PROJECT-21 - A VISION FOR THE 21ST-CENTURY

Inmarsat has been one of a number of mobile satellite operators who have been examining new systems for the next century. The Inmarsat planning has been guided by an internal group called Project 21, and this article describes the principles and system designs we are looking at. The work we have done so far defines the principles for a new range of mobile satellite services and will govern the concept and design of Inmarsat's advanced fourth-generation satellite system. This effort will involve not only Inmarsat and its signatories, but the worldwide community of mobile satellite services and equipment suppliers, telecommunications organizations, government, customers and all those with an interest in the future of mobile satellite services.