Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 65
Document title: National Aeronautics and Space Council, “Communication Satellites,”
July 14, 1961.
Source: NASA Historical Reference Collection, History Office, NASA Headquarters,
Washington, D.C.
This policy statement outlines the Kennedy administration’s approach to the development of communications
satellites. It places a much greater emphasis than the Eisenhower administration on the government's
role in ensuring that the public and national interests would be served as this new
technological capability was brought into being. It also emphasizes the need to develop a truly global
system for satellite communications.
[1] NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE COUNCIL
Policy Document Approved—July 14, 1961
Communication Satellites
National Purpose
Science and technology have progressed to such degree that communication through
use of space satellites has become possible.
The President has recognized this potentiality and has requested that it be translated
into an actuality. In his Message on the State of the Union, the President invited all
nations to join with us in a new communication satellite program. On May 25, the
President asked the Congress for $50 million of additional funds to accelerate “the use of
space satellites for world-wide communications.” Again, on June 15, the President requested
the Space Council “to make the necessary studies and government-wide policy recommendations
for bringing into optimum use at the earliest practicable time, operational
communications satellites.”
Hence, the national purpose and intent have been made clear.
Program Status
Research and development in the communications satellite field have been conducted
over the past few years. This activity has been [2] under government auspices and guidance
and has employed primarily the competence and facilities of private industry,
through the use of public funds. From these efforts have come prospects for several different
types of communication systems, employing passive and active satellites, in either
high or low orbit. Much more scientific and technical work needs to be done before an
initial system can be selected for commercial operation.
Agencies of the government have been developing a U. S, position with respect to the
international allocation of frequencies, in anticipation of an International
Telecommunication Union space conference in 1963.
There is a widespread private industry interest in communication satellites, with the
anticipation that they can be utilized to meet increased demands for service and for commercial
benefit. Also, foreign countries have indicated their interest in communication
satellites.
The FCC has instituted proceedings in which problems concerning communication