From satellite experiments to operational applications - The dilemma of the public service constituents

The success of the public service experiments conducted in Canada with the Hermes and Anik-B satellites will ultimately be measured by the degree to which they made the Domsat system responsive to the need of the public service sector. These satellite programs will have achieved their objective of providing a necessary test ground, even if the public service sectors may decline to use the Domsat system because other methods may be considered more effective. However, if the users wish to continue the use of communications satellites, but are confronted by institutional or financial barriers, then the programs have not achieved their goals. Despite this possibility, indications are that the investments were wise and that the next few years will see commercial satellites being used for innovative public service applications for which the basis was developed in the experimental program.