Title: The role of satellite communications in the 1990s

Authors: Albert D. Wheelon

Addresses: Recently retired, previously Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hughes Aircraft Company, Los Angeles, California, USA

Abstract: Communications satellites represent the first and only successful commercial use of space technology. However, the failure of launch vehicles has seriously limited the abilities of Western nations to launch new vehicles or to replace those in service. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining reliable, multiple pathways to space. This paper reviews the current satellite communications systems and their alternatives, launch vehicles and their insurance, and the effects of deregulation of telecommunications services.

Keywords: satellite communications; telecommunications deregulation; satellite launch vehicles; space launch insurance; space launches; Inmarsat; Intelsat; submarine cable communications; Ariane; Space Shuttle.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1988.025996

International Journal of Technology Management, 1988 Vol.3 No.6, pp.667 - 673

Published online: 26 May 2009 *

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