Signal processing techniques for aeronautical communications via satellite

Aeronautical communications are playing an important role in the air traffic control as well as new passenger communication services. Due to the global coverage required, satellite transponders provide the required links which are traditionally limited to narrowband throughputs (e.g. 64 kb/s) due to the propagation channel characteristics. This paper analyses the reasons that limit the throughput of the aeronautical satellite links and presents advanced signal processing techniques that allow satellite transceivers to break the narrowband barriers.