Abstract
This paper investigates the effects of changes in technology for satellite antenna tracking systems on operations and maintenance. Increasing competition and developing new products are significant drivers of changes in systems technology. Customer specifications and requirements are also critical factors in the changes in earth station technology, as some systems are developed per specific customer requirements. Lack of support from the supplier due to technology's obsolete impacts on the old technology systems.
A quantitative approach was taken in the investigation. The technique for collecting data was an online survey. As a research tool, a questionnaire was created for staff members of satellite earth ground stations and sent to specific employees in the antenna systems' ICT, operation, and maintenance departments. These workers are experienced with TT&C (telemetry, tracking, and commanding) antenna tracking systems and subsystems. The participants were recruited through invitation via the company email. The systems' reliability and performance, including the expenditures associated with logistics and training, were also investigated using an online survey. The investigation uses the satellite earth ground station in South Africa as a point of reference for this study. It is vital to conduct a study to fully understand the consequences or effects and full extent of the changes in technology on tracking systems on satellite earth stations. The literature review considered for this study addresses many elements influencing the changes in technology frameworks and designs for antenna systems, together with the knowledge gained that proved helpful in developing the proposed methods.
This paper's investigation findings revealed that technological changes have enhanced and positively impacted the system's usability, operations, maintainability, manageability, and reliability. Results of the study indicated a correlation between the factors or variables investigated. This study also revealed that maintenance expenses, system reliability, and effectiveness were the main driving factors behind technological changes in satellite antenna tracking systems. System upgrades and new antenna tracking systems technology were recommended in this study as technological changes in satellite antenna tracking increase efficiency and reduce maintenance expenses.