INMARSAT expands its horizons

The International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) is the world's only commercial satellite system providing mobile communications. This article describes the system and the services which are provided through it to the worldwide shipping and offshore industries. It provides some background on the establishment of the system and why maritime nations looked to satellites as the way to effect a dramatic improvement in maritime communications. The article discusses some of the research and development now being carried out which is expected to lead to the provision of new services, including aeronautical communications via satellite. Also mentioned is the role to be played by INMARSAT in the Future Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, now being developed by the International Maritime Organization for introduction in 1990. New services, such as these, and greatly expanded capacity are to be provided by INMARSAT in its second generation system, consisting of a new series of satellites for launch from 1988.