The Federal Role in Communications Satellite R&D - Public Policy

INTRODUCTION From 1960 to 1973, the federal government (primarily NASA) took the dominant role in Communications Satellite Research and Development (R&D), thereby providing the basis for low-risk operational system development by private enterprise in the 1960's and 1970's. Those systems have significantly affected the lives of people all over the world and have radically altered the communications between peoples, governments and businesses. The AIAA has examined the worldwide trends and associated impacts of new and future communications satellite R&D programs during the years since that decision was made. Conclusions of that examination appear in this statement.