SECOMS: advanced interactive multimedia satellite communications for a variety of compact terminals

The paper provides the description of a satellite system under study by a European Team leaded by Alenia Aerospazio in the frame of the Advanced Communications Technology Service (ACTS) programs of the European Community. The project named Satellite EHF COmmunication for Multimedia-mobile Services (SECOMS) pursues the following objectives: demonstrate the feasibility of broadband multimedia services for portable and mobile users with flexible data rate assignment from few kbps up to 2 Mbps; perform feasibility studies of advanced satellite system configurations based on the utilization of the Ka and EHF frequency bands; define satellite channel models for millimetric waves; define broadband small size terminals; and perform field trials and service demonstration through the ITALSAT satellite. The paper addresses service requirements, terminals, system architecture and field trials.