RCA direct broadcast satellite configuration

System requirements and the spacecraft configuration for a DBS mission in 1986, contracted by RCA Americom, are presented. Performance features are to include a dc power of 315 W, a stationkeeping accuracy of up to 0.1 deg, a pointing accuracy of up to 0.05 deg, and continental U.S. coverage. Four on-orbit operating satellites are needed, each weighing at least 1100 kg, having antennas of about 3 m diam, six RF channels, and no eclipse operating requirements. Three-axis stabilization, a pivoted momentum wheel, hydrazine thrusters, a bipropellant liquid perigee stage, a solid apogee kick motor, Ni-Cd batteries, 230 W power amplifiers, and launch compatibility with the STS. The spacecraft length will be approximately 23 m with solar panels deployed. Feedhorns will be used on for transmissions and a switching network will be installed to optimize time zone coverage. Each spacecraft will generate over 1.38 kW of on-board RF power.