Time phased introduction of advanced technologies - Its impact on orbit/spectrum conservation

It is pointed out that technical factors influence both the number of spacecraft which can occupy the geostationary orbit with acceptable interference, and the amount of traffic which each spacecraft can carry. These factors are not static, but in a state of continuous evolution. It is suggested that the most practical procedure would involve the introduction of new technical standards in stages over an extended period of time. The present investigation has the objective to examine some of the foreseen improvements in spacecraft and transmission technologies. Orbit conservation technologies are considered, taking into account spacecraft antenna improvements, earth station antenna improvements, and transponder technologies. Attention is given to telephony and record traffic-analog, telephony and record traffic-digital, analog television, and digital television. It is found that a number of techniques exist which can significantly increase the capacity of the geostationary orbit.