Satellite telecommunications in the civil environment

It is pointed out that, in connection with the ever-increasing demand for international circuits, satellite telecommunications has become a major electronics growth area over the past decade. More countries, particularly those in the Third World are joining the Intelsat (International Satellite) network. Plans are being implemented for the provision of major regional satellite systems such as the European Communication Satellite (ECS) by Eutelsat (an organization of European telephone authorities) and Arabsat by the Arab Satellite Communications Organization. Attention is given to details regarding ground stations, the provision of maritime satellite communications to ships at sea, future developments, aspects of direct broadcasting, and new applications. A major breakthrough in satellite communications during the 1980s is likely to be in the field of business systems in developed countries.