What communication system utilizes orbital satellites for data transmission?

The communication system that utilizes orbital satellites for data transmission is SATCOMs, or satellite communications. This technology leverages satellite technology to send and receive signals over vast distances, enabling global communication capabilities. SATCOMs are essential for military operations, maritime communication, remote area connectivity, and more, as they provide coverage in regions where other forms of communication infrastructure may be unavailable or unreliable.

The other options, while all critical communication methods, do not utilize satellites. RF communication refers to the transmission of information using radio waves, which generally depends on ground-based towers and antennas. Fiber optic systems use glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as light signals over longer distances but require physical cables and do not rely on satellites. Wired telecommunications involve any form of communication that requires physical connections, such as telephones or internet connectivity via cables, again lacking the satellite component inherent to SATCOMs. Thus, SATCOMs stand out as the only option leveraging orbital satellites for data transmission.