The Comstar program

An overview of the Comstar communications satellite program is presented, with attention given to: spacecraft launch and separation, orbit adjustments, ground stations and support facilities, the telemetry/tracking/command systems, ground interconnection facilities, in-orbit testing, and the origin and background of the program. Data are provided on: satellite transponder telephone channel capacity and digital capacity, satellite physical characteristics, the antenna system and cross polarization performance, communications performance characteristics, and the antenna and communications systems at some of the ground stations. Comstar orbit injection, orbit adjustments, and communication tests in orbit are described and diagrammed.