Over the past 40 years, satellites have played a key role in creating a global culture, spreading worldwide entertainment, stimulating technological interchange, and promoting trade around the world. "Communications Satellites: Global Change Agents"

Contents: Foreword. Preface. Part I: Introduction.J.N. Pelton, Satellites as Worldwide Change Agents. Part II: Technology.L. Ippolito, J.N. Pelton, Satellite Technology: The Evolution of Satellite Systems and Fixed Satellite Services. D.K. Sachdev, D.W. Swearingen, The "New" Satellite Services: Broadcast, Mobile, and Broadband Internet Satellite Systems. E.J. Novotny, Launch Vehicles and Their Role. Part III: History and Politics.R.J. Oslund, The Geopolitics and Institutions of Satellite Communications. R.J. Oslund, Regulating Communications Satellites on the Way to Globalism. R.J. Oslund, Dual Use Challenge and Response: Commercial and Military Uses of Space Communications. Part IV: Business, Media, and Economics.I.B. Singh, R.N. Sachdev, Satellites, Internet, and IP Networking. N.C. Lerner, Benefits of Satellite Telecommunications. P. Marshall, R.N. Wold, The World of Satellite TV: News, the Olympics, and Global Entertainment. Part V: Impact on Society.J.N. Pelton, New Opportunities and Threats for 21st-Century Life. J.N. Pelton, Satellites and the Promise of Teleeducation and Telehealth. H. Mowlana, Satellites and Global Diversity. Part VI: Future Trends.J.N. Pelton, T. Iida, N. Kadowaki, The Future of Satellite Communications Systems. Part VII: Synthesis and Conclusions.J.N. Pelton, R.J. Oslund, Trends for the Future: Telepower Opportunities and Teleshock Concerns.