The 24^th AIAA International Communications Satellite Systems Conference (ICSSC-2006) will focus on the theme of “Bridging to the Future.” Bridges are being built to invigorate a global communications satellite market that is approaching $100 billion per year. A large dual-use, commercial-military communications satellite bridge is assisting our nation’s efforts in the Middle East and around the world. The direct broadcast satellite bridge is growing - not only for the media, but also for a budding list of educational and medical applications. Satellites are the abutments for the rapidly expanding wireless bridge, where RFID and other sensors are gathering data on the movement of our industrial goods and the status of our environment. Data gathering may be one of the fastest growing bridges to the future of wireless communications, with satellites continuing to be a vital part of the network. A bridge is being designed and built to connect Developing World communities via wireless LANS and satellite terminals to the industrialized world.
 

The bridges of the communications satellite systems industry continue to face strong currents of change, including the rapid enhancement of terrestrial telecom networks, ever-more powerful source data rate compression, and a lingering excess of capacity in certain markets. In developing the technologies, systems, and business models necessary to efficiently address these and a host of other markets, the communications satellite industry is creating a bridge to its vibrant future of systems and services.
 

The creative bridging of ideas and more effective communication of needs and market demands will provide a “win-win” opportunity as the satellite industry moves into its fifth decade of operations. ICSSC-2006 will bring together many different sectors of the world satellite industry and explore ways to respond more effectively to technical, economic, business, regulatory, and policy changes.
 

ICSSC-2006 will be held jointly with the 5^th Annual International Satellite & Communications exchange (ISCe) Conference and Expo. ISCe is the premier West Coast satellite & communications conference and expo, which attracts industry executives, commercial service providers, government decision-makers and senior military leaders. The co-location of ICSSC-2006 and ISCe will provide a unique venue for the global satellite industry, which will attract both the business executives, government leaders and the technical community.

ICSSC-2006 is Co-Sponsored by:
The Aerospace Corporation	ViaSat, Inc.
and Supported by:
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)	Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC)