A Model of a Domestic Satellite Communication System

Abstract

A preliminary study of a domestic satellite system is reported. Since the objective was to determine what might ultimately be possible, no attempt is made to relate system capacity to estimated needs; rather an effort has been made to conceive a system to carry the greatest possible amount of traffic. By making full use of modern rocket technology including the Saturn V class propulsion systems, highly directive multibeam antennas operating in the range from 15 to 40 GHz, interference resistant modulation methods, highly stabilized synchronous repeater platforms, and integrated solid state microwave repeater electronics, a very large communication capacity is obtained. For example, using 50 ground stations and 50 satellites operating in bands at 20 and 30 GHz, each 4 GHz wide, a total of 100 million voice circuits, or equivalent, can be provided.

100-GHz Measurements of Two Astigmatic Launchers

“…If both the satellites and earth stations are equipped with multiple-beam antennas, these high-capacity communication systems could be achieved by using a single earth station antenna and simultaneously communicating with all the satellites in the system. 1 Measurements and theory have indicated that the geometry of an offset Cassegrainian antenna results in an ideal configuration 2 " 5 for both earth station and satellite antennas. Since the antenna aperture has no blockage, this significantly reduces the sidelobe levels and, in turn, reduces interference.…”