The Challenge of 21st Century Satellite Communications: INTELSAT Enters the Second Millenium

This paper addresses the issues concerning the future of satellite communication, which will be influenced by the advancement of fiber optical cables, the proliferation of - and -band satellites, the standardization of ISDN, the requirements for new and low cost services, the economic disparity among countries, the extent of institutional policy changes, as well as technological breakthroughs. The factors will dictate and shape, both internationally and domestically, the directions of future satellite communications. In addition, the following subjects are discussed: service and traffic projections access strategies modulation alternatives satellite switching and on-board processing phase array antennas low-altitude orbit options satellite lifetime extension.