The term 'alternative to satellite' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: MOON (4 letters) and TELSTAR (7 letters). Both of these terms refer to communication technologies that are alternatives to satellites. MOON stands for 'Manned Optical Observation Network' and is a system of manned observation posts that use optical telescopes to observe and track objects in space. TELSTAR is a communications satellite launched in 1962, which was the first satellite to transmit television signals across the Atlantic Ocean.