Satellite Communications - What Future?

It is now 60 years after the birth of Satellite Communications and the famous Arthur C. Clarke Wireless World article. Starting with Clarke's predictions for satellite communications, this talk reviews which of his predictions have become true and how the subject has developed. Although the 80/90’s were arguably the hey-day of satellite communications, its position in the overall field of telecommunications is still key. Looking ahead there are new inventions in integrated multimedia broadcasting (mobile TV) and broadband to passenger vehicles as well as an emerging role in personal protection and disaster relief. The key to the future of satellite communications is integration with terrestrial systems and not competition.