An experiment to enable commercial mobile satellite serviceA Mobile Satellite Experiment (MSAT-X) is described, based on a planned cooperative U.S./Canadian program. The experiment would establish network architecture, develop system and ground-segment technology, and define the technical characteristics needed to help structure the regulatory/institutional framework needed to enable a first-generation commercial satellite service. A satellite of this type would augment terrestrial systems, both cellular and noncellular, in the thin-route/rural areas of the country where service is either unavailable or inadequate. Applications range from wide-area radio/dispatch (e.g., oil exploration and interstate trucking) to extension of the public mobile telephone service. Market estimates are provided and experiment objectives and requirements are delineated. The requirements are being developed in close coordination with the Department of Communications (DOC) of Canada and with industry and potential-user organizations. The paper closes with a development plan and milestone chart.
Document ID
19840032849
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lovell, R. R. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Knouse, G. H. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Weber, W. J. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)