Page 13 - Communications Satellites Global Change Agents

xii FOREWORD

within our global economy and culture. Both the positive and negative sides of
satellite systems are explored. Thoughtful attention is given to the many dilem-
mas that satellites and information technology now pose to our lives. Drawing on
the expertise derived from a menu of disciplines, this volume forms a valuable as-
sessment of the many ways satellites have impacted human life—both for better
and for worse. The authors review how we got here, where we are, and what is
likely to happen. The breadth of coverage here underlines just how vital satellite
communication has become. There are few aspects of daily life—whether com-
mercial, military, or diplomatic—that are not in some way impacted by the ability
to instantly communicate almost anywhere.
Getting to this point in satellite communications has been neither easy nor
cheap. The result, however, has been well worth the effort. The authors and edi-
tors of this book make that abundantly clear.