Lightweight EHF Communications Satellites

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Lightweight EHF Communications Satellites

D. R. Mcelroy / D. P. Kolba / M. D. Semprucci

Current and planned Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) systems, which typically employ a few, large satellites operating in synchronous altitude circular orbits, provide good fundamental service. However, there are concerns among some users regarding the potential for localized capacity shortfalls, particularly for anti-jam tactical service. Due to the large size of the currently planned satellites, there is no capability to rapidly augment capacity through timely and survivable launches of additional space assets. Small EHF satellites can significantly complement the anti-jam service of basic MILSATCOM space segments. Mobile/survivable launch vehicles with rapid launch preparations can be utilized to deploy these satellites into high altitude elliptical or circular orbits. In these orbits, only a few satellites are needed for high duty cycle coverage of critical areas. Through the use of standard EHF waveforms, the complementary satellites will be compatible with existing EHF terminals. Advanced technology allows the development of the highly capable, lightweight payloads required for this role. Some of the key technologies for these complementary satellites include high speed, low power digital processing subsystems, lightweight frequency hopping synthesizers, and efficient solid-state transmitters. These same technologies are also applicable in reducing the size of the large, fundamental-service space segments or in implementing highly capable secondary EHF payloads.