"The purpose of this study reported herein was to evaluate the use of Geostationary Orbiting Environmental Satellite (GOES) Data Collection System (DCS) for data collection purposes in remote areas. In particular, to study the problem of returning satellite relayed data to the end user in the field and as a 'worst case', to a field user in Alaska. Although the study was focused specifically on the use of the GOES-West spacecraft (S/C) for collection of realtime fire control meteorological data in Alaska, many of the conclusions drawn and recommendations made apply well to GOES/DCS users with other purposes"--Page 1.