The European Communication Satellite and Derivatives

The European Communication Satellite (ECS), designed to provide reliable satellite links handling part of the intra-European and trunk telephony, is discussed. Design of an ECS spacecraft is considered, noting that it consists of a central body with two solar array wings, each comprising three panels, supported from the two larger faces of the spacecraft such that the rotation axis of the wings passes through the center of the spacecraft body's mass. The ECS platform, consisting of the service module and the subsystems required for payload support, is described. The ECS payload is taken into account, including performance parameters and operational procedures. The model philosophy for ECS is discussed, indicating that it uses the experience gained on OTS (Orbital Test Satellite) to reduce the number of models to a minimum. The Marecs system, using the ECS platform, designed to relay signals between fixed land-based ground stations and voyaging ships via satellites, is examined. Studies directed at employing the ECS platform for regional satellites and in particular for the Arab League are mentioned.