Multi-spot satellite system for broadband communication

The present invention relates to the field of two-way satellite communications and in particular, to high capacity multi-purpose satellite communication systems optimized for two-way broadband communications. The two satellites are collocated and utilize a complementary channel arrangement which facilitates full dual pole coverage continuity when one of the satellites fails. Four channels of either inbound or outbound may be associated with each spot-beam area. Two channels may be provided by each of the two co-located satellites and may be configured to have a specific predetermined relationship with each other.