The report reviews the requirements for voice and data communications to and from merchant ships at sea, for the period through 1980, and concludes that a global coverage satellite system of three synchronous satellites, each with a 10 voice-channel capacity, will meet forecast requirements provided that a disciplined demand access scheme is implemented. The present spacecraft technology is reviewed and certain critical spacecraft subsystem design criteria are assessed. The shipboard terminal is reviewed in detail, and the basic design constraints are established. The report concludes that an independent maritime satellite communications system is not only feasible with today's technology but inevitable, and that final definition and design of appropriate hardware should be undertaken at once. (Author)


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    Title :

    Maritime Services Satellite System Definition Study


    Contributors:
    B. A. Mendoza (author) / D. C. Lawson (author) / G. P. Heckert (author) / J. D. Luse (author)

    Publication date :

    1971


    Size :

    390 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English