RCA satellite networks - High technology and low user cost

The RCA satellite communications network has been developed since 1975 along guidelines calling for an integrated system and the requirement to meet needs that were most economical using satellites. The desirability of economic satellite performance led to a 24-transponder Satcom launched on the upgraded Delta 3914 rocket. A total of five Satcoms have been launched and function in the C-band. Ku-band versions are scheduled for 1985 launch. The spacecraft furnish commercial, government and audio/video links and employ TDMA and FDMA techniques. Over 10,000 receive-only earth user stations are now in service. The spacecraft use GaAs FET power amplifiers for linear power gain and high SNR earth reception. Kevlar-skinned antennas on later satellites meet the coverage, polarization isolation, and weight minimization requirements of the system. Details of the power, stationkeeping, thermal control, and earth station characteristics are provided, noting that the Satcom constellation handles the telemetry data streams among NASA centers during Shuttle missions.