The characteristics of efficiency and flexibility inherently required by that scenario suggest, amidst other possibilities, to take into special consideration a radio interface based on code division multiple access (CDMA) to ensure, in addition to the features mentioned above, a sufficient grade of power and spectral efficiency of the relevant satellite radio link. The aim of this paper is a review of the current status of those issues in the field of satellite CDMA transmission systems design that, in our opinion, appear fundamental to the successful operation of an efficient PCN. In particular, we survey the techniques for multiplexing, coding and transmission of direct-sequence spread spectrum (DS/SS) signals, and we touch upon the techniques for the minimization of the self-noise effect, and the related topics of power-control and multiuser detection. We also shortly address in this respect some technological aspects related to an efficient modem design via digital signal processing techniques. The final part of the paper deals more specifically with some typical issues of satellite transmission, namely the minimization of the detrimental effects of the nonlinear satellite transponder and of multipath propagation; the applicability of diversity reception to a multisatellite network is also addressed as possible means of performance boost