On-board Processing Equipment for mobile satellite communications

This paper gives an outline of the On-board Processing Equipment for mobile communications such as the OBP (On-Board Processor) and the OPS (On-Board Packet Switch) developed for the On-board Switching System using the ETS-VI II (Engineering Test Satellite VIII). The ETS-VIII will be launched by H-II A rocket. One of the main objectives in this experimental system is to esta blish elemental technologies for the on-board switches that have large capa city and high flexibility for personal and mobile satellite communications. The ETS-VIII is an advanced satellite being developed primarily to establi sh and verify the world's largest geostationary satellite bus technology, w hich is necessary for space missions at the beginning of the 21st century.