Intelsat VI - SS-TDMA system definition and technology development

It is pointed out that the INTELSAT global network will carry more than 260,000 channels by 1993, representing a ninefold increase in 14 years. Intelsat VI, a major factor in this growth, will be deployed in 1986 and will be replaced by a new generation of satellites seven years later. Attention is given to the implementation of the satellite-switched (SS) time-division multiple access (TDMA) system during the Intelsat VI era. INTELSAT requirements are considered along with Intelsat VI system considerations, the SS-TDMA figure of merit, the SS-TDMA architecture, aspects of INTELSAT hardware development, and an evaluation of the microwave switch matrix (MSM) and the distribution control unit (DCU).