The high data rate satellite networks are expected to play an important roll in the global communications networking in the 21st century. CRL has started the three-year-long research both on system concept and key technologies of the experimental high data rate ("Gigabit") communications satellite. New technological challenges are required for providing the connectivity for the future growing multi-media applications in the optical fiber network era; a wide area coverage with the Ka band narrow spot beams for the global high data-rate access, high-speed and flexible satellite switches and an interoperability with the terrestrial optical fiber networks. (C) 1998 International Astronautical Federation. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.