Visionary Entrepreneur in Satellite Technology
DEFINING MOMENTS IN HISTORY:
LIVE VIA SATELLITE
How Satellites Ignited
a Global Awakening
ABOUT THE BOOK
Defining Moments in History: Live Via Satellite reveals the untold story of satellite communications, beginning with Arthur C. Clarke’s visionary concept in 1945 and culminating in the groundbreaking technology that brought history into our living rooms in real time. Beyond the headlines and historic broadcasts lies a behind-the-scenes chronicle of human drama, split-second decisions, and technical ingenuity that shaped some of the most defining events of our time, from the Apollo 11 Moon landing and high-stakes presidential summits to live coverage from the battlefields of Operation Desert Storm, all powered by the invisible force of satellites.
Today, satellite innovation is entering a bold new era: expanding high-speed internet to remote corners of the globe, enabling new lunar missions, and supporting advanced defense systems like the “Golden Dome.” This sweeping journey celebrates how satellite technology continues to transcend borders, bridge vast distances, and deliver the world’s most powerful stories straight into our hearts and homes, as we witness history unfold
Live Via Satellite.
AUTHOR
Robert M. Patterson is a visionary entrepreneur whose pioneering work helped shape the modern satellite communications and broadcasting industries. Over a distinguished five-decade career, he transformed bold ideas into groundbreaking innovations that forever changed how the world experiences live sports, breaking news and global events.
His journey began in 1969 with a subsidiary of Hughes Aircraft Company—the builder of the satellites that delivered the Apollo 11 Moon landing to a global audience. Inspired by that historic broadcast, Patterson committed his career to advancing satellite technology— not merely following its evolution, but leading it.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1975
First Broadcast Transmissions via U.S. Domestic Satellite
First-ever live multi-carrier telecast via domestic satellite revolutionized the way sports, news and entertainment are transmitted in the United States.
First domestic satellite transmissions of regular season Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and National Basketball Association telecasts in the United States.
First daily Satellite New Gathering (SNG) service distributed via U.S. domestic satellite, on behalf of ITNA, to Independent TV stations nationwide.
1977
Frost/Nixon: Most Watched Political Interview in TV History
A four-part, 90-minute series of the Frost/Nixon interviews was aired on 165 TV stations across the United States and Canada, becoming the most-watched political interview in television history.
1982
Holmes vs. Cooney: Record-Breaking Pay-Per-View Fight
The Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney Heavyweight Championship fight, promoted by Don King, became the biggest pay-per-view event of its time, generating over $50 million.
1989
First-ever HDTV Satellite Transmissions
The world’s first international High Definition Television (HDTV) transmission, conducted on behalf of NHK Tokyo, was hailed by The New York Times with the headlines: “Japan Begins First Regular Broadcasts of Television of the Future.”
First-ever commercial HDTV satellite transmission in the United States, featuring Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Duran, helped spark congressional action that led to the digital TV revolution.
"Communications satellites are perhaps the most powerful single force for good the world has ever known."
Arthur C. Clark
VIDEO
Accepting the Marlin Fitzwater Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication on how satellite technology has played a role in political broadcasting history.
All Videos
"No matter how far or how remote, distance no longer divides us when satellite technology is able to unite us."
Robert M. Patterson
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