Proton — an alternative launch system

Marconi Space Systems Ltd is a member of one of the two consortia bidding for INMARSAT's second-generation satellite system due to come into service from 1988. The Marconi consortium, which also includes Ford Aerospace and Communications Corp (USA) and Aérospace (France), had come close to opening negotiations in Moscow for using the Proton launcher to place the second-generation satellites into geostationary orbit before they were forced to abandon the idea. Dr Alastair C. Durney, a member of the editorial board of Space Policy, describes the pros and cons of Proton based on this experience. INMARSAT is expected to award contracts in early 1985.