Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT), was a private corporation created by the United States Congress in 1962 to develop satellite-based communication systems for commercial use. The corporation used publicly funded research and development. COMSAT helped create the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT). This organization managed satellites that relayed phone calls and TV signals around the world (see INTELSAT ). In 1979, COMSAT helped create the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT). This organization provided satellite communication services to ships at sea and, later, to aircraft and to mobile users on land.
In the 1990’s, COMSAT, INTELSAT, and INMARSAT changed their business and ownership structure. INTELSAT and INMARSAT eventually became private companies, with INTELSAT acquiring most of COMSAT in 2004.
