Space applications - The communications outlook

A review of the rapid development of satellite communications technology over the past two decades is presented. International, domestic, and maritime services, introduced during this period, have been effective operationally and commercially; they have had a tremendous international impact, and they include such systems as Intelsat, Westar, Satcom, Comstar, and Marisat. Current trends are toward larger, more complex satellites with on-board signal processing; smaller, less expensive, and mobile terminals; and widespread use of digital processing at network nodes. The geostationary platform is the natural culmination of the growth in size and complexity of communications satellites, and it is projected that it will be in orbit in the 1990's. The most important capability of the Space Shuttle for communication missions will be the ability to design completely new types of spacecraft; to operate, maintain, and service them in orbit; and thus to promote entirely new missions.