This invention provides satellite communication systems and methods that employ a satellite in MIMO communication with a geographically-distributed array of ground nodes. In an embodiment, the satellite communication system includes a MIMO satellite configured to receive first information at a higher bandwidth, process the first information into lower bandwidth signals, and relay the lower bandwidth signals using a satellite communication link. The geographically-separated ground nodes receive the lower bandwidth signals and transmit terrestrial signals using high-speed communication links. A central processing node receives the terrestrial signals over the high-speed communication links and combines the terrestrial signals to obtain the higher data rate signals.