The basic setup for the experiments is to establish a satellite communications link between the mobile terminal and a fixed ground station. In one such experiment, a non-profit corporation ran a series of tests using a hospital in the Los Angeles area to demonstrate improved communications capabilities for paramedic and other emergency medical services. The tests proved reliable in more than 80 percent of the problem areas. In the baseline land mobile experiments performed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, bit error rate measurements were conducted. Another experiment tested ACTS' capability to provide real-time communications for processing financial data across an Ohio bank's network of branch offices.
Initial results show very low error rates in the data transfer.
During phase one, an eye was dilated at a remote site and a JSC doctor diagnosed the problem. In phase two, doctors used two separate procedures to monitor eye exams at a remote site. Both tests were successful and provided the doctors practical experience with remote medical diagnosis. The success of these and other investigations will promote the use of ACTS technologies in future communications systems, thus improving the nation's economy and enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the global telecommunications market. For more information on the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite, contact Mike Smith, Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology.