MILSATMAGAZINE NEXT GENERATION SPACE DEFENSE
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Next Generation Space Defense
MilsatMagazine
January 2023
Cover image is courtesy of
Intelsat General Corporation
Publishing Operations Table of Contents Advertisers
Silvano Payne, Publisher + Executive Writer Dispatches: Raytheon I&S.........................................................................4 Advantech Wireless Technologies.......3
Simon Payne, Chief Technical Officer Future Look: Fairwinds Technologies .......................................................5
AvL Technologies...............................11
Hartley G. Lesser, Editorial Director Future Look: Intelsat................................................................................6
Pattie Lesser, Executive Editor Dispatches: CACI.......................................................................................6 Bartington Instruments......................9
Donald McGee, Production Manager
Dispatches: Space Systems Command......................................................7
Teresa Sanderson, Operations Director
CPI SATCOM Products..........................7
Dispatches: Norway + Netherlands...........................................................8
Sean Payne, Business Development Manager
Dan Makinster, Technical Advisor Future Look: Hughes.................................................................................9
EM Solutions.......................................5
Chris Forrester, Senior Columnist Demystifying Complex Comms................................................................ 10
Author: Macy W. Summers
This issue’s authors... SmallSat Symposium........................20
Government Satellite Report: General Dickinson Examines The Path....... 14
Rick Lober To U.S. Space Superiority
Author: David Pesgraves
Space Symposium 2023.................... 13
Dave Micah
Dispatches: Innoflight............................................................................ 16
David Pesgraves
Dispatches: Euroconsult......................................................................... 17 XipLink............................................... 1
Lt. Col. Jonathan Shea
Space Test Program (STP) Enables Space Technical Enhancement.......... 18
James Sprungle Author: Lt. Col. Jonathan Shea
Macy W. Summers
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MilsatMagazine Page 2 January 2023
Dispatches
Raytheon Intelligence & Space’s contract with U.S. Space Force
for missile track custody system
Raytheon Intelligence & Ground Evolution Mission Raytheon Intelligence & Persistent Infrared mission
Space has been awarded Data Processing Application Space’s mission payload, which area. “Lockheed Martin
a prime contract to Framework (FORGE MDPAF). passed critical design review will leverage a full suite of
develop a prototype in November of 2022, will be digital engineering tools to
Missile Track Custody Raytheon’s FORGE MDPAF is integrated onto the LM400 produce satellites that are
(MTC) system for the U.S. a ground system framework satellite bus that includes dramatically more responsive
Space Force. MTC is the that collects and processes SmartSat,™ software-defined and flexible, at a fraction of
service’s first Medium data from satellites, including satellite capabilities that the cost and delivery time for
Earth Orbit (MEO) missile Overhead Persistent Infrared allow it to adapt to changing our customers.”
tracking system. (OPIR) space vehicle data mission needs and deploy new
from Space Force’s Space- capabilities to stay ahead of The team plans to complete
Under this contract, Raytheon Based Infrared System evolving threats. a system critical design
Intelligence & Space will serve as (SBIRS) constellation and review in 2023, followed by
the prime contractor, developing the future Next-Generation “Lockheed Martin is excited a build, integration, and test
and delivering a space vehicle, OPIR constellation. to provide our mid-sized, campaign to deliver capability
hosting a state-of-the-art missile rapidly-producible LM400 to orbit by 2026.
tracking mission payload and “This is an advanced solution bus to Raytheon, supporting
ground-based command to counter emerging missile our customer’s mission to Work for this program will
and control and mission-data threats facing our country,” said deliver initial warfighting be executed in El Segundo,
processing elements. Roger Cole, executive director, capability with Missile Track California, and Aurora, Colorado.
Strategic Systems programs, Custody Epoch 1,” said Mike
This system was developed Raytheon Intelligence & Space. Corriea, vice president,
using model-based systems “From its MEO perch, our Lockheed Martin’s Overhead
engineering that significantly system will enable Space Force
increased the speed of to accurately detect and track
development, all the while adversarial hypersonic weapons
reducing cost. with precision accuracy.”
The company will also deliver Lockheed Martin is providing
the command and control (C&C) its mid-sized LM 400 bus to
and real-time mission-data host a Raytheon IR sensor
processing elements for MTC. payload for this U.S. Space
Force mission. The rapidly
The ground system will use the producible LM 400 supports Lockheed Martin is providing its mid-sized LM 400 bus
Future Operationally Resilient the mission to accelerate a U.S. to host a Raytheon IR sensor payload for the U.S. Space
layered missile defense system. Force’s first missile tracking capability at MEO.
MilsatMagazine Page 4 January 2023
Fairwinds Technologies has grown significantly since the
firm’s founding in 2016 and the expectation is that the
company’s size, sales and offerings will to continue to
increase into 2023, with projected revenue growth more
than 55%.
In 2022, Fairwinds was awarded its first program of record — an
integration contract — and we expect additional contracts in 2023.
In addition, Fairwinds Technologies anticipates large satellite
equipment deals in the new year, solicited via the company’s
GTACS II and NASA SEWP prime contracts.
We also predict significant growth for our professional services
business with several opportunities now tracking. March will note
the launch of our first product, a significant advancement in the
area of ground technology, developed in-house. Global Link is a
multi-modem, antenna management system that allows the warfighter
to route any modem to any antenna, as well as quickly add or change Further, Global Link enables multiple, simultaneous frequencies and
modems and antennas. connections over LEO, MEO and GEO satellites. In the year ahead,
Fairwinds foresees the award of R&D contracts, enabling us to go to
market with even more revolutionary products.
Author James Sprungle leads the team at Fairwinds
Technologies as Chief Executive Officer. As one of the
founding members of the company, Jim previously
led all sales and business development efforts and
was instrumental in directing company strategy.
Prior to Fairwinds, Jim was a Senior Vice President at
TeleCommunication Systems (TCS). Jim is a graduate
of the United States Naval Academy and has an MBA
from Loyola University.
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MilsatMagazine Page 5 January 2023
Governments and their militaries are experimenting with no single point of failure,
more and moving faster to stay ahead of adversaries better performance, and lower
and rapidly shifting geopolitical changes. cost per Megabyte.
For example, the U.S. defense agencies, such as the Defense As the importance of space-
Innovation Unit, Air Force Research Laboratory, and the United based communications
States Space Force, are accelerating the testing and procurement for military applications
of advanced technology that gives warfighters an edge. continues to grow, it is vital to
implement security measures
At Intelsat, we believe in collaborations and that satellite to counter threats to critical
connectivity can no longer function on networks operating on space infrastructure from adversaries, space debris, solar storms,
bespoke hardware or standards — only integrated systems can and weather events.
keep up with the rapid pace of change.
Interoperability can provide seamless transitions between the In the coming decades, multi-layer satellite-based satellite
multiple layers of connectivity, networks, and terminals and is the communications systems will continuously adapt to enhance military
future of meeting demand needs. communications for mission success.
Intelsat and our partners are building a unified network to We believe we can achieve this through our next-generation unified
seamlessly extend global telecoms and cloud infrastructure network, which is a step-change transformation in the delivery of
capabilities that enable easy-to-deploy managed services across satellite connectivity.
satellite and ground technologies, embracing various open
standards and architectures. Author Dave Micha is the President of
Intelsat General Communications.
We are moving to all-domain resilient communications that are
multi-layer, multi-orbit, and multi-band, using RF and 5G, for
example, to create combined/blended, surge-capable bandwidth
Dispatches
A $2.25 billion win Work will be performed
for CACI in all 50 states,
Washington, D.C., and
CACI International Inc. all commonwealths and
(NYSE: CACI) has been U.S. Trust Territories.
awarded the Defense
Counterintelligence and CACI’s approximately
Security Agency (DCSA) 22,000 talented
Background Investigation employees are vigilant
Fieldwork Services in providing the
Contract, a five-year single- unique expertise and
award indefinite delivery/ distinctive technology
indefinite quantity contract that address our
valued at $2.25 billion, customers’ greatest
to provide background enterprise and mission
investigation capabilities challenges. The
to the DCSA. company’s culture
of good character,
CACI has a long-standing innovation, and
partnership with the DCSA excellence drives the
and has supported national firm’s success and earns
security by performing CACI recognition as a
security clearance background Fortune World’s Most
investigations for three Under this enterprise investigations to DCSA. Admired Company.
previous, consecutive iterations technology contract, Our tenured background
of the contract. more than 1,000 of CACI’s investigators are the first www.caci.com
background investigators line of defense in identifying
DCSA is currently responsible will conduct these initial threats to our national security
for conducting more than investigations and periodic re- and preventing infiltration
two million background investigations nationwide. of our government facilities.
investigations per year on CACI’s support is crucial to
civilian and military applicants John Mengucci, CACI securing the trustworthiness
and Federal employees or President and Chief Executive and integrity of the U.S.
employees of Government Officer, said, “CACI brings more Government’s workforce.”
contractors and consultants to than 17 years of experience
Federal programs. in conducting background
MilsatMagazine Page 6 January 2023
Dispatches
Space Systems Command’s EWS tech demo
smallsat launched by SpaceX
Space Systems Command General Atomics
successfully launched the Electromagnetic Systems
organization’s Electro- Group will deliver the second
Optical/Infrared (EO/ prototype by 2025.
IR) Weather Systems
(EWS) cubesat technical
demonstration onboard
the SpaceX Transporter-6
mission at 9:56 a.m.
(Eastern, 6:56 a.m. Pacific)
from Cape Canaveral Space
Force Station, Florida on
January 3, 2023.
This one-year EWS cubesat tech This launch satisfies the
demo will prove out emerging, FY20 National Defense
space-based, EO/IR radiometric Authorization Act (NDAA)
imaging technology, using a Congressional mandate
smaller sensor to provide timely to launch a weather EO/IR
weather imagery data from LEO. pathfinder prototype by FY23.
In February of 2002, the The program expects the first
EWS program competitively transmittal of data early in 2023.
selected two vendors to
develop and launch two “The EWS cubesat technical
separate, sensor prototypes. demonstration effort represents
SSC’s continued commitment
Orion Space Solutions, a to working with non-traditional
non-traditional government partners to broaden the
contractor, delivered the competitive industrial base. If
cubesat for this demonstration. successful, this will provide an
innovative option to deliver
Space-Based Environmental
Monitoring data to the
warfighter at an operationally
relevant speed,” said Lt. Col.
Joe Maguadog, EWS Materiel
Leader and Program Manager.
“This demonstration will inform
our transition toward a more
affordable, scalable, and resilient
EO/IR weather constellation.”
MilsatMagazine Page 7 January 2023
Dispatches
Norwegian-Dutch MilSpace2 smallsats successfully launched
Two Norwegian-Dutch The defence organization is are elements of the bilateral
smallsats were successfully very dependent on satellites for agreement between the
launched on January 3, navigation and communication ministries of defence of the
2023 — Birkeland and systems, among other needs. Netherlands and Norway.
Huygens were placed into
orbit by SpaceX via the This is the second time that The project team that is
Transporter-6 mission. the Netherlands Ministry of acting on behalf of the two
Defence has launched satellites ministries consists of the
MilSpace2 is a cooperation and is, therefore, implementing Norwegian Defence Research
project between the Defence Vision 2035. Establishment (FFI), the Royal
Netherlands Ministry of Netherlands Aerospace Centre
Defence, the Norwegian The satellites, each of which (NLR) and the Netherlands
Ministry of Defence, is not much larger than six, Organisation for Applied
the Norwegian Defence one-liter cartons of milk, each Scientific Research (TNO).
Research Establishment measuring approximately
(FFI), the Netherlands 30x20x10 cm, are named after
Aerospace Center (NLR) Norwegian physicist Kristian
and the Netherlands Olaf Birkeland and the Dutch
Organisation for Applied astronomer, Christiaan Huygens.
Scientific Research (TNO).
Strategic mutual assistance
Defence Vision 2035 states in research and technology
that space has become a crucial (SMART), military use of space
link in the information-driven (MilSpace) and cooperation
operations of the armed forces. in science and technology
MilsatMagazine Page 8 December 2022
In 2023, we will see more Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite Many companies are looking for the satellite industry’s Holy Grail:
implementations as these constellations come online and a single antenna that can connect simultaneously with multiple
begin delivering bandwidth for low-latency applications. satellites in different orbital planes. While the antenna problem
may not be solved in 2023, steps have been taken by the DoD to
We’ll get a better sense of how the new LEO constellations can be develop a contracting method that makes it easy for the DoD to
integrated with existing military networks, such as the Protected Tactical use LEO satellite capacity.
Enterprise Service running on the DoD’s WGS constellation. We
will also see more announcements of plans to launch 5G-ready The best solution will be a managed service model that defines
constellations that can connect with 5G cellphones on the ground. the amount of data, location of use, duration of use and quality of
service necessary for the application. With this approach, the DoD
Since 2018, Hughes has been working with Boeing on the U.S. can save the cost and complexity of setting up their own systems
Air Force’s Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) (as they do with GEO) while accessing the reach, resiliency, low
to demonstrate anti-jam SATCOM capability. This past year, we latency, and security of LEO systems.
showed that PTES will enable secure operations over the military’s
WGS constellation and in the future, the processed PTS satellites. For the DoD to fully embrace the capabilities of the LEO
constellations, the commercial operators will need enough
The next challenge will be that similar results can be achieved if experience and enough satellites to confidently promise the
the military were to integrate commercial GEO satellites into its high quality of service expected by the military Delivering
networks and possibly run DoD-specific waveforms similar to this “best efforts” service is not good enough. LEO satellite
on MEO and LEO satellites. In 2023, we could also take further technology is evolving quickly and can be combined with
steps toward having 5G connections in space. This would require ground and other satellite resources into hybrid networks with
a constellation of interconnected satellites built with 5G capability, capabilities never before available.
essentially cellphone towers in the sky.
The challenge will be delivering the capacity and
When 5G is finally available, it could finally help solve the DoD’s network management techniques in in a way that
problem of having so many ground terminals incompatible with one fits smoothly into the DoD existing networks and
another. A ruggedized 5G cellphone would be a simple solution existing procurement procedures.
to solving the problem and could be an adjunct to the current
3G-based MUOS system. Author Rick Lober is the vice president and general
manager of the Defense & Intelligence Systems
We will also start seeing more stand-alone ground networks using 5G Division at Hughes.
technology—such as the stand-alone, 5G network Hughes has deployed
at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Washington state to support
flightline operations, aircraft maintenance and flight traffic management.
MilsatMagazine Page 9 December 2022
Demystifying
Complex Comms
The impetus behind
delivering battlefield
intelligence
Author: Macy W. Summers,
President and
Chief Executive Officer,
Blu Wireless Technology Inc.
Effective battlefield intelligence, Partnering this year with the Department and difficult to share data directly between
with the ability to share data of Defense Office of the Under Secretary domains such as air and navy?
between a country’s military of Defense for Research and Engineering
services is vital for truly effective, on an investment of $12 million, the NSF Too often, technology and networks
tactical communications. selected 16 multidisciplinary teams for are used within forces that were initially
the Convergence Accelerator program developed for low level data, meaning that
This is not just about a country’s own 2022 cohort for the research topic — the available technology and bandwidth
services, but also interoperability with Track: Securely Operating Through 5G is no longer right for huge data usage
partner or coalition nations in order to Infrastructure. involving video, high-definition sensor
enable critical operational data to be data and mega-pixel imagery. Such legacy
shared across Command and Control (C2) This builds on the Department of Defense systems and siloed ways of working
structures from those in the field as well (DoD)’s 5G initiative to assess and mitigate pose complex challenges when ensuring
as those in fixed, C2 facilities. 5G vulnerabilities, inform 5G standards overwhelming military advantage with near-
and policies through rigorous research as peer adversaries.
While this has long been the well as promote technology development
requirement, we are now seeing military to advance communications for the U.S. The DoD, through the agency’s Joint All-
forces starting to bring 5G capabilities military and Federal Government. Domain Command and Control (JADC2)
into the tactical environment — indeed, initiative is also working to overcome such
this is seen as so crucial that the U.S. Old Problems, New Tricks? challenges. JADC2 aims to produce a more
National Science Foundation is resilient communications network that will
accelerating 5G solutions to assist the Is this a new dawn, or something we’ve ensure a quicker response to threats.
U.S. Government (USG) and critical seen before, where different technologies
infrastructure operators to communicate and systems for sharing information have JADC2 also looks to ensure a co-ordinated
securely, anywhere and at anytime. been developed with the specific needs of approach that will allow data-sharing across
each service, making them incompatible military services, enabling parity of access
to information and reliable communications
across command-and-control structures.
MilsatMagazine Page 10 January 2023In a regional conflict, the bandwidth 5G Private Networks solutions are available
and power of the small number of LEO today in several industrial and public
satellites overhead could be easily applications — but how applicable are they
overwhelmed or, at the very least, be to military use?
limited to high priority communications.
First of all, private wireless gigabit
Is there another option? Terrestrial IEEE 5G networks differ greatly from 5G wireless
mmWave networks are proving to be a key consumer services. Many functions (e.g.,
element in providing resilient networking, billing, etc.) in the carrier-grade consumer
particularly at the tactical edge. networks are simply not needed. Private
networks often bring their own spectrum or
Comprised of multiple points called wish to use unlicensed airwaves to reduce
“nodes,” these radio devices, CAPEX (capital expenses).
communicating with one another, create an
overlapping, multi-Gbps, Low Probability A key consideration to answering the
of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection military’s communication challenges could
(LPI/LPD) mesh networks that do not rely well be found in the IEEE 5G mmWave-
Photo of a roof mounted, Blu Wireless node.
on a central hub, allowing for quick and based systems. The IEEE protocols can be
Integrated Systems efficient data routing. configured to a distributed mesh network
rather than a centralized core, meaning
For commanders looking to communicate Self-sufficient and self-managed, they there is no single point of failure.
through a fully integrated system, it is find the most reliable paths, even if
vital that data can be shared in different those are “daisy-chained” along the In recent military trials the 5G mmWave
formats that are in place, but this can be communications route. technology was deployed on tactical land
challenging and difficult. vehicles in simulated complex scenarios.
Built to connect multiple systems, and to The objective was to provide coverage to
Communication technologies currently in use work in tandem with existing technologies, effectively deliver gigabit communication
in the military domain typically date back 20 mesh networking creates a holistic system, links between the vehicles. The trials saw
or more years and are, therefore, only capable delivering a reliable transmission of huge the capability tested over a wide range
of supporting low data rates — usually for amounts of data. of conditions, including traveling at high
voice and limited data rate transmission. speed, over rough terrain, at the halt
Today, IEEE 5G solutions can provide and in RF congested environments. The
This is, in part, driven by the need for gigabit bandwidths up to 3 Gbps per beamformed mmWave systems were
high levels of security combined with link, growing to 30+ Gbps plus in the effectively able to deliver the connectivity
the traditional slow moving procurement next generation. required to maintain a reliable gigabit
process (for example the UK’s BOWMAN network across all scenarios.
tactical communication system where the When connected to a LEO WLAN, IEEE
highest data rate supported by BOWMAN 5G mmWave mesh networks can connect Military forces need robust, secure
terminals is low – typically 500 kbps). a tactical edge network to higher echelon, capabilities when communicating and
C2, fiber optic networks. sharing vital data, otherwise the impact on
What is needed, therefore, is an increase forces and operations could be dire.
in the adoption of commercial-off-the- Budget constraints, however, are important,
shelf (COTS) technologies, such as 5G, to with even the military having to evidence While questions remain as to how to
meet the specific needs of intelligence and value for money to the public when deliver these capabilities to the field,
military applications. upgrading communication system. IEEE 5G mmWave mesh networks,
coupled to LEO satellite systems, offer a
To share tactical data across multiple Upgrading legacy technology and ensuring proven, reliable, cost-effective solution
platforms, technology must be capable of interoperability provides clear benefits that holds the key for connecting
managing the needs of forces operating for the safety of military personnel, essential, two-way communications
across complex environments, through maintaining a tactical advantage against capabilities at the tactical edge to
soldiers navigating different terrains in the near-peer adversaries. strategic forces and military commands.
Middle East, to pilots looking for up-to-the-
minute surveillance data from the ground, COTS Vs. Bespoke www.bluwireless.com
or naval platforms.
We are now seeing a growing adoption
The use of satellite systems, particularly Low of COTS technologies in the defense
Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites with their lower community, which is solving some budget
latency compared to GEO satellites, is one constraints, as COTS technology doesn’t
potential answer. need to be developed from scratch.
Author Macy W. Summers
However due to size, weight, and power Typical examples would be taking is the President and Chief
(SWaP) constraints, the power and commercial smartphones and adding Executive Officer of Blu
bandwidth of satellites is limited and software to improve security or using IP Wireless Technology, Inc.
therefore a precious commodity. (Internet Protocol) networking products with
software that adapts to meet military needs.
Additionally, the power and bandwidth of
a LEO satellite is focused on a relatively The question now is what technology the
small, geographic area, hence the need for military should be using going forward
hundreds or thousands of LEO satellites to and how quickly such can be deployed to
provide global coverage. ensure the sharing of data and battlefield
intelligence between our country’s military
as well as those of our coalition partners.
MilsatMagazine Page 12 January 2023Government Satellite Report (GSR)
General Dickinson examines the path to U.S. space superiority
Author: David Pesgraves, Government Satellite Report (GSR)
Last November, General James H. During the event, Gen. Dickinson When space superiority is achieved, it
Dickinson, Commander of the U.S. discussed what is required in order for means that freedom of action exists
Space Command (SPACECOM), the U.S. to gain and maintain space in the domain, while simultaneously
superiority, the distinction between space denying dynamic freedom of action to
situational awareness and space domain the adversary. It is designed to give us
awareness, and how the future transition a strategic, operational, and tactical
of space traffic management to the U.S. advantage. Space superiority requires
Department of Commerce (DoC) will coordinated offensive and defensive
enhance the Department of Defense’s operations... importantly, offensive and
(DoD) deterrence and defense capabilities defensive operations are conducted
in the arena. across all three segments of the space
architecture: ground, link, and space.”
What Is Space Power?
Gen. Dickinson then touched on the fact
Gen. Dickinson started the forum by that achieving and maintaining space
outlining the definition of space power. He superiority requires the presence and
explained, “Military space power exists support from SPACECOM’s joint allies and
to preserve freedom of, access to, and partners in the domain.
freedom of action in space.” According
to Gen. Dickinson, these are the priorities “Our coalition approach affords us
of all joint and combined space forces in redundant capability and creates dilemmas
the U.S. military. And this freedom in the for our adversaries,” he said. “In this way,
domain is only gained and maintained space superiority is a critical component of
joined the Mitchell Institute for a through space superiority, which is the integrated deterrence. Threats to U.S. and
special Schriever Spacepower forum primary objective of space warfare. allied interests in space are substantial and
dedicated to examining the current — I think we can all agree — growing.”
status of U.S. superiority and domain
awareness in space. He explained that U.S. adversaries are prepared
and ready to contest the space domain.
MilsatMagazine Page 14 January 2023Gen. Dickinson pointed to China and control,” said Gen. Dickinson. “Compare SFB, there is a commercial operations cell
Russia as prime examples of near-peer that to space domain awareness, that’s that supports the Joint Task Force-Space
competitors that are rapidly developing a couple of steps beyond that, in terms Defense (JTF-SD), enabling it with real-time
and demonstrating space and counterspace of being able to identify characteristics synergy and information exchange between
capabilities that can deny the U.S. and its’ more closely, more accurately…and owner-operators and tactical users.
allies the advantages derived from space. understanding the characterization of
what’s happening on-orbit.” “This information exchange ensures that
“In response to the rapidly changing our industry partners and our operators
strategic environment, U.S. Space Command Gen. Dickinson explained that in 2019, the can rapidly and accurately respond to
is leveraging today’s space power in new DoD tracked nearly 25,000 pieces of debris anomalies on-orbit, share valuable lessons,
ways to achieve greater effects,” said objects on-orbit. These included old and and improve our overall readiness,” said
Gen. Dickinson. “Because of the speed of defunct satellites, rocket bodies, etc. Today, Gen. Dickinson.
competition with China and Russia, I cannot there are about 48,000 pieces of debris.
wait for new capabilities over the next five To watch the Mitchell Institute’s entire
years. I’m looking for what is good enough “You can deduce very easily how discussion with Gen. Dickinson,
today, that I can use right now.” complicated [space traffic] has become, select this direct link...
how congested it has become. So we are
Situational Awareness Vs. open arms, welcoming, working hand-in-
Domain Awareness hand with Department of Commerce…on
space traffic management.”
Gen. Dickinson then pivoted to the
recent memorandum of agreement Commercial Partnerships
(MoA) between the U.S. Departments of Within SPACECOM
Commerce and Defense on space traffic
management. This MoA is the first step in As Commander of SPACECOM, Gen.
transitioning space situational awareness Dickinson is responsible for meeting
and traffic management missions from the capacity and capability challenges in order
DoD to the DoC. to deter and defeat any adversaries that
pose the U.S. and its allies harm.
As a result, SPACECOM will be able to
focus its resources on enhanced space “And we don’t have the luxury to wait
domain awareness for space superiority. for capabilities…I think we all agree our
What exactly is the difference between strategic competitors are not waiting for
space situational awareness (SSA) and that,” said Gen. Dickinson. This article first appeared in Government Satellite
space domain awareness (SDA)? Report and is republished with permission
He then explained how critical commercial of GSR and SES Space & Defense.
According to Gen. Dickinson, situational mission partners are to the DoD’s mission
awareness in space is the high-level of deterring and defending space assets
proliferation tracking of on-orbit satellites in the domain, hence why the DoD has Author David Presgraves is a
and other space assets. Domain awareness two commercial integration cells: one at Staff Writer for GovSat Report,
in addition to several other
in space involves a more granular, strategic Vandenberg Space Force Base and one online publications dedicated
scrutiny of assets that are of interest to at Schriever Space Force Base. to defense, military, and
SPACECOM and the DoD. At Vandenberg SFB, commercial entities federal government
have operations consoles that are side-by- agency technologies.
“If I had to use an analogy, space situational side with military operators, exchanging
awareness is a little bit like doing air traffic information in near real-time. At Schriever
MilsatMagazine Page 15 January 2023Dispatches
Innoflight’s multi-million government contracts to
radiation-harden and cyber-harden sensor payloads
Innoflight was awarded A key element of Innoflight’s CyberDog actively protects event as an attack or anomaly.
more than $5 million in space qualification is a all communications between CyberDog will meet the attack
government contracts systems-engineering focused, the spacecraft and external based on threat condition,
to radiation-harden and multi-layer mitigation of natural entities, including Internet programmed rulesets, or
cyber-harden advanced and man-made threats to Protocol (IP) traffic. updates from an external
terrestrial sensor payloads the payload’s electronics and command and control node.
for space. embedded systems. For IP traffic, CyberDog
selectively calls upon Intrusion These contracts will produce
Within Department of Defense The largest of the government Detection System (IDS) routines prototype hardware that has
(DoD) space programs, contracts emphasizes the to quarantine dangerous data or completed qualification testing
there is a significant interest requirement to harden against suspicious outbound traffic for and ready for on-orbit demo.
in leveraging affordable, cyber threats. further analysis.
advanced, and low size, weight “Innoflight has built upon its
and power (SWaP) avionics The CyberDog algorithm can be breadth and depth in radiation
systems for use in proliferated tuned to provide mitigation of advanced secure
Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) high-assurance communications, networking
space sensors and seekers on encryption and processing solutions for
aerospace vehicles. services to responsive space; furthermore,
protect sensitive we have taken our expertise
This approach allows the DoD mission data. and experience in information
to rapidly adopt advanced Finally, CyberDog assurance through multiple
software-defined and monitors the U.S. Government Information
reconfigurable sensor payloads internal behavior Assurance cryptographic
to respond to emerging threats. of the system solution certification programs
in real‑time. to build a comprehensive cyber
Innoflight’s contracts cover the capability called CyberDog,”
entire scope of these payloads, The proprietary said Jeff Janicik, Innoflight
including the sensor, read-out algorithm will President and CEO.
electronics, edge processing monitor for
and power electronics and will sudden changes
leverage Innoflight’s expertise in the behavior
to space qualify Commercial of the system
Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and rapidly
technologies for mechanical, discriminate
thermal, electromagnetic and Innoflight CFC-500P GPU-based Processor in the 3U the change
radiation requirements. SpaceVPX Form Factor
MilsatMagazine Page 16 January 2023Dispatches
Report reveals rising government space defense spendings anticipated by investments in
space security and early warning
On the civil side, government Euroconsult’s 22nd edition
expenditures are increasingly of “Government Space
driven by Human Spaceflight Programs” provides a
missions, which now attracts more comprehensive assessment of
and more new entrants that have countries and organizations
been encouraged by the socio- investing in space.
economic benefits and prestige
brought by these programs. The report is available
on Euroconsult’s Digital
While civil expenditures have Platform, enabling customers
historically always been higher to easily sort, compare,
than defense spendings, customize and visualize
the gap between the two datasets of their choice.
continues to decrease and
is expected to reach 50/50 Premium users can access
parity by 2031, according to thousands of data points
Euroconsult’s projections. included in the database to
create customized datasets for
In terms of national rankings, their specific needs.
the U.S. remains, by far, the
largest investor worldwide. For detailed profiles on all
government players and an
However, its share of global accurate map to help navigate
spending has been reduced, the international space
from 76% in 2000 to 60% investments and priorities, access
in 2022 as more and more the company’s online platform.
countries join the sector.
In 2022, Euroconsult counted
more than 86 countries invested
in space activities.
Some regions have shown a
particular dynamism over the
past few years, notably in the
Middle East, with countries such
as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar
and Oman accelerating their
The new edition Despite the recent pandemic development in the sector.
of Euroconsult’s crisis, governments have
“Government Space increased their investments in Charlotte Croison, Senior
Programs” report provides the sector to further support Consultant at Euroconsult,
detailed insight into the development of their industry said, “The new edition of the
rising government space and sustain their ambitions. Government Space Programs
budgets in civilian and report confirms the growing
defense applications This growth is notably significant interest of countries in the space
for the decade ahead, in the defense area, reaching sector, notably in the defense
highlighting spending 16% in 2022 and topping a new area where space militarization
patterns and specific areas record at $48 billion. has never been stronger.”
of investment from nations
around the globe. Current geopolitical tensions
have confirmed space as a
Euroconsult’s report reveals a strategic operational theater
continued increase in global for hybrid warfare tactics,
governments’ space budgets. pushing governments to
sustain their investments in
This year has seen a cumulative ‘traditional’ space applications,
spend of $103 billion in 2022, such as Telecommunications,
a 9% increase since last year Navigation and Earth
and a record high for the sector. Observation (EO), but also
more prominently in Space
Security and Early Warning
systems to further protect their
space assets.
MilsatMagazine Page 17 January 2023Space Test Program (STP) Enables
Space Technical Enhancement
Author: Lt. Col. Jonathan Shea, Director of the DoD Space Test Program
Every great technological advancement A Critical Component of Competitive Access to Space
starts with prototypes and National Security
experimental designs that are tested, The cornerstone for this success is STP’s
refined and further developed. Overall, STP is a critical component facilitation of the DoD Space Experiment
of national security as it is one of the Review Board (SERB), which evaluates and
For space technology, the U.S. only ways that the DoD can mature ranks space-borne experiments from across
Department of Defense (DoD) Space advanced technologies in the space the DoD that are requesting STP launch
Test Program (STP) is one of the oldest domain; if unsuccessful, the US will fall support services.
and largest facilitators of the kinds of steadily behind our adversaries in the
experiments that lead to tomorrow’s technological competition. Due to STP’s unique ability to facilitate
innovative space technology. access to space for multiple experiments,
One of the main challenges facing the the SERB evaluations are an extremely
STP provides mission design, spacecraft USSF is how the new service can maintain competitive process.
acquisition, integration, launch and its technological advantage in the space
operations support to facilitate warfighting domain. The DoD STP is a key In many ways, it mirrors a “Shark Tank”
experimental payload access to the component of that answer. format, wherein experimenters brief the
space domain. evaluators on their payload’s military
Headquartered at New Mexico’s relevance, mission requirements,
These experimental payloads demonstrate Kirtland Air Force Base, and managed technology transition plans and
technologies that accelerate the by the Innovation and Prototyping experiment quality.
development of war-winning space Acquisition Delta within the USSF Space
capabilities for the joint warfighter. Systems Command (SSC), STP provides a Once the SERB approves an experiment,
series of unique services to facilitate access STP will then apportion resources to secure
As the primary agent for science and to space for experimental space payloads space flight opportunities.
technology (S&T) payloads on multi-manifest that exhibit potential military utility.
missions flown on U.S. Space Force (USSF) This process is critical as it ensures significant
and commercially procured launch vehicles, Created in 1965, the STP is one of the cost savings for many of the laboratories and
STP significantly expands U.S. space access longest continuously running programs research and development centers that do
and demonstrates cutting-edge technology in the DoD. In its 57-year history, this not have the funding required to procure
to rapidly integrate DoD space power into organization has executed more than 300 their own launch capability.
national, joint and international operations. missions. Its recent past demonstrates the
strength of experience — in 2021, STP The SERB list currently boasts more than
At the same time, STP answered General successfully integrated payloads on six 80 ranked candidate missions and STP
John “Jay” Raymond’s (former Chief separate rocket launches. is working diligently to get them all into
of Space Operations for the USSF) call outer space using its core integration
for more cooperation by using its unique STP’s services enable the advancement of services: large launch vehicle integration,
set of services to forge partnerships with scientific knowledge and capability, which small launch vehicle integration,
commercial entities and international allies. is foundational to ensuring continuous U.S. International Space Station (ISS)
advantage in the space domain. integration and payload-to-bus integration.
MilsatMagazine Page 18 January 2023First, STP boasts the ability to acquire a In spite of the technical, political and with NASA’s ISS team at Johnson Space
dedicated Atlas, Vulcan, Falcon 9 or Falcon bureaucratic difficulties this presented, Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas.
Heavy launch on a four-year cadence. the STP team flawlessly ensured that the
mission got all assets integrated so that the STP has a team permanently located on-
A recent example is the STP-3 launch on Atlas launch vehicle could take them into site at JSC and is designated, per DoD
an Atlas 551 and its flagship vehicle, STP their intended orbits. mandate, as the “single manager for all
Satellite-6 (STP Sat-6). DoD payloads on the ISS, future manned
Another way that STP manifests payloads and unmanned NASA launch vehicles…”
The STPSat-6 spacecraft hosted nine is by using their capability to obtain a
payloads, including a NASA laser dedicated series of small launch vehicles The Houston team developed a modular
communications mission called the Laser every two years, as showcased in the platform that integrates seamlessly into the
Communications Relay Demonstration successful STP-S28A mission. ISS, enabling multiple experiments that use
(LCRD) and a National Nuclear Security the orbiting station as their host platform.
Agency (NNSA) nuclear detection For this mission, the USSF and SSC teamed
payload, as well as seven DoD SERB- up with Virgin Orbit National Systems, a Experiments onboard the ISS benefit
ranked experiments. US-incorporated, wholly owned subsidiary from substantial subsidies provided by
to Virgin Orbit, to launch multiple DoD NASA; accordingly, manifesting on the ISS
satellites from the Mojave Air and Space becomes an extremely cost-effective option
Port in California. for many SERB payloads.
Expanding Access to Space
in the Future
STP is investing in an organic contract to
build standard space vehicles (aka “buses”)
for mounting experimental payloads prior
to placing them on the rocket.
This initiative, known as the Space Test
Experimentation Platform 2.0 (STEP 2.0,)
will give STP customers increased flexibility
to integrate their payloads onto busses that
This mission launched seven, SERB satellites are specifically tailored to match the STP
from multiple DoD agencies using the launch rhythm.
The LCRD payload is attached to the LCRD support Virgin Orbit National Systems Space
assembly flight (LSAF), depicted in this illustration. “LauncherOne” system. Once on contract, the STEP 2.0 contract
The LSAF serves as the backbone for LCRD’s will enable STP to reach out to other
components. Attached to the LSAF are a star tracker In addition to getting SERB payloads organizations seeking busses and initiate
and two optical modules (left), which generate the into space, the STP-S28A mission also collaborative partnerships, which will in turn
infrared lasers that transmit data to and from Earth. demonstrated commercially available increase the synergy between the DoD’s
Other LCRD components, including the modems that solutions for placing USSF satellite capabilities myriad space agencies.
encode data into laser signals, are attached to the on-orbit from non-traditional locations.
back of the LSAF. As the primary agent for S&T payloads
Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center International Cooperation with Allies across the entire DoD, STP is pivotal to
expanding space access and demonstrating
STP is rising to the challenge by realizing next-generation technology.
The STP-3 mission was one of the most the Chief of Space Operations’ International
complicated missions ever executed by Cooperation initiative through participation in Further, STP is leading the charge for
the USSF. the Responsive Space Capabilities MOU (RSC more cooperation in the space domain by
MOU), an international agreement between using its multi-faceted suite of services to
STP Sat-6 was the primary payload on a 13 countries that supports RDT&E cooperative forge DoD, commercial and international
co-manifested mission, along with the Long efforts related to responsive space capabilities. partnerships.
Duration Propulsive ESPA 1 (LDPE-1)
mission, which is a modular, ring-shaped Specifically, STP is integral to the success STP is a critical component of national
vehicle that manifested multiple payloads of the Responsive Launch and Range security as it is one of the only ways that the
of its own. Project Arrangement in providing access DoD can mature advanced technologies in
to space for experiments from participating the space domain, which in turn ensures a
members. STP chairs the International Space future of continued space dominance for
Access Review Board (ISARB), a venue for the United States and its allies.
international partners to gain access to
U.S. launches. The ISARB has successfully Lt. Col. Jonathan Shea
approved a total of nine experiments for is the current Director
launch since its inception in 2019. of the DoD Space Test
Program and is the
STP is currently sponsoring three first director to come
experiments from Australia, Germany and from the USSF. His
the United Kingdom slated to launch in late background includes
The Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LDPE)-2 2023. This mission will solidify the USSF’s satellite acquisition,
spacecraft on this mission consisted of an ESPAStar ability to partner with international allies in experimental operations,
satellite. Image is courtesy of Lockheed Martin. the research and development arena. and nuclear maintenance. He deployed
in support of OPERATION RESOLUTE
Altogether, the STP-3 mission featured two The next element of STP’s ability to SUPPORT and is a graduate of the Air
space vehicles and 12 distinct payloads, all enable research & development (R&D) Force’s School of Advanced Air and
with different sponsoring organizations. experimentation is the ironclad partnership Space Studies.
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