A volume consisting of a series of papers and documents from several conferences examines the regulation, uses, and problems of direct satellite broadcasting in an international context. It examines the history of the broadcast satellite, describes the current status, and explores the future possibilities of this global communications technology. Part 1 and Part 2 consist of papers delivered at the Airlie House discussion and bring it up to date with summaries of two subsequent international conferences on issues connected with the broadcast satellite. Also included is a discussion of future social uses of the communication satellite excerpted from a seminar convened by the Aspen Institute Program on Communications and Society the day before the launching of the ATS-6. A glossary and bibliography are appended. (Author/SK)