Communication satellite system for the Arab state countries 'ARABSAT'

The operational and technical characteristics of the ARABSAT system, which will provide telecommunications services, sound, and television broadcasting to all Arab countries, are discussed. The system has three satellites, each with a seven-year lifetime nad reliability of 0.8 or more. These spacecraft are designed to be launched on either the Space Transporation System/Payload Assist module Delta or the ARIANE. The transmit and receive functions and the transponders are described. The telemetry, tracking, command, and ranging subystems functions are discussed, including the two control stations, the redundancy function, and the two command operation modes. Recommended characteristics for the earth stations, which are to be constructed by individual nations, are given.