SpaceRef - Companies and Commerce - Communication

SpaceRef - Companies and Commerce - Communication - Communication Satellites

DFS Kopernikus Satellites - A series of three geosynchronous communications satellites currently in operation over Europe. [DLR]

Hughes HS-376 Communications Satellite Fleet - The HS 376 spin-stabilized spacecraft is one of the world's most-purchased commercial communications satellite models. All HS 376 models have two telescoping cylindrical solar panels and antennas that fold for compactness during launch. The basic bus accommodates a wide range of customized payloads, and the satellite can be boosted by any of the world's major launch vehicles.

Hughes HS-601 Communications Satellite Fleet - The body-stabilized HS 601 satellite is the best-selling large spacecraft model in the world with orders for 75 spacecraft received by the third quarter 1999. The HS 601 was introduced to meet anticipated requirements for high-power, multiple-payload satellites for such applications as direct television broadcasting to small receiving antennas, very small aperture terminals for private business networks, and mobile communications.

Hughes HS-702 Communications Satellite - In October 1995 Hughes Space and Communications Company announced a new satellite series: the HS 702 which evolved from Hughes' HS 601 and HS 601HP (high-power) spacecraft.

Iridium - Iridium is the manufacturer of the "world's first handheld global satellite telephone and paging service" utilizing a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit.

Symphonie Satellites - This was a joint German-French telecommunications satellite program in the mid 1970s which led to the definition, development, manufacture, launch and utilization of two experimental direct broadcasting telecommunications satellites as well as on the design and construction of two earth stations. [DLR]

TV-Sat Satellites - This is a joint German-French program to test European direct TV broadcasting technology comprised of two TV-SAT and 2 TDF satellites in geostationary orbit one of which is still in operation. [DLR]