The Challenges of Satellite Communication Analysis in the 21st Century
The satellite communication industry is currently undergoing rapid change with the advent of Low Earth and Medium Earth Orbiting systems. These new systems require dramatic changes in the tools and techniques used to analyze and understand their performance. The presentation will identify some of the key problem areas and how Analytical Graphics is working to address them.
Tom Johnson is a Development Lead at Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI), the leading producer of commercial satellite analysis software for the space industry. Johnson is responsible for developing products to expand the Satellite Tool Kit STK software suite.
Johnson's most recent efforts focused on the development of STK 4.0, the free release of the core STK product. He was also instrumental in the development and launch of STK's Comm module, an add-on product designed to help users analyze satellite communication links and visualize the results. To promote a successful product roll-out, Johnson completed an intensive schedule of presentations and speaking engagements across the country.
His leadership and technical design skills have received broad recognition, earning him the 1997 Young Engineer Achievement Award from the Greater Philadelphia Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Prior to joining AGI in 1995, Johnson was a Senior Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin Astro Space in King of Prussia, PA. During his tenure, he specialized in attitude control simulation, launch, and early operations for the DSCS III series of spacecraft.
Johnson began his aerospace career in 1989, as a Senior Satellite Engineering Officer in the U.S. Air Force, Falcon AFB, CO.
Johnson received his BSEE from the University of Notre Dame and earned his MSEE from the University of Colorado.
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