• Home
  • Current congress
  • Public Website
  • My papers
  • root
  • browse
  • IAC-06
  • B3
  • 3
  • paper
  • Communication Satellites to Enter a New Age of Flexibility

    Paper number

    IAC-06-B3.3.04

    Author

    Mr. Cédric Balty, Thales Alenia Space, France

    Year

    2006

    Abstract
    To cope with the economical and technical evolutions of the communication market and to better compete with or complement terrestrial networks, satellite operators are requiring more flexible satellites. It allows a better fleet rationalization, a cost effective back-up policy, a more standardized and efficient procurement process, mission adaptation to market evolution and the possibility of early entry in new markets.
    New technologies that are developed either for terrestrial networks or for space defense applications would become soon available to satellite and equipment manufacturers. A skilful mix of these new technologies with the older and mature ones should boost satellite performances and bring flexibility to the new generation of communication satellites.
    This paper reviews the economical and technical environment of the space communication business for the next decade. It identifies the needs and levels of flexibility that are required but also allowed by technologies, in both a top-down and bottom-up approach. The paper describes a selection of payload architectures, which complies with these different needs and levels, and the corresponding technology mix. Recommendations about the domains which are already mature and where R\&D efforts should be put for the future will conclude the article.
    
    Abstract document

    IAC-06-B3.3.04.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-06-B3.3.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.