The communication satellite already has developed a mature technology. It carries a substantial part of the world's long range communication, and is now useable for special cultural and educational purposes. Major cultural effects come from its contribution to increasing enormously the flow of information in the world. It will increase human dependence upon media and bring about shifts in power related to control of information. There will be more contact between cultures, changes in ways of perceiving reality, and significant new trends in socialization. The technology is now available to permit individuals and small organizations to participate actively in special uses of communication satellites which will happen only if we make them happen, among them: changing the communication environment, combating remoteness, creating new networks for useful information, serving special groups and needs, substituting communication for transportation in certain situations, making the performing arts more widely available, and innovations in learning and teaching. Lessons learned from early uses of satellites warn of some difficulties, but space communication remains ready for challenging and important uses. This paper includes an annotated bibliography. (Author/WBC)