Introduction to space communication systems, George N. Krassner and Jackson V. Michaels

This book is a clearly written, easy-reading, authoritative discussion of everything one can think of that is connected with space communication. The 12 chapters include several dealing with the technical aspects of communication system design, radio propagation, space environment, telemetry, components, mechanical design, reliability, a historical survey, and a prognostication of future developments. The technology important to space communications is primarily discussed, rather than systems, system balances, or economics. Everything from thermal noise to superpower sources, from quantum to relativistic effects, from information theory to IRIG and CCIR standards, and from solar batteries to lasers is covered — although few items receive more than a short paragraph. Existing systems such as Echo, Telstar, Relay, and Syncom are briefly mentioned as examples.