The OAF concept extended

The concept of the orbital antenna farm (OAF) involves the use of a large space station in geostationary orbit to provide varied applications services to numerous users. A small number of these platforms could provide both higher levels of performance and more cost-effective communications and sensor services than a large number of single-purpose satellites. This paper expands the previously published OAF concept and describes some of the special capabilities, problems, mission considerations and other details of an OAF. In particular, a concept for a platform serving North America, Central America, and South America (the OAF Americas) is developed. This platform, which has an estimated weight of more than 6000 kg, generates 20 kW, and accommodates 17 missions, would be launched on several Space Shuttles in the 1990s.