Advanced Communications Satellite Systems

Demand for in-orbit capacity through the use of satellite systems will continue throughout the next two decades. The potential of the 30/20 GHz frequency band for fixed satellite services will be exploited. However, many technology questions must be answered if the band is to be used commercially because of the high rain fades that can occur at these high frequencies. NASA has conducted a technology development program in high gain antenna and on-board switching and processing systems which can be combined such that cost competitive services are possible at acceptable rain outage percentages. Other supporting technologies have also been pursued including transmitters, both tube type and solid state, and low noise receivers. The critical technologies have been combined into an experimental satellite payload; an experimental flight is planned to verify these technologies and enable development of operational systems. Implementation of such systems would be by commercial carriers and could occur in the early 1990´s, depending on the demand for additional or bit capacity. The high capacity systems that can be made possible through the use of the 30/20 GHz band and the employment of frequency reuse technology will contribute to the continued downward trend in circuit costs and may allow new and innovative satellite services.