Communication satellite load balancing system and method

A method of controlling communication satellite system capacity in a satellite-based cellular telecommunication system where two or more communication satellites provide coverage of a service region. Communication satellites are assigned to mobile cellular stations in a manner designed to minimize the maximum single-satellite power that is required for the communication satellites collectively to supply a specified number of transmissions to the service region. The service region may be divided into grids, where each grid is characterized by a number which is proportional to the average number of active mobile cellular stations. This information, in conjunction with a power utilization factor associated with each satellite/grid pair, is used to determine the assignments of the communication satellites to the mobile cellular stations.