Transoceanic communication by means of satellites (Reprinted from the Proceedings of the IRE, vol 47, pg 372-380, 1959)

The existence of artificial earth satellites and of very low-noise maser amplifiers makes microwave links using spherical satellites as passive reflectors seem an interesting alternative to cable or tropospheric scatter for broad-band transatlantic communication. A satellite in a polar orbit at a height of 3000 mi would be mutually visible from Newfoundland and the Hebrides for 22.0% of the time and would be over 7.25 degrees above the horizon at each point for 17.7% of the time. Out of 24 such satellites, some would be mutually visible over 7.25 degrees above the horizon 99% of the time. With 100-ft diameter spheres, 150-ft diameter antennas, and a noise temperature of 20 degrees K, 85 kw at 2000 mc or 9.5 kw at 6000 mc could provide a 5-mc baseband with a 40-dB signal-to-noise ratio. The same system of satellites could be used to provide further communication at other frequencies or over other paths.