I often marvel at the industry developments that transpired during my 11-year editorial stint at Via Satellite, as both managing editor (1991-1994) and editor (1995-2002). Most of the decade saw an incredible period of growth: launch manifests were often full, new satellite systems were announced on what seemed like a daily basis, and ground stations were becoming smaller and more advanced.
The 1990s saw a transformation from government-regulated telecommunications cooperatives to a highly competitive commercial communications marketplace, spearheaded by commercial satellite industry pioneer PanAmSat.
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The boom in the Asia-Pacific economies fueled an unheard-of increase in demand for spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellite capacity, and ground station networks, equipment, and services. The launch industry comprised a variety of companies and partnerships, most of which no longer exist in their previous incarnations.
DBS satellites for DirecTV and EchoStar were launched and the ensuing small-dish TV service quickly became popular. The satellite industry had never created a consumer service on such a large scale.
Innovative orbits and heretofore untapped frequencies were incorporated into new satellite designs and ventures, many of which did not pan out or live up to their much-heralded potential. The industry was mesmerized by plans for large fleets of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites, Ka-band, and direct-to-user digital audio/radio services.
For me, working in the satellite industry during the 1990s was not just a job, it was a privilege. Never have I witnessed a profession imbued with such a palpable sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and dedication. VS
