_Now, having read Part II of_ Satellite Communications Physics, _you
should have an idea how we predict the orbit of an artificial satellite
and how we find out where it points while passing a thousand miles above
our heads. You can see how we pick the best material to cover its
surface with and how we protect its solar cells from the hazards of
space. And you have watched the steps we would take when our satellite
stops working properly._
_It would, we admit, take a little more experience to solve problems
like these on your own—and to deal with all the other complications of
satellite communications. But we hope our brief glimpses into the
laboratory have shown what this experience might be like. Our six case
histories have only scratched the surface, but they should give you a
good idea of the fascinating work that goes into practical science and
engineering. They should show that something like Project Telstar
doesn’t succeed only because of far-sighted, imaginative thinking—nor
only because of ingenious engineering. It draws upon the best of both of
these._
_Along the way, we hope you have noticed some important
guideposts—things like Newton’s law of gravitation, the law of
reflection of light, the Stefan-Boltzmann law. They typify the basic
principles of physics that engineers and scientists, whatever they do,
must always keep in mind. No matter how exotic or up-to-the-minute the
application, the ground rules of physics must be followed. If we have
convinced you of this, we have done what we set out to do!_