Application of Intersatellite Links to Collocated Telecommunications Satellites

Abstract

A satellite communications system employing a pair of collocated advanced satellites is examined. The new 6/4-GHz bands allocated by the 1979 WARC are exploited to provide a nominal bandwidth of 5,440 MHz for a total capacity of 56,000 channels. The two satellites have an intersatellite link operating in the 32.5- and 23-MHz bands over a 6-km distance. Up to ten 80-MHZ transponders can be cross-strapped. The total mass of each spacecraft is about 1,135 kg.