Page 53 - Communications Satellites Global Change Agents

1. SATELLITES AS WORLDWIDE CHANGE AGENTS 29

addresses major problems of global concerns about what might be considered nega-
tive applications of satellite systems. It provides perspective on a new hope for to-
morrow. Satellite systems, by shaping world opinion and allowing teleeducation
and telehealth to become available on a global scale, offer new hope for world
peace and knowledge. Satellites represent one of the keys to a successful global
economy. Satellites offer dual use of networks for commercial and military pur-
poses, for education as well as propaganda and misinformation, for targeted bombs
or targeted information.
The forces that shape the world of telecommunications and satellites are more
than just technology, business, entertainment, social applications such as health,
or education. It is the gestalt of these forces and interests all at once. An attempt to
depict the interdisciplinary model that defines the scope and shape of the analysis
of this book is shown in Fig. 1.5.
Some believe that, because communication satellites are largely high-tech
tools (almost literally supercomputers with specialized software that are deployed
in the skies), the stories of these space systems might be dry, straightforward, and
devoid of emotion. The truth is that the stories surrounding the development and
implementation of satellite communications are filled with elements of intrigue
and joy. Just like all forms of human enterprise, the story of satellites sometimes
involves conflict, criminal activity, and deception and at other times it offers new
hope for the human condition by providing new forms of education, health care,

FIG. 1.5. Model for global satellite communications systems and interaction with
the global marketplace and political history.