What is the technology behind satellite phones?

what is the technology behind satellite phones. (in cell phones we call it as gsm/cdma, like that what is in satellite phones)

can we use a satellite phone prepaid sim in a normal mobile.

thanks

Re: satellite phone

i think the satellite communication, there is international gate way, this international gate way is dish in the earth surface work as a transmitter and reciver and each gate way can cover spicific area, so if you wanna make a call, you willbe connected to the GSM network but on spicial channels, and after that your date will move to the gate way and transfer to the satellite, and in the gate way the modulation and demodulation .
about the sim cards it cant be used in the normal phones
regards

satellite phone

A satellite phone or satphone is a mobile phone that communicates directly with orbiting satellites. Depending on the architecture of a particular system, coverage may include the entire planet, or only specific regions.

The mobile equipment, also known as a terminal or earth station, varies widely. A satellite phone handset has a size and weight comparable to that of a late 1980s or early 1990s cell phone, but with a large retractable antenna. These are popular on expeditions into remote areas where terrestrial cellular service is unavailable.

A fixed installation, such as used shipboard, may include large, rugged, rack-mounted electronics, and a steerable microwave antenna on the mast that automatically tracks the overhead satellites.

for more information on these checkout the links:
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_phone
2) **broken link removed**

cheers...