Communications Satellite Developments: Systems

Political constraints influencing communication satellite systems are considered along with geopolitical environment and system requirements, system analysis and tradeoffs, and advanced concepts. Attention is given to an onboard real-time time-division multiple access communications system, an experiment in domestic satellite utilization, a ground simulation of a satellite navigation system, and an ATC satellite-relayed surveillance, navigation, and data link concept. Communications satellite systems are discussed, taking into account aspects of Intelsat IV-A satellite transmission design, an Algerian domestic system, the OTS project as a basis of future European space communication systems, a defense satellite communications system, and U.S. Navy fleet satellite communications.