The land mobile satellite service: road & railway communications

The authors summarize the results of a study performed for ESA to examine the use of land mobile communications satellite systems for railway and roadway applications. The technical/economical opportunity of a space-based system for the above applications have been examined in the competition represented by the ground cellular system. Following the results of the market analysis and taking into account the characterization of the satellite and of the ground based systems, both from users and from an investment point of view, the solution of a multipurpose geostationary satellite with a simple, transparent transponder, mainly devoted to data communications service, appears to offer, at the same time, the most economical approach and the largest user acceptance. This short-term mission excludes some high value or long-term applications and can pave the way for future, more complex systems