ABSTRACT
In deference to Arthur Clark and Marshall McLuhan, this chapter begins with neither a quote from "Extraterrestrial Relays" nor a profound discussion of the satellite's molding of the human race into a global village. The existence of communications satellites is as second nature to the bicentennial American as moon landings. The "LIVE VIA SATELLITE" caption at the bottom of a television picture no longer gives special cause for notice or excitement. Primary information sources were official Federal Communications Commission Notices, Reports, Orders and Memorandums as well as filings, briefs and comments submitted by the industries involved in Domestic Satellite (DOMSAT). The analysis of the Commission's domestic satellite considerations is arranged to follow the historical pattern of events surrounding DOMSAT. The chapter offers a positive perspective of Commission's efforts in an area of dynamic technology. This chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book.
