Applications for Specialised Satellite Systems in Europe

Abstract

Since the launch in 1974 of the first domestic satellite, the development of domestic satellite systems and services in the USA has been rapid, almost dramatic. The early systems served mainly telephony and television traffic between a few large earth stations, but it was soon discovered that the special versatile features of satellite communication could be exploited commercially by offering customers the possibility of having earth stations on their own premises. Especially, corporate users found this attractive, because it gives them a feeling of being the masters of their communication facilities. The economic prospects of satellite systems aimed at the business community were recognised by COMSAT, IBM and Aetna Insurance Co., who created jointly Satellite Business Systems; the SBS Corporation. SBS launched its first satellite in late 1980 and it is now operational providing business organisations in the USA with digital multi-service facilities.