System Alternatives for the Public Service Satellite Consortium

Abstract

The purpose of the Public Service Satellite Consortium is to foster the shared use of satellites as a distribution mechanism for social services in health and education for public and private non-profit users. The utility of a consortium lies in its ability to aggregate a large number of small, diverse users into a market group which can then share the costs for the space segment and take advantage of the economies of scale in procurement of ground equipment. A summary of the technical analysis of the alternatives for both the space and ground segment equipments is presented, along with cost estimates. The recommended configuration consists of 20-watt transponders and on the ground, eight- to fifteen-foot diameter antennas, using parametric amplifiers. The capital cost for the electronics alone for a Community Antenna is under $9,500 in quantities of 1000 units. This low relative cost makes it possible for many new users to benefit from satellite technology.