MILSATM AGAZINE SATCOM FOR NET-CENTRIC WARFARE - MILSATMAGAZINE
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SatCom For Net-Centric Warfare May 2012
MilsatMagazine
U.S.A.F.’s AEHF-2 Launch via ULA (cover photo)
Competing For Space—AIAA
Space Weather For Emergency Managers
The Importance Of The Space Fence
COMMAND CENTER
General Thomas S. Moorman [Ret]
Diego Paldao, NewSat
Space Weather
WGS + How The DoD’s MILSATCOM Vision
Has Veered Off Track
XipLink Discusses Optimization
Space: Distruptive Challenges
Industry Expansion, Exploration, Enthusiasm
MilSatMagazine — May 2012 — Vol. 3, #2
Publishing Ops Authors
Silvano Payne.....................................Publisher + Writer
Hartley G. Lesser..................................Editorial Director Gunnery Sergeant Jennifer Antoine
Pattie Waldt.......................................... Executive Editor Kyle Bond
Jill Durfee.................. Sales Director, Editorial Assistant Staff Sergeant Andrew Caya
Donald McGee.................................Production Manager Mike Conschafter
Simon Payne................................ Development Manager Tom Cristler, Colonel, U.S.A.F. [Ret.]
Mike Antonovich................................Contributing Editor William J. Donahue, Lt. Gen. U.S.A.F. [Ret.]
Maxime Baudry.................................Contributing Editor Elliot Holokauhi Pulham
Chris Forrester...................... Senior Contributing Editor Hartley Lesser
Alan Gottlieb......................... Senior Contributing Editor Doug Loverro, DISES, U.S.A.F.
Bob Gough............................. Senior Contributing Editor Ellen Pawlikowski, Lt. Gen., U.S.A.F.
Richard Dutchik................................Contributing Editor Elaine Pittman
Jos Heyman.......................................Contributing Editor Ben Ryan
Dan Makinster..................................... Technical Advisor Pattie Waldt
Giles Peeters......................... Senior Contributing Editor
Bert Sadtler.......................................Contributing Editor
We reserve the right to edit all submitted materials Dispatches
to meet our content guidelines, as well as for
grammar and spelling consistency. Articles may
All Fired Up! (ULA)........................................................... Page 06
be moved to an alternative issue to accommodate
publication space requirements or removed due to Space Command’s History (USAF).................................. Page 08
space restrictions. Submission of content does not Test Of TacComms Backbone (U.S. Army)...................... Page 08
constitute acceptance of said material by SatNews TacSat-3 Retires (ATK).................................................... Page 09
Publishers. Edited materials may, or may not, be DoubleTalk Wanted (Comtech Telecom)......................... Page 10
returned to author and/or company for review prior Spy Sat Support (Astrium).............................................. Page 10
to publication. The views expressed in our various Commercial SATCOM Solutions (GSA + DISA)................ Page 11
publications do not necessarily reflect the views or Combat SkySat (U.S.M.C.)............................................... Page 12
opinions of SatNews Publishers. All rights reserved. Constant Communications Are Ensured......................... Page 13
MIRI Instrument Finished (ESA + NASA)....................... Page 14
All included imagery is courtesy of, and copyright
to, the respective companies. All About Actuator Accuracy (MOOG)............................. Page 15
Liberty Is At Hand (ATK, Lockheed Martin, NASA)......... Page 15
Published monthly by
Satnews Publishers
800 Siesta Way
Sonoma, CA 95476 USA
Phone: (707) 939-9306
Fax: (707) 838-9235
© 2012 Satnews Publishers
2 MilsatMagazine — May 2012
MilSatMagazine — May 2012 — Vol. 3, #2 DOWNLINK: The Space Fence Is Vital For Military Communications—Page 16 The president’s budget proposal for 2013 includes steep cuts in federal military spending. Requested military appropriations are about $32 billion less than this year’s total. Meanwhile, defense officials recently unveiled a plan to cut projected department spending by $260 billion over the next five years.—Ben Ryan DOWNLINK+: About The Space Fence...—Page 17 The U.S. Air Force Materiel Command’s Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts leads the procurement for the USA’s Space Fence, which is intended to improve space situational awareness as legacy systems in the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) are retired. COMMAND CENTER: General Thomas S. Moorman, Jr., U.S.A.F. [Ret.]—Page 20 Thomas S. Moorman Jr. retired as a partner with the international management and technology consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton, on 1 March 2008. During his nearly ten year career with Booz Allen, he was responsible for the Firm’s Air Force and National Aeronautics and Space Administration business.—The Editors PRIME: Competing For Space—Page 28 The U.S. space industry currently faces dual threats; major reductions in federal aerospace spending and overly restrictive satellite technology export policies. If we continue on this path, without implementing the right reforms, our nation risks the scenario of a weakened space industrial base that is unable to fully meet U.S. national security needs or sustain our technological edge against foreign competitors.—Mike Conschafter FOCUS: Space Weather—What Emergency Managers Need To Know—Page 44 When FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate tweets about space weather warnings, people sometimes reply and ask if they should don aluminum hats. Although the thought of severe weather in space might sound like a plot from a science fiction novel, the threat is real—and could potentially cause widespread blackouts and shut down the electric power grid for an extended period of time.—Elaine Pittman DOWNLINK: WGS + How The DoD’s Original MILSATCOM Vision has veered off track—Page 48 The Department of Defense’s recently published “Sustaining U.S. Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense” calls for decisions on which military investments to continue, which to defer, and which to cancel. The result must maintain a ready and capable force while reducing “the cost of doing business.”—William J. Donahue, Lt. Gen. U.S.A.F. [Ret.] TECH OPS: XipLink Real-Time Optimizations—Page 52 XipLink Real-time (“XRT”) is a new optimization capability that compresses, coalesces and prioritizes VOIP and UDP for significantly more bandwidth and packet efficiency without compromising quality. XRT can provide bandwidth savings up to 50 percent and guarantee quality delivery. This article describes how small packet applications can benefit from optimization.—Charlie Younghusband COMMAND CENTER: Diego Paldao, Senior Director—Americas, NewSat—Page 58 Diego Paldao has been involved with the satellite industry for more than 14 years. His initial exposure to satellites was with UUNET providing IP transit services. His team worked closely with satellite operators to provide connectivity via satellite for areas that were lacking in sufficient or stable fibre connectivity. Following this role, Diego joined global teleport operator, Verestar, which was ultimately acquired by SES. INTEL: Space—Distruptive Challenges, New Opportunities + Strategies—age 62 February 17, 1864 was a cold night just outside Charleston Harbor. The War of the Rebellion had raged for the prior three years as a bitter struggle of will and staying power.—Ellen Pawlikowski, Lt. Gen, U.S.A.F.; Doug Loverro, DISES, U.S.A.F.; and Tom Cristler, Colonel, U.S.A.F. [Ret.] DOWNLINK: Industry Expansion, Exploration + Entrepreneurism—Page 78 If there’s one thing this spring season has demonstrated, it is the fact that our space industry, around the world, has more of the “Right Stuff” than ever before. Consider, for a moment, our recently completed 28th National Space Symposium.—Elliot Holokauhi Pulham
MilSatMagazine — May 2012 — Vol. 3, #2
Advertiser Index
2012 International Satellite Directory.................................................................... Page 57
Agile Communications............................................................................................ Page 45
AVL Technologies.................................................................................................... Page 71
Comtech EF Data........................................................................................ cover + Page 23
Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc............................................................................. Page 59
CPI, Inc.................................................................................................................. Page 39
GigaSat Limited...................................................................................................... Page 11
GL Communications Inc.......................................................................................... Page 05
Harris Corporation.................................................................................................. Page 03
iDirect Government Technologies........................................................................... Page 31
MITEQ / MCL, Inc................................................................................................... Page 19
Newtec CY.............................................................................................................. Page 09
SatFinder................................................................................................................ Page 47
Space Foundation: The Space Report 2012............................................................. Page 77
Teledyne Paradise Datacom.................................................................................... Page 41
Wavestream Corporation........................................................................................ Page 13
MilsatMagazine — May 2012 5
Dispatches
All Fired Up! Perfect Launch for high-priority military sustains space-based global 100 percent mission success.
For ULA’s AEHF-2 ground, sea and air assets. communications in support Today’s successful launch
(Photo below by Pat Corkery, of the president, secretary of was the 60th since ULA was
There was only one day’s United Launch Alliance) defense and combat forces. formed just over five years
delay, and then GO! to Rob Gannon gave the play- The MILSATCOM enterprise ago and we congratulate the
mark the fourth Evolved by-play for ULA’s successful consists of satellites, terminals AEHF team on this important
Expendable Launch Vehicle launch. All systems ran and control stations and step toward delivering
(EELV) mission this year... perfectly, and once launched, provides communications for these critical protected
A United Launch Alliance all the exercises ran, and more than 16,000 air, land and communications capabilities.”
Atlas V rocket blasted off from continue to run, as planned. sea platforms. Developed by the United
Space Launch Complex-41 at “We are proud of our “ULA is proud to serve States Air Force to provide
2:42 p.m. EDT on May 4th, entire launch team.” said alongside our mission partners assured access to space for
2012, with the U.S. Air Force’s Col. Michael Sarchet, AEHF and privileged that the Air Department of Defense and
Advanced Extremely High Government Program Manager, Force entrusts the ULA team other government payloads,
Frequency-2 (AEHF-2) U.S.A.F. “Each AEHF spacecraft to deliver critical national the EELV Program supports
satellite. This was ULA’s 4th will provide warfighters’ security capability to orbit for the full range of government
launch of an aggressive 11 much improved protected our soldiers, sailors, airman mission requirements, while
mission schedule for the year communications capabilities.” and Marines around the delivering on schedule and
and marks the 30th Atlas V AEHF-2 was procured world,” said Jim Sponnick, providing significant cost
mission and the 60th launch from procured Martin Space ULA vice president, Mission savings over the heritage
for ULA in just over five Systems Company by Operations. “Through our launch systems.
years. The AEHF constellation the MILSATCOM Systems focus on attaining Perfect ULA’s next launch is the
is a joint-service satellite Directorate, part of the Air Product Delivery, ULA remains Atlas V NROL-38 mission for
communications system Force Space Command’s Space dedicated to providing the National Reconnaissance
that will provide survivable, and Missile Systems Center. reliable, cost-effective launch Office scheduled June 18 from
global, secure, protected and The MILSATCOM Systems services while continuing our Space Launch Complex-41 at
jam-resistant communications Directorate plans, acquires and unwavering commitment to Cape Canaveral AFS.
6 MilsatMagazine — May 2012
ULA program management, global, secure, protected, and in geosynchronous Earth orbit. communications. Increased
engineering, test, and mission jam-resistant communications The mission control segment coverage is provided by
support functions are for high-priority military controls satellites on orbit, antennas consisting of two
headquartered in Denver, ground, sea and air assets. monitors satellite health, and SHF downlink phased arrays,
Colorado. Manufacturing, Advanced EHF allows the provides communications two crosslinks, two uplink/
assembly and integration National Security Council system planning and downlink theater anti-jam
operations are located at and Unified Combatant monitoring. This segment is nulling antennas, one uplink
Decatur, Alabama, and Commanders to control highly survivable, with both EHF phased array, six uplink/
Harlingen, Texas. Launch tactical and strategic forces at fixed and mobile control downlink gimbaled dish
operations are located at Cape all levels of conflict through stations. System uplinks antenna, one each uplink/
Canaveral AFS, Florida, and general nuclear war and and crosslinks operate in the downlink earth coverage horns.
Vandenberg AFB, California. supports the attainment of extremely high frequency The Atlas V booster is
AEHF satellites are the information superiority. (EHF) range and downlinks 12.5 ft. in diameter and 106.5
follow-on to the Department of The AEHF system in the super high frequency ft. in length. The booster’s
Defense’s current five-satellite augments and improves on (SHF) range. The terminal tanks are structurally rigid
Milstar communications the capabilities of Milstar segment includes fixed and and constructed of isogrid
constellation. When fully and expands the SMC/MC ground mobile terminals, aluminum barrels, spun-
operational, the Advanced EHF architecture. It provides ship and submarine terminals formed aluminum domes, and
constellation will consist of four connectivity across the and airborne terminals used intertank skirts. Atlas booster
crosslinked satellites providing spectrum of mission areas, by all of the services and propulsion is provided by the
10 times the throughput including land, air and naval international partners (Canada, RD-180 engine system (a
of the Milstar system with warfare; special operations; Netherlands, and U.K.). single engine with two thrust
a substantial increase in strategic nuclear operations; Weighing in at chambers). The RD-180 burns
coverage to users. strategic defense; theater approximately 13,600-lb., fully RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1 or
The Air Force’s Military missile defense; and space fueled, the satellite is based highly purified kerosene) and
Satellite Communications operations and intelligence. on the Lockheed Martin A2100 liquid oxygen, and it delivers
Systems Directorate (SMC/ The AEHF system is commercial satellite that 860,200 lb. of thrust at sea
MC) is the lead agency composed of three segments: includes hall current thruster level. The Atlas V booster
responsible for managing space (the satellites), electric propulsion, which is is controlled by the Centaur
the AEHF contract. SMC/ ground (mission control and 10 times more efficient than avionics system, which
MC ensures that the secure associated communications conventional bipropellant provides guidance, flight
communications capabilities of links), and terminals (the systems. The thrusters remove control, and vehicle sequencing
this system are made available users). The segments orbit eccentricity during functions during the booster
to military personnel around provide communications in transfer orbit operations, orbit and Centaur phases of flight.
the globe. a specified set of data rates maintenance and satellite The SRBs are approximately
The AEHF system is from 75 bps to approximately repositioning. 61 in. in diameter, 67 ft. in
a joint service satellite 8 Mbps. The space segment The payload features length, and constructed of a
communications system consists of a cross-linked onboard signal processing graphite epoxy composite with
that provides survivable, constellation of four satellites and crossbanded EHF/SHF the throttle profile designed
into the propellant grain.
The SRBs are jettisoned by
structural thrusters following
a 92-second burn.
The Centaur upper stage
is 10 ft. in diameter and
41.5 ft. in length. Its propel-
lant tanks are constructed of
pressure-stabilized, corro-
sion resistant stainless steel.
Centaur is a liquid hydrogen/
liquid oxygen- (cryogenic-)
fueled vehicle. It uses a single
RL10A-4-2 engine producing
22,300 lb. of thrust. The
cryogenic tanks are insu-
lated with a combination of
helium-purged insulation
blankets, radiation shields,
and closed-cell polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) insulation. The
Centaur forward adapter (CFA)
provides the structural mount-
ings for vehicle electronics and
the structural and electronic
interfaces with the spacecraft.
MilsatMagazine — May 2012 7
Dispatches
Shelton Highlights • Success of the X-37 orbital decrease program costs, with valuable feedback to
Air Force Space Command’s test vehicle, which has been improving the launch cost- make any needed doctrine,
30 Year History on orbit for 409 days -much per-pound equation. He also organization, material or
longer than the 270-day said space-based situational training improvements. The
In his April 17th remarks before design specifications awareness capability is critical. analysis and test results from
a capacity audience at the 28th Shelton said the future the IOT&E will be used to
National Space Symposium, • Positive outcomes from vision for AFSPC is focused support the Full Rate Production
Gen. William L. Shelton, USAF, the Joint Space Operations more on information than Decision scheduled for the
commander, Air Force Space Center, which provides platforms. “We now take fourth quarter of fiscal year
Command (AFSPC), highlighted resources to process over for granted that we’ll have (FY) 2012. A successful decision
accomplishments of AFSPC’s 155 million sensor obser- speed-of-light access to would allow for the fielding of
30-year history. vations and track over 22 data wherever we are for WIN-T Increment 2 to maneuver
“Moving from a time when thousand orbiting objects warfighting purposes,” said units across the Army.
space was a ‘nice-to-have’ with Shelton. “But it’s just spam “WIN-T Increment 2 is
Speaking about the budget,
a strategic-user emphasis, to if you can’t act on the data the foundation for the Army’s
Shelton said the future of
being a vital force multiplier provided and turn it into tactical network and a critical
AFSPC is heavily dependent
across the entire joint force, decision-quality information.” component for Capability Set
on budgetary considerations.
space capabilities are now 13 and beyond, providing
“After we look at all the
indispensable not only to our network mobility and additional
puts and takes... the real
nation’s defense, but to our Operational Test Of Army’s communications capacity to
decrease in the FY13 Air Force
national economy as well,” Tactical Comms Backbone what is fielded today,” said
space budget portfolio was
Shelton said. Col. Edward Swanson, project
only 1.5 percent,” he said, Warfighter Information manager for WIN-T, which
demonstrating “commitment
Among the highlights Shelton Network-Tactical (WIN-T) is assigned to the Program
to foundational space
mentioned were: Increment 2 is nearing Executive Office for Command,
capabilities as a critical aspect the finish line as it heads Control and Communications-
• The 49th successful launch of the nation’s defense.” He into its largest operational Tactical (PEO C3T).
of the Evolved Expendable then outlined additional AFSPC test this month. “Increment 2, along with
Launch Vehicle missions supported in the new WIN-T Increment 2 is a Increment 1b [an upgraded
budget: major upgrade to the Army’s version of Increment 1], will be
• AFSPC’s industry partner-
• Wideband Global Satellites tactical communications fielded to tactical formations
ship to rescue the first
(WGS) backbone and provides an across the force to enable
Advanced Extremely High on-the-move network that full spectrum operations,
Frequency (AEHF) satellite
• AEHF satellites reaches down to the company supporting both maneuver and
from a useless orbit level for the first time. support units.”
• New nuclear command and “This mobile network is a Similar to a home
• Completed on-orbit checks
control system ground termi- transformational step forward Internet connection, WIN-T
to provide imagery to U.S.
nals and an aircrew terminal in Army modernization,” said Increment 1 provides soldiers
Central Command less than Lt. Col. Robert Collins, product with high-speed, high-
a month after launch of the
• Space-Based Infrared manager for WIN-T Increments capacity voice, data and
Operationally Responsive
System (SBIRS) satellites 2 and 3. “It will dramatically video communications to
Space-1 satellite increase the pace at which battalion level units at-the-
• GPS-III the Army can prosecute halt. WIN-T Increment 2
• Completion of the largest combat operations and speed introduces numerous additional
GPS constellation realign- Looking to the future, Shelton the overall military decision capabilities and is a vital piece
ment in history, allowing said smaller satellites, making cycle.” of Capability Set 13 - the first
satellites to provide better simpler designs and fewer Using a division slice integrated group of network
coverage in urban canyons on-board systems will increase worth of WIN-T Increment 2 technologies out of the NIE
and mountainous regions constellation resiliency and configuration items, the WIN-T Agile Process that will be
Increment 2 Initial Operational fielded to Army brigade combat
Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) teams starting in FY 2013.
is held at White Sands Missile Since the WIN-T Increment
Range (WSMR), New Mexico, as 2 network is self-forming and
part of the Network Integration self-healing, it provides a new
Evaluation (NIE) 12.2. To truly level of flexibility to support
stress and test the system, changing mission requirements.
WIN-T Increment 2 nodes will It allows combat net radio and
also be spread across 2,000 data networks to be extended
miles of the United States and beyond-line-of-sight. An initial
involve more than 4,000 soldiers network operations capability
and civilians for the test. will also be fielded to facilitate
The three-week IOT&E the planning, initialization,
is the Army’s record test to monitoring, management
fully assess the suitability, and response of the network.
survivability and effectiveness Additionally, WIN-T Increment
of the WIN-T Increment 2 2’s “colorless core” will
equipment with an operational provide an enhanced level of
unit. It will provide the Army communications security.
8 MilsatMagazine — May 2012
Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) equipment
is pictured in preparation for the Army’s Network Integration
Evaluation 12.1 in November 2011. Second from left is a
WIN-T Increment 2 Tactical Communications Node (TCN).
(Photo courtesy: Claire Schwerin, U.S. Army)
The construct for the WIN-T proud to be part of such a
Increment 2 IOT&E will create fine organization.”
a robust, full-scale division and
brigade network for testing. Story by Kyle Bond
The 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored PEO C3T
Division (2/1 AD) at WSMR will
serve as the maneuver element,
while the 101st Airborne TacSat-3 Retires
Division at Fort Campbell,
Kentucky, serves as the division ATK has announced the
headquarters element. conclusion of the Tactical
Another component Satellite-3 (TacSat-3) mission.
of the IOT&E, the 1st The Air Force announced
Sustainment Brigade in Fort on April 30, 2012, that the
Riley, Kansas, will utilize satellite deorbited into and
Increment 1b and connect burned up in the Earth’s
into the Increment 2 network atmosphere nearly three years
to demonstrate and test the after its May 2009 launch.
interoperability between the TacSat-3 was designed for six
current and next-generation months of operation, with a
network. All three units will goal of one year. Not only did
reach back to the Network it outlive its design life, it also
Services Center—Training at surpassed its original mission
Fort Gordon, Georgia, which requirements and goals as an
will simulate the Regional Hub experimental spacecraft, and
Node (RHN) function in the was successfully transitioned
network. There are five RHNs to operational status in 2010.
strategically located around The satellite was removed
the world that use baseband from operational status and
and satellite communications transferred to the Space
capabilities to enable reach- and Missile Systems Center
back from Army units to the in February 2012. Once
Department of Defense Global transitioned, ATK provided the
Information Grid. Air Force Research Laboratory
“The WIN-T program’s with updated flight software, that
readiness to proceed into allowed the vehicle to conduct
the IOT&E is reflective on-orbit collection testing.
of incredible efforts, by TacSat-3’s mission revealed
many team members, on the capability to conduct
vehicle integration, testing, hyperspectral imaging to support
logistical planning and Soldier the needs of U.S. warfighters.
training,” Collins said. “I am
MilsatMagazine — May 2012 9
Dispatches
$1.8 million order from Spy Sat Support
a government systems
integrator for modems Astrium has signed a
with DoubleTalk® through life support
Carrier-in-Carrier® contract with the French
bandwidth compression. Defence Procurement
The U.S. military will use Agency (DGA Délégation
the modems in deployable Générale de l’Armement) to
terminals to support a satellite- continue to be responsible
based network expansion for for the ground segment
battlefield communications. maintenance (MCO) of the
The order specified the Helios 2 military optical
DMD2050 MIL-STD-188-165A reconnaissance system.
Compliant Universal Satellite The contract will run from
Modem. The DMD2050 this year through to 2018,
supports the widest possible continuing a support service
range of U.S. government that started in 2005 after the
and commercial standards. Helios 2A satellite initiated
It provides highly advanced operations. The contract will
and bandwidth-efficient also cover the successors
forward error correction to the Helios program: The
and a complete range of satellites that make up the
modulation types. Given the optical space component (CSO)
U.S. government’s IP-centric of the MUSIS multinational
focus, advanced options for space-based imaging system
the DMD2050 were included in and the associated ground
the order, including DoubleTalk component (SSU-CSO).
Carrier-in-Carrier bandwidth Ground segment
compression and Low Density maintenance is essential for
Parity Check (“LDPC”) forward a space observation system—
Artistic rendition of the TacSat-3 satellite. error correction.
DoubleTalk Carrier-in-
Carrier, based on Raytheon
“Tac-Sat-3 served America structure, and interfaces to the Applied Signal Technology’s
well. We were proud to be launch vehicle and payload. patented “Adaptive
part of the team that provided Built and designed in just 15 Cancellation” circuitry,
reconnaissance data from months, ATK’s spacecraft bus allows transmit and receive
space to warfighters in the field met the TacSat-3 program carriers of a duplex link to
and to intelligence analysts goals of being operationally share the same transponder
at home,” said Tom Wilson, responsive, low-cost and space. DoubleTalk Carrier-
vice president and general with expected performance. in-Carrier is complementary
manager, Space Systems The spacecraft also featured to all advances in modem
Division, ATK Aerospace first-generation modular technology, including advanced
Group. “Our innovative bus bus technology designed to forward error correction and
technology was a key factor provide flexibility for future modulation techniques. As
in successfully extending the small satellite missions. As a these technologies approach
TacSat-3 demonstration to rapid, affordable experimental theoretical limits of power
a longer-term operational mission, the specification and bandwidth efficiencies, Artistic rendition of the
mission. The mission enabled did not include a propulsion DoubleTalk Carrier-in- Helios-2 satellite.
us to apply and enhance our system to sustain long-term Carrier, uses advanced signal
flexible, modular bus platforms low-Earth orbit. processing techniques,
for future small satellite The TacSat-3 program provides a new dimension in alongside the satellites in orbit,
missions that included the was managed by the Air bandwidth efficiency. When the ground segment is at the
ORS-1 spacecraft.” Force Space Command with combined with LDPC, it will heart of the system as it is
The spacecraft is a pioneer collaboration from the Air provide unprecedented savings essential for programming,
of the emerging Operationally Force Research Laboratory in transponder bandwidth receiving, processing and
Responsive Space program, Space Vehicles Directorate and and power use for the U.S. distributing the images.
which was designed to meet the Army Space and Missile military. This will enable The MCO agreement covers
the growing need of U.S. forces Defense Command. successful deployments in both the maintenance, including
for flexible, affordable and bandwidth-limited and power- all necessary updates, of
responsive satellite systems. DoubleTalk Is What limited environments. the hardware and software
ATK, as the spacecraft Is Wanted resources spread across in six
bus prime contractor, provided countries (Germany, Belgium,
the complete bus system, Comtech Telecommunications Spain, France, Italy and
which included the onboard Corp. has announced that Greece) as well as support for
command and data handling its Tempe, Arizona-based operations.
system, electrical power subsidiary, Comtech EF Helios is a high-resolution
system, spacecraft bus primary Data Corp. received a The DMD2050 Modem military optical reconnaissance
10 MilsatMagazine — May 2012system that currently End-To-End Commercial CS2, also provides access to scale custom end-to-end
comprises two operational Satellite Solutions customer defined end-to-end solutions are planned for later
satellites (Helios 2A and Helios solutions that include satellite this quarter. More information,
2B), developed under Astrium As part of the Future bandwidth, teleport access, including links to the new
prime contractorship. Helios Commercial Satellite network management, CS2-SB contracts, is available
provides the programme’s Communications the equipment needed for at the GSA Satellite Services
partner countries with an (COMSATCOM) Services satellite communications, website: http://www.gsa.
autonomous situational Acquisition (FCSA), on and engineering support such gov/satellite
awareness capability. The February 17, 2012, the as integration, operations,
space-based system can U.S. General Services and maintenance. These
acquire images of any point Administration (GSA) awards expand the common
on the globe at any time, and and Defense Information marketplace for commercial Combat SkySat
even make repeated passes Systems Agency (DISA) satellite communications
over the same target area announced the award services under FCSA, adding Marines strained their
without risk of detection. of the Custom Satellite custom end-to-end solutions to necks as they looked up
Helios 2 is a military Communications Solutions’ the currently available offerings toward the sky at what
optical reconnaissance Small Business (CS2- in transponded capacity could only be described as
programme developed by SB) contract to four (bandwidth), and pre-defined a giant balloon flying above
France in cooperation with four small businesses. subscription services. Camp Delmar, March 29th.
other European Union member CS2-SB is the first of two CS2-SB awardees are: AIS Marines from the
states (Belgium, Spain, Italy sets of Indefinite Delivery/ Engineering, Inc.; By Light, 15th Marine Expeditionary
and Greece). The images it Indefinite Quantity (ID/ Professional IT Services, Inc.; Unit trained with a new
captures provide valuable IQ) contracts for customized Knight Sky Consulting and communications system that
information for high-level state end-to-end satellite solutions. Associates, LLC; and UltiSat, Inc. expands the capabilities of the
authorities and forces deployed The CS2-SB contract holders The CS2-SB contracts Marine Air Ground Task Force.
in operational theatre. The can compete for task have a five-year contract The system is called
most recent Helios satellite, orders that consist solely of period (three-year base with Combat SkySat and is used
Helios 2B, was launched in satellite professional support two one-year options) and a to retransmit information to
December 2009 via an Ariane services such as analysis ceiling of $900 million. Awards extend the range of ultra high
5, was also developed under and testing. CS2-SB, along for the companion CS2 full frequency communications.
Astrium prime contractorship. with the future award of and open contracts for large The SkySat uses a helium
MilsatMagazine — May 2012 11Dispatches
balloon with a hanging allows communication between
antenna to relay UHF signals. personnel, are the lifeline of
Flying at an altitude between this high-tech equipment.
55,000 and 85,000 feet in The main benefit of
the Earth’s stratosphere, the using the SkySat is that
balloon increases the range of it uses UHF line of sight
communication to 600 miles instead of UHF satellite
in diameter. communications, which the
The system is built by military helicopters cannot
Space Data Corporation and receive. This allows Marines
is billed as a ‘float and forget’ on the ground to speak
retransmission system. The directly with pilots during
balloon has a communications operations and exercises
payload attached to it containing without having to retransmit
a global positioning system, through a middle man.
radios and antennas. Two The launch control station
separate radios, one that allows the operator to ‘drive’
controls the height and one that the balloon. Using helium
Pyisone Win, project manager, Space Data Corporation, and Sgt.
Emmanuel T. Martinez, radio supervisor, Command Element,
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare the Combat SkySat
communication system at Camp Pendleton, California, March 29,
before allowing the helium balloon to float to Earth’s stratosphere.
The SkySat system is used to retransmit UHF signals to increases the
range of communication up to 600 miles in diameter and expands the
capabilities of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
or hydrogen to inflate the Command Element, 15th MEU.
balloon and an internal ballast The battery life for the system
system (about five pounds of is about eight to 10 hours and
sand), the operator can make the system can be launched
elevation adjustments as in winds up to 45 knots, said
necessary. If the balloon needs Ginn. Depending on wind
to be higher, the operator can speed, the system can easily
unload some of the sand to cover hundreds of miles before
make the system lighter. If it dies.
elevation needs to be lower, “The communications used
the operator can release by Marines have launched three
some of the gas through the balloons this week,” said Ginn.
venting system, which drops “One landed at Twentynine Palms.
the balloon. There are no fans Without the use of the
to assist in directional change, SkySat, the MEU uses a
that’s up to the wind currents. tactical satellite system that
Communications Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary “The 15th MEU is adopting requires a middleman on
Unit, release the Combat SkySat communication system at Camp the system in response to solid ground to deploy an
Pendleton, California. Photo by Lance Cpl. Timothy Childers. the 26th MEU’s successful antenna and relay UHF signals
use of it in Libya, Afghanistan via satellite. Because of the
and Pakistan,” said Capt. unit’s expeditionary nature,
Michael E. Ginn, assistant the new SkySat system will
communications officer, match the capabilities required
12 MilsatMagazine — May 2012to communicate between SNAP is a valuable asset for “Our detachments career fields, yet are highly
all elements of the MAGTF maintaining communications with typically deploy to an area capable. “They have never
and eliminate the need for a outlying Seabee detachments. for several months to work seen a SNAP terminal before
middleman,” explained Ginn. “It allows for secure data and on construction projects,” and within two weeks of boots-
With the SkySat, Bullrush voice communications over Schechter added. “Constant on-ground here they are ready
will be more capable than ever long distances, allowing us to communication is key to to go downrange,” he said.
as it continues training for its communicate with them as if supporting their mission.” “When downrange, the
upcoming deployment. they were in an office next door,” U.S. Air Force Master technicians spend an average
Schechter said. “The ability to Sgt. Pete Thomann, TACNET of four months in different
Story by Gunnery Sgt. instantly contact someone on non-commissioned officer countries in CJTF-HOA’s area
Jennifer Antoine the network when they are in in charge and a St. Louis, of operation, facilitating
the middle of a remote area is Missouri, native, said most communications for civil
extremely convenient.” technicians arrive from multiple affairs teams as well as U.S.
Constant Communications
Are Ensured
Far from Camp Lemonnier,
Djibouti, U.S. service
members stationed in
austere conditions in forward
operating areas around
Africa have regular access
to communications, thanks
to the Tactical Networking
team of the Combined Joint
Task Force—Horn of Africa’s
communications directorate.
CJTF-HOA’s TACNET allows
troops the ability to exchange
messages in a protected medium
that enables them to carry out
missions all over East Africa.
TACNET technicians
maintain two types of satellite
global communications routers,
secure and unsecured Internet
protocol types called “SIPR” and
“NIPR,” both a necessity that
service members rely on to meet
their daily mission requirements.
“TACNET’s mission here
is to create down-range
communications for U.S. troops
in the Horn of Africa,” said
TACNET technician Senior Airman
Robert Morrison of Middletown,
Connecticut. “The SIPR/NIPR
Access Point Satellite, or SNAP
terminal, allows for mobile use
for computers and phones by
U.S. personnel in their area
of operation, anywhere in the
world” Morrison said.
“Without SNAP terminals,
personnel cannot access
their computer accounts and
would need to rely on radio
communications instead of
phones. Wherever the troops
are, they have access to the
systems they need,” he added,
as SNAP terminals are at all
forward operating bases from
Africa to Afghanistan.
TACNET client U.S. Navy
Lt. Jason Schechter, Naval
Mobile Construction Battalion 3
assistant officer in charge, said
MilsatMagazine — May 2012 13Dispatches
MIRI Instrument Finished Space. The instrument has
After Ten+ Years Of Work been subjected to exhaustive
mechanical and thermal testing
After more than 10 years at the same facility to make
of work by more than 200 sure it can not only survive the
engineers, the Mid InfraRed rigors of a journey into space,
Instrument (MIRI), a but also remain operational for
camera so sensitive it the life of the mission.
could see a candle on one MIRI will allow astronomers
of Jupiter’s moons, has to explore the formation of
been declared ready for planets around distant stars
delivery by the European and could even pave the way
Space Agency and NASA. for investigations into the
The MIRI Optical System, habitability of other planetary
an instrument for the James systems. MIRI offers a
Webb Space Telescope (JWST), sensitivity and resolution many
will eventually take up a times greater than any other
position four times further mid-IR instrument in existence
away from the Earth than the today or for the foreseeable
Tactical Networking technicians from the Combined Joint Task Moon. It will now be shipped future. It will be able to
Force - Horn of Africa’s communications directorate assemble to NASA’s Goddard Space penetrate the dust obscuring
an access point satellite terminal here April 19. These terminals, Flight Center where it will be distant objects, allowing for
operated by the TACNET section, provides U.S. troops a secure integrated with the other three smaller and fainter objects than
medium for communications in support of CJTF-HOA missions. instruments and the telescope. have ever been detected to
Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Caya MIRI is the first of the be mapped in unprecedented
four instruments on board of detail. Its wavelength of 5 to
Navy construction battalions,” a challenge for us but is very the JWST to be completed. 28 microns brings a unique
said Thomann. important,” said U.S. Army Capt. The handover ceremony scientific capability among the
“Within 30 minutes we Charles Varner, CAT 4905 team between the European Space other instruments on the James
can set up phone and Internet leader. “East Africa is a dynamic Agency (ESA) and NASA at Webb Space Telescope. These
access at any forward operating region and we need to be able the Institute of Engineering wavelengths bring additional
location,” said TACNET to send and receive important and Technology in London technical challenges due to
technician U.S. Air Force Senior updates in a secure manner.” is the culmination of a long the extremely low operating
Airman Christopher Wood of Communication is essential term collaboration effort temperatures necessary
Indianapolis, Indiana. for any organization to function, from teams across both (-266.5ºc). Unlike the other
U.S. Army Civil Affairs said Thomann. “Nobody continents. The U.K. guided JWST instruments, MIRI will be
Team 4905, another TACNET realizes the importance of the development work by cooled by a dedicated cooler
client supporting CJTF-HOA, communication until it is gone.” these teams, in addition to provided by JPL.
operates in Ethiopia and is in employing U.K. technologies Facilities at STFC’s
constant contact with command Story by in the construction of key Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
leadership. “Communication is Staff Sgt. Andrew Caya components and carrying out had to be specially designed
the assembly, integration, to simulate the environment
testing and ground calibration the instrument will experience
at the Science and Technology in space and account for
Facility Council’s (STFC) RAL it’s extremely low operating
Senior Airman Robert Morrison of Middletown, Connecticut,
constructs a SIPR NIPR Access Point Terminal Satellite during
training on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 19. Morrison, a
Tactical Network specialist in the communications squadron, is
one of a few Airmen who maintains SNAP Terminals which ensures MIRI during ambient temperature alignment testing at the Science
communication between different units around the Horn of Africa. and Technology Facilities Council’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, in
Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Caya the U.K. Image credits: STFC / Stephen Kill
14 MilsatMagazine — May 2012temperatures. The instrument A satellite manufacturer Liberty has a robust and Lockheed Martin is
was assembled from major has already opted to use sustainable business case providing crew interface
sub-systems that had already Moog’s new potentiometer and that will create and sustain systems design, subsystem
been built-up and thoroughly actuators on a communications thousands of jobs across selection, assembly,
tested in the partner institutes. satellite scheduled for launch the United States including integration and mission
The RAL test chamber in early 2014. Moog is also Alabama, California, Colorado, operations support for the
was then used to test the developing a range of sizes for Florida, Maryland, New Liberty spacecraft.
performance of all the scien- its QuieSense potentiometer York, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Liberty has been developed
tific operating modes of the to enable satellite makers Virginia. Its low remaining under a CCDEV-2 unfunded
instrument and obtain critical to easily replace traditional development cost accelerates Space Act Agreement (SAA)
calibration observations. Such potentiometers found on an the time to market, filling with the NASA Commercial
rigorous testing promotes array of actuators now used for NASA’s requirements, and program office. The next major
confidence in the science it spaceflight. provides a quicker return on milestone is a structural test
will do when the mission is investment to outside entities. of the second stage tank, to
launched, which is scheduled Liberty’s performance of be conducted at Astrium in
for 2018. Liberty Is At Hand 44,500 pounds to low-Earth June. Additional subcontractors
orbit enables the system to for Liberty include Safran/
ATK has developed Liberty launch both crew and cargo Snecma, which provides the
All About Actuator Accuracy into a complete commercial and also serve non-crewed Vulcain 2 engine; Safran/
crew transportation markets including ISS cargo up Labinal out of Salisbury, Mary-
Moog Space and Defense system, including the and down mass, commercial land, which provides second
Group, part of Moog spacecraft, abort system, space station servicing, U.S. stage wiring; L-3 Communica-
Inc. has engineered launch vehicle, and ground government satellite launch, tions Cincinnati Electronics
a new, noise-free and mission operations, and future endeavors. (L3-CE), which provides first
potentiometer called designed from inception The Liberty spacecraft stage, abort and telemetry
QuieSense™ to enhance to meet NASA’s human- includes a composite crew system avionics, as well as
the reliability of actuators rating requirements with a module, which ATK built at its second stage telemetry and
used with satellites. potential for the first test Iuka, Mississippi, facility as abort system integration prior to
The newly designed flight in 2014 and Liberty part of a NASA risk-reduction launch at KSC; and Moog Inc.,
Moog potentiometers provide crewed flight in 2015. program at Langley between which provides thrust vector
feedback on the position of The company also 2007 and 2010. As prime control and propulsion control.
solar array drives and antenna- announced Lockheed Martin will contractor, ATK is responsible for
pointing mechanisms. Moog provide support to the ATK and the composite crew module, Max
hopes satellite design engineers Astrium Liberty team as a major Launch Abort System (MLAS),
will replace traditional subcontractor on the project. first stage, system integration
potentiometers with Moog’s Liberty’s test flights are and ground and mission
QuieSense technology to expected to begin in 2014, with operations, while Astrium
extend the reliability and a crewed mission anticipated provides the second stage
performance of actuators used in late 2015. The current powered by the Vulcain 2 engine
on satellites. If a satellite is schedule will support crewed and Lockheed Martin provides
trying to determine the position missions for NASA and other subsystems and other support.
of, say, its solar array and potential customers by 2016,
there is drop-out noise, then with a price-per-seat that is
technicians may think the solar projected to be lower than
array is pointing in a direction the cost on the Russian Soyuz
that it is not. Moog has solved rocket. Liberty’s approach
this problem by engineering its is to bring together flight-
new potentiometer to include proven elements designed
a rolling motion between the from inception to meet NASA’s
conductor and resistor. Using human-rating requirement,
membrane potentiometer reducing development time and
technology, not unlike the kind costs, and providing known,
used with iPod controls, Moog’s reliable and safe systems. The
engineers sourced materials simple configuration of a solid
that could compensate for first stage and liquid second
conditions such as ambient stage lowers the likelihood of
pressure and vacuum. Through failure and enables a flight
rigorous testing, Moog qualified path with total abort coverage,
that the materials for its maximizing survival for the
new potentiometer met the crew in the unlikely event of an
requirements of spaceflight. anomaly requiring an abort.
The new Liberty launch vehicle will use existing infrastructure at
Kennedy Space Center. Illustration is courtesy of ATK
MilsatMagazine — May 2012 15Downlink
The Space Fence Is Vital For Military Communications
by Ben Ryan, President, Tourmaline Properties, former U.S. Navy Seal Officer
T
he president’s budget proposal for 2013 includes steep cuts in
federal military spending. Requested military appropriations
are about $32 billion less than this year’s total. Meanwhile,
defense officials recently unveiled a plan to cut projected
department spending by $260 billion over the next five years.
There’s certainly a need for federal That might not sound like much, but The United States does have a space
fiscal reform. However, amid this belt- when extended to more than 100 missions, surveillance system in operation. But it
tightening, genuinely vital military the risk of disaster hits a disturbingly high has limited capacity and capability, with
programs shouldn’t get the axe. There are 33 percent. several systems nearing their end-of-life.
important new weapons and intelligence Earth’s orbit has become so crowded Starting in 2009, defense officials have
systems in development that hold the that NASA projects space debris collisions been working with private contractors to
promise of radically improving our fighting will occur at least once every four to five build a replacement system. Development
capabilities and that will assist in making years. Recently there have been some has gone smoothly. The new Space Fence
the world a safer place. very close calls. is set to achieve initial operating capability
Chief among these programs is Over the span of just a couple weeks no later than 2017.
the Air Force Space Fence Program. last summer, orbital junk headed for the This project is expected to increase the
This program must stay funded and on International Space Station (ISS) and number of objects tracked every day from
schedule for development. was expected to pass so close that the six 20,000 currently to around 200,000. The
The Space Fence uses a system of astronauts aboard had to take emergency system will be powerful enough to detect
radars to detect and track space debris shelter in Russian space capsules. In one objects that are just four inches long, peer
in, primarily, low Earth orbit (LEO)— instance, the debris zoomed past the ISS even deeper into space, and employ state-
around 700 to 3,000 kilometers above the less than 900 feet away. of-the-art algorithms to better project the
planet’s surface, where the majority of If a commercial satellite gets destroyed paths of potentially dangerous debris.
space debris is located. Space Fence also or compromised by colliding with space Federal budget officials have targeted
provides capability beyond LEO to support debris, the daily lives of tens of millions the military for deep cuts over the next few
the cataloging of satellites and debris of Americans could certainly become years. It’s vital that during this push, the
with other space-based sensors. This disrupted. Think of all the devices used Space Fence program remains unscathed.
information is used by the military and that depend on signals from satellites in The Space Fence needs to be well-funded
commercial satellites to adjust their orbits orbit around the Earth—the GPS systems, and remain on schedule. This technology
in the event they’re headed for a collision. iPhones, even car radios. These devices represents a major upgrade over existing
Space debris might sound like a worry will cease to function if their associated programs and will help to ensure the
better suited for science fiction—it’s not. satellites are seriously damaged. safety of our soldiers on the battlefield.
Official estimates place the number of More importantly, American military
objects in Earth’s orbit in the millions, with operations routinely rely on satellite About the author
at least 500,000 pieces that are more than technology to gain the upper hand in Ben Ryan is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer
half-an-inch in length. Defunct satellites, combat. Soldiers use satellite radios to who earned his BA in Biology from Yale and an
spent rocket boosters, as well as nuts and communicate information that is critical to MBA from Harvard Business School. As head of
bolts from old spacecraft now orbit the the success of missions and to their safety Strategic Initiatives at Triple Canopy, a private
Earth. As the number of countries with and survival. In today’s world, in which security firm with extensive operations in Iraq and
space programs has increased, so has the we rely increasingly on special operations the Middle East, he planned and developed a large
amount of debris. forces working in smaller numbers and secure housing compound in Baghdad. Today,
Back in 2009, a satellite owned by at greater distances from supporting he is President of Tourmaline Properties and
communications firm Iridium collided forces, dependable communications are Tourmaline Construction in San Diego, California.
with a Russian satellite. Both satellites paramount. If a satellite goes down
splintered into thousands of pieces of new from an unintended (or intended) space
space junk. collision, service members can get killed.
This debris is whipping around the
Earth at up to 17,500 miles per hour.
At that speed, even a small object can
do serious damage to satellites or space
stations. NASA predicts that space vehicles
now face a roughly a 1-in-250 chance of a
catastrophic collision with debris.
16 MilsatMagazine — May 2012About The Space Fence and the final site providing full capability • Data Integration. The ability to
The U.S. Air Force Materiel Command’s by 2020. correlate and integrate multisource
Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom To fit this program into its larger data into a single common opera-
Air Force Base in Massachusetts leads context, the U.S. GAO characterized four tional picture and enable dynamic
the procurement for the USA’s Space facets of space situational awareness decision making.
Fence, which is intended to improve space (SSA), an umbrella term that includes,
situational awareness as legacy systems in but is not limited to, tracking space debris: • Out of Scope for Space Fence.
the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) The USA’s pending Joint Space
are retired. With a total anticipated value • Detect, Track, and Identify. The Operations Center Mission
of around $6.1 billion over its lifetime, ability to discover, track, and System (JMS) will play a large
Space Fence will deliver a system of 2-3 differentiate among space objects. role here, and must be ready, or
geographically dispersed ground-based Space Fence will anchor this facet, the amount of data generated by
radars to provide timely assessment of but it won’t be the only asset used the new radars will exceed the
space objects, events, and debris. Failure for this purpose system’s capacity
is not an option…
• Threat Warning and Assessment. The Pentagon expects about 66 percent of
The Space Fence procurement is broken The ability to predict and differ- their $3.3 billion SSA investment to buy
down into the following phases: entiate among potential or actual new sensors, about 21 percent on JMS for
attacks, space weather environ- data integration, and the other 13 percent
• Phase A ment effects, and space system on extending the lives of current sensors,
anomalies. Space Fence may be and other SSA-related programs.
• Preliminary Design Review able to help with this task, but in a At an estimated program cost of $6.1
secondary way billion over its lifetime, Space Fence will
• System Development be the USAF’s largest single investment
• Intelligence Characterization. The in SSA sensors. It will serve alongside
• Deployment ability to determine performance new systems like the SSBS satellite,
and characteristics of current and the pending ground-based RAIDRS
• Follow-on support future foreign space and counter- electromagnetic interference detection
space system capabilities, as well system, and DARPA’s pending ground-
System development is scheduled to begin as foreign adversary intentions. based Space Surveillance Telescope.
in June of 2012, with the first Space Fence Better monitoring of space may All are designed to boost the existing
radar site providing initial operational help with intelligence collection, but Space Surveillance Network, which
capability by the end of fiscal year 2015, in a tertiary way includes 29 ground-based Department
MilsatMagazine — May 2012 17You can also read
