Vol. 39 No.5, February 2014 Editor: Jos Heyman FBIS In this issue: Cancelled Projects: LEO comsat systems 2 SES 9 Teledesic TIROS SPACE INFORMATION Cancelled Projects: LEO comsat systems 86 Barnevelder Bend, Southern River WA 6110, Australia Tel + 61 8 9398 1322 By Jos Heyman (e-mail:
[email protected]) The Tiros Space Information (TSI) - News Bulletin is published to promote the scientific exploration and Introduction commercial application of space through the dissemination of current news and historical facts. In doing so, Tiros Space Information continues the traditions of the Western Australian Branch of the The demand for instant high speed global communications services, including cellular Astronautical Society of Australia (1973-1975) and the Astronautical Society of Western Australia (ASWA) (mobile) phones, but in particular internet, led to the concept of low-Earth orbit (LEO) systems, (1975-2006). which would operate at altitude of 700 to 1400 km using polar orbit. At the altitude of 700 km The News Bulletin can be received worldwide by e-mail subscription only. Subscriptions can be requested by sending an e-mail address to
[email protected]. Tiros Space Information reserves the right to refuse the surface area to be reached by a satellite would be about 3000 x 3000 km. For the higher any subscription request without the need to provide a reason. orbit this would have been 8000 x 8000 km. All opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor or Tiros Space Information. But, to provide the global (or in some cases regional) coverage from a lower altitude requires All material contained in this publication may be reproduced provided due acknowledgment is made.