This report of the Committee on Satellite Communications (COSC) reviews a number of future communication needs which could be satisfied by satellite systems, including needs in fields such as education, health care delivery, hazard warning, navigation aids, search and rescue, electronic mail delivery, time and frequency dissemination, and geophysical exploration. To make such systems possible, technological advances in multibeam spacecraft antennas, low cost earth stations, large satellite power systems, high speed spacecraft communications switches, and spacecraft supporting technology may be required. The committee concluded that the technology to meet such needs is often not provided by the private sector because of the technical and cost risks involved, and therefore suggests that there is an appropriate federal role, and that NASA should resume the research and development activities needed to provide the new technology. (Author/JEG)