Satellites using the 30/20 GHz band

A review of the future options open to satellite system planners focuses attention on the use of the 30/20 GHz band. Very broad bandwidths available, coupled with a primary allocation for fixed satellite service, make the band very attractive. NASA, in concert with the system and service supplier industries, is planning a research and development program aimed at flight demonstration of 30/20 satellite systems which it is hoped will lead to operational system use in the early 1990's. The communication system concepts and the spacecraft systems necessary to support these for operational use in 1990 and beyond are discussed