SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE WARFIGHTER MILSATCOM.

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this topic is to:

Outline the warfighter's needs for SATCOM and the criticality of SATCOM to the C4I for the Warrior concept. Describe current and planned Department of Defense (DoD) SATCOM capabilities, how SATCOM systems are managed, and the requirements and resource allocation process. Highlight the status of efforts to develop an integrated DoD SATCOM architecture to guide development and acquisition of new systems.

The term DoD SATCOM encompasses the operation, control, and employment of military systems operating in several frequency bands, leased capacity on commercial systems, and service provided by allied nation systems. Military satellite communications (MILSATCOM), refers to military-unique systems owned, or leased, and operated by DoD. Commercial SATCOM means privately owned systems or systems owned by international consortiums of cooperating nations. Allied SATCOM is a reference to systems owned by nations allied with the United States.

SPACE AND THE NATIONAL MILITARY STRATEGY

A primary mission of U.S. military forces is to credibly deter and, if required, decisively defeat aggression by major regional powers. To accomplish this mission, we must be able to project power anywhere in the world, at any time, to deter and defeat enemies threatening the vital interests of the United States and its allies. Today's smaller military force performs this force projection mission on a global scale, against unpredictable threats. Limited strategic lift, available for the projection of tailored combat forces, creates the need for split-based operations, i.e., reliance on a sustaining base for many of the support capabilities once a part of the deployed force package. To compensate for these

operational disadvantages, warfighters depend on space-based technologies to provide command and control communications, to employ high-technology sensors and weapons systems, and to access the vast array of real-time intelligence and information that provides decisive advantage for mission success. Space-based capabilities such as communications, intelligence collection and dissemination, targeting, warning, weather, and position location, combine to provide essential support to military operations across the joint battlespace. Space-based systems, integrated with the terrestrial C4I infrastructure, provide critical capabilities for warfighter execution of joint land, sea, and air operations.

SPACE AND THE JOINT BATTLESPACE

The C4I for the Warrior concept establishes a clear vision and strategy for achieving a fully integrated, fused, realtime true representation of the Joint Battlespace. The capability of the warrior to respond and coordinate horizontally and vertically to prosecute effectively and successfully any mission in the battlespace is the essence of the C4I for the Warrior concept. Space systems provide a crucial and essential means to achieve the joint warfighter's immediate battle management, intelligence, warning, and combat support information requirements. Terrestrial line-of-sight radio systems have limited range and tether the commander to terrain and limit mobility and maneuverability. Only space systems provide the commander the means to synchronize maneuver of forces throughout the battlespace.

WARFIGHTER REQUIREMENTS FOR SATCOM

Warfighter requirements are paramount in the design of future space support capabilities. Warfighters need the following capabilities from space-based C4I systems:

Interoperability for seamless connectivity. Global coverage for operations anywhere in the world. Assured, real-time access, available on demand. Capacity to meet both current and emerging information requirements. Protection from all forms of information warfare. Flexibility to match the dynamic operational environment. MILITARY SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS Combat operations are dynamic warfighters need communications systems that keep pace with real-time battle flow and meet the specific warfighting requirements discussed above. MILSATCOM systems have been designed over the years to do just that. Existing systems use specific portions of the frequency spectrum to provide a range of services for the warfighter. Spectrum Usage One of the most critical issues facing communicators is selecting the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to use. In the civilian world, the choice of spectrum is complicated by a myriad of political and economic, as well as technical considerations, which can take years to negotiate. Each nation reserves the right to control the frequencies within its borders and other spectrum users have the right to demand noninterference with their own systems. Spectrum users reserve frequency for their own benefit by registering their use with appropriate international agencies. The same basic policy applies to the bands currently used by the MILSATCOM systems. However, the U.S. and its allies jointly allocate certain bands for Government use only. The four bands used by MILSATCOM systems are: VHF, UHF, SHF, and EHF. References to the UHF band are sometimes intended to include the VHF band also. System Segments MILSATCOM systems consist of three distinct elements called segments: space, control, and terminal segments. Commercial systems have generally analogous elements, but only the terminal segment is of direct concern to Dol). Space Segment. The space segment consists of the launch facilities needed to place satellites in orbit and the on-orbit constellation of satellites with their communications payloads.

Launch Facilities. Two major spacelift facilities, the Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral AS, Florida, and the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB, California, are used to launch communications satellites into orbit. Air Force Space Command (AFSPQ operates and maintains both ranges. Geosynchronous orbit communications satellites are launched from Cape Canaveral. Certain polar orbit satellites are

launched from Vandenberg. DoD communications satellites are lifted into orbit with medium and heavy launch vehicles. Satellites. Spacecraft are composed of two functional elements, bus and payload. The bus, made up of the satellite's support subsystems, includes power, attitude control, thermal control, and telemetry, tracking, and commanding (TT&C). The TT&C function includes routine monitoring, adjustment, and anomaly resolution of support subsystems. Payload refers to the primary mission subsystem of the satellite, which, for communications satellites, is the communications subsystem. Control Segment. The on-orbit operation of military and commercial SATCOM systems requires the support of a ground-based monitoring and control segment. The control segment encompasses those ground elements concerned with spacecraft, payload, and communications network control. Military control responsibilities are divided among the Services and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Spacecraft control, sometimes called bus control, is typically a responsibility of the Air Force via the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN), while payload and network control are performed mostly at system-dedicated facilities. CJCS Memorandum of Policy (MOP) 37, Military Satellite Communications Systems, assigns the various system control responsibilities. Commercial SATCOM control is performed by the system owner/operator, usually by equipping a few ground terminals to perform control functions. Spacecraft Control. This includes station keeping, stabilization, maneuvering and repositioning, anomaly resolution, TT&C, and ephemeris generation. For most military systems, the AFSCN performs this function from satellite operations centers at Falcon AFB, Colorado through a worldwide network of remote tracking stations. Payload Control. This function includes planning and executing antenna pointing configurations; transponder gain adjustments; antenna beamweight determinations;

transmission security; processor management; crosslink discrimination; anti-jam configuration; and payload commanding. MILSATCOM payload control is performed mainly from system-dedicated control facilities at various locations. Network Control. This is the technical management of the system's radio frequency spectrum to include power, bandwidth, and frequency allocation. It includes maintenance of established network parameters and coordination of user accesses and may require changes in satellite configuration and operating modes. Network control is performed from systemdedicated control facilities at various locations. Terminal Segment. The terminal segment is the complex of ground, airborne, and seabased equipment used for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from communications satellites. Terminals are used for controlling satellites and for accessing and using the payload of communications satellites. Depending on system capabilities, terminals may operate on land-based, sea-based, and air-based platforms such as fixed sites, moving ground vehicles, ships, and aircraft. Terminal equipment ranges in size from those with large fixed antennas to manpack terminals that can be carried and set up for use by one individual. Gateways and Teleports. Gateways are special ground equipment complexes that serve as a relay between satellites in a SATCOM system. Teleports are equipment complexes that provide interface with the DISN. Teleports permit crossbanding of signals among SATCOM systems operating in different frequency bands and provide a gateway function between SATCOM systems operating at the same frequency. Ultrahigh Frequency Systems The most heavily used MILSATCOM systems are those operating in the UHF band. This is true because ground terminals are relatively inexpensive, small, and lightweight. UHF systems can be operated under adverse weather and in dense foliage, and may be used on the move. However, UHF is hampered by its narrow bandwidth (yielding low data rates), and its susceptibility to detection and jamming. UFO Satellite UHF is available worldwide through the Fleet Satellite Communications System (FLTSATCOM) consisting of three constellations, Fleet Satellites (FLTSAT), Leased Satellites (LEASAT), and UHF Follow-On (UFO) satellites. Except for UFO, these constellations are nearing or have already surpassed their expected operational lives. In addition, several UHF payloads, collectively known as the Air Force Satellite Communications System (AFSATCOM), are hosted on a variety of constellations to provide SATCOM for strategic users and for north polar region connectivity. Full operational capability for the UFO constellation (eight on-orbit satellites) may be achieved as early as 1997, at which time earlier UHF constellations will be phased out. Super High Frequency System

The SHF system carries the bulk of MILSATCOM traffic. The 500 megahertz wide band is used to support high data rates with little jam resistance and lower data rates with some limitedjam resistance. The higher frequency permits on-orbit and ground antennas small enough to restrict emissions to specific locations or beamwidths to help avoid detection. SHF service is not routinely disrupted by weather. SHF service was designed to provide connectivity to large, fixed terminals requiring lower amounts of on7orbit power. As needs have shifted to more tactical, disadvantaged (smaller) terminals, on-board power management has become more critical. SHF terminals are more expensive than UHF terminals. Relatively small terminals have been produced, but are not a practical solution to highly mobile communications needs.

INTELSAT VII Satellite (Courtesy COMSAT World Systems) The INMARSAT constellation supports mobile terminals, especially maritime applications, providing worldwide, openocean coverage. Domestic satellite (DOMSAT) service in the U.S., mostly to fixed site users, is provided by carriers such as GTE Spacenet, AT&T, Hughes Communications Inc., and Alascom Inc. Examples of DOMSATs employed by DoD are Aurora and Galaxy. DoD Usage of Commercial Systems The DoD contracts for these services through the Defense Information Technology Contracting Office, but the costs are still rather high, and can quickly deplete scarce operations dollars. For example, during the first two weeks of Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti, the DoD usage of INMARSAT rose by over 100,000 minutes at a cost of $6.25 per minute. INMARSAT III Satellite (Courtesy COMSAT Mobile Communications) Added to these fiscal considerations are operational concerns such as the lack of DoD network control (e.g., to prioritize users), limitedjam resistance, need to negotiate signal "landing rights" in foreign countries, operations at frequencies incompatible with other military terminals, and increased competition with other commercial users for the same channels. Given these constraints, commercial SATCOM cannot satisfy all DoD requirements. However, there are opportunities to make better use of these capabilities where it makes fiscal and operational sense. As a result of the Commercial Satellite Communications Initiative, the DoD has recently embarked upon a course to do just

that. Based on this two year study, the DoD expects to create its own network through the lease of commercial transponders. Contracting directly with the transponder owner, DoD can then establish its own commercial network, over which it retains operational control. While other commercial shortcomings remain, this innovative approach will allow commanders the ability to tailor commercial networks to best suit changing conditions, off-load lower priority users, and manage commercial/ military traffic to the best operational advantage. By using this approach, the DoD can expect greater access to commercial communications capacity at reduced cost with an increased ability to control the operational use of those resources.

NATO III Satellite

MANAGEMENT OF DOD SATCOM SYSTEMS

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE. The Secretary of Defense has assigned to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (ASD) for C31 responsibility for overall DoD SATCOM policy, program, and planning guidance and direction, architecture and acquisition roadmap approval, and Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System focus for the DoD).

Because of its criticality to National Military Strategy, operational direction for DoD SATCOM is assigned to the CJCS. The CJCS promulgated MOP 37, Military Satellite Communications Systems, to outline policies and procedures for management of DoD SATCOM systems. CKS MOP 37 OBJECTIVES AND POLICY The objective of CJCS MOP 37 is to ensure DoD SATCOM support for operational missions. It establishes a standard process to identify and validate connectivity requirements. It outlines procedures for optimizing allocation of and access to DoD SATCOM resources. It directs the development and maintenance of a DoD SATCOM architecture and acquisition roadmap, and a joint approach to planning, programming, and budgeting. It supports design of systems that address user operational needs, provides interoperability among users, and provides necessary survivability. DoD SATCOM systems are used for day-to-day operations, for the execution of operational plans, and as directed by the National Command Authorities. Systems are controlled as joint assets and the basic allocation of resources is addressed through the deliberate planning process. Interoperability and standardization among U.S. forces and allies are essential considerations in DoD SATCOM planning and development. Standardization of operational management and control of systems is required by CJCS

MOP 37. Compliance with DoD SATCOM technical standards by users is required before access is granted. DoD SATCOM RESPONSIBILITIES. Many agencies are involved in managing each DoD SATCOM system. These include Commander in Chief, United States Space Command (USCINCSPACE), the other Commanders in Chief (CINCs), DISA, the Services, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and commercial carriers. No one agency or Service has complete responsibility for a DoD SATCOM system. For example, the Navy and Air Force identified and defined the requirements for the FLTSATCOM System. The Air Force acquired and launched the satellites, and provides spacecraft control. The Navy controls the payload and networks and the Services procure UHF terminals compatible with FLTSATCOM. The CJCS and the Joint Staff The CJCS establishes doctrine, policy, guidelines, and procedures for the use of all DoD SATCOM systems. The CJCS has final authority for DoD SATCOM requirements approval, MILSATCOM system configuration, and MILSATCOM capacity apportionment. The Joint Staff identifies and assigns responsibilities and the scope of authority for MILSATCOM system managers and operational managers. Joint Communications Satellite Center The focal point for Joint Staff operational direction of DoD SATCOM systems is the Joint Communications Satellite Center (JCSC). The JCSC chairs the Joint MILSATCOM Panel and interacts with the staffs of the CINCs, Services, system operational managers, and other agencies to coordinate actions requiring CJCS approval or adjudication. Commanders in Chief CINCs and their staffs are responsible for allocating assigned MILSATCOM

capacity to support operations in their assigned areas of responsibility. CINCs gather requirements from their component commands, validate them, and forward them to the Joint Staff for approval. The CJCS has approval authority for all DoD SATCOM

requirements and apportions MILSATCOM capacity to each CINC for allocation to subordinate forces. Commander in Chief, United States Space Command USCINCSPACE has combatant command authority for MILSATCOM assets through service component commanders. This authority includes planning and ~ operating MILSATCOM constellations, and executing satellite, constellation, and payload reconfiguration. Air Force Space Command (14th Air Force), Naval Space Command, and Army Space Command are the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) components responsible for operational control of MILSATCOM satellite, network, and payload operations. System Managers and System Operational Managers The Services and DISA serve as system managers for individual systems. System managers designate system operational managers to perform day-to-day operations. Except for DISA, system managers are responsible for programming funds, advocating and acquiring systems, and managing system funds. System operational managers develop system control and operations concepts (SCOC), define system architectures, develop capacity allocation procedures, and perform day-to-day management of systems. PROVISION OF SERVICES This new architecture will, provide the required service through the three avenues discussed below. Commercial Service This is the appropriate choice when it is technically possible to provide the required services in an operationally acceptable manner. It may also be less expensive compared to using a militarily-owned system. This is normally the ideal solution for fixed users whose locations and longterm needs are well known and predictable. Commercial Acquired, Military Owned This service is basically a commercial service acquired using commercial procurement practices, but owned and operated by the DoD. It is an economically advantageous approach to providing access to commercial-like services at military frequencies, when and where required. It is one of the services needed by forces that may deploy anywhere in the world on very short notice. DoD ownership provides the necessary rapid response to changing service demands. However, use of commercial procurement practices may not provide the highest levels of survivability or protection on such systems. Military Acquired, Military Owned

Certain unique MILSATCOM characteristics will continue to be needed for the foreseeable future. These survivability features, such as nuclear hardening, anti-Jam