Systems and methods are described for paired-beam satellite communications in a flexible satellite architecture. Embodiments include one or more “bent pipe” satellites having multiple transponders for servicing a number of spot beams. Implementations include novel types of paired-beam transponders that communicatively couple gateway terminals and user terminals in different spot beams. Some implementations also include loopback transponders that communicatively couple gateway terminals and user terminals in the same spot beam. The transponders can use similar components, can provide for flexible forward-link and return-link spectrum allocation, and/or can provide other features. Certain embodiments further include support for utility gateway terminal service and/or redundancy (e.g., active spares) for one or more active components.