  • Compare and evaluate antenna options (including ESAs) and understand gain/pointing trade-offs.
  • Describe modulation/coding trade-offs qualitatively (spectral efficiency, throughput, performance).
  • Identify common link impairments (rain fade, noise, interference, polarization) and their mitigations, and speak credibly on spectrum/regulatory basics
  • Recognize current trends and the importance of new developments and systems.

AUDIENCE
Working professionals (engineering, program management, operations, policy, BD) seeking a practical foundation in satellite communications. No RF, comms, or advanced mathematics background required.

COURSE FEES (Sign-In To Register)
– AIAA Member Price: $1595 USD
– Non-Member Price: $1795 USD

Course Series: In Spring 2026, AIAA and Johns Hopkins University are offering a series of courses focused on Space Systems Engineering. While courses are completely self-contained and can be taken on their own, those students wishing to deepen their knowledge may be interested in additional course study:

CANCELLATION POLICY: A refund less a $50.00 cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations made in writing prior to5 days before the start of the event. After that time, no refunds will be provided.

CONTACT: Please contact Lisa Le or Customer Service if you have any questions about the course or group discounts.

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