Overview of commercial satellite communications
Abstract
A brief history of communications satellites is presented, taking into account the launching of Sputnik 1 in October 1957, the Explorer 1 in January of 1958, the launch of the Score as the world's first active communications satellite in December 1958, the Communications Satellite Act in 1962, and the launch of 'Early Bird' in 1964. The Intelsat satellites are considered along with maritime satellite communications, the U.S. domestic satellite systems, Alaskan satellite communications, cable television, broadcast TV stations, print media, the hotel/motel industry as a large market for satellite communications terminals, the opening of a minicable and satellite master antenna TV market for TV receive-only systems, and business telecommunications earth terminals. Attention is also given to future directions regarding satellite positions, the concept of 'video-plus', and direct broadcast satellites.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Transactions on Aerospace Electronic Systems
- Pub Date:
- July 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984ITAES..20..455B
- Keywords:
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- Commercial Spacecraft;
- Communication Satellites;
- Domestic Satellite Communications Systems;
- Intelsat Satellites;
- Satellite Design;
- Technology Assessment;
- Broadcasting;
- Cable Television;
- Earth Terminals;
- Ground Stations;
- Maritime Satellites;
- Satellite Television;
- Space Commercialization;
- Spacecraft Launching;
- Television Transmission;
- Transponders;
- Communications and Radar