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 With flexible operational services and
compact ground terminals, Satellite Communications (SATCOM) services
offer attractive solutions for military users in theater and on
global links. Dedicated military satellite networks are augmented by
commercial services, primarily Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA)
controlled networks that offer the user total control of the space
link. When deployed in theater, SATCOM offers terrain independent
communications, flexible networking and direct link to the final
destinations – without reliance on radio relays.
Future concepts currently under consideration call for the
deployment of a global grid of communications satellites that could
support the warfighter, enabling flexible command and control of
task forces anywhere in the world. Such networks will utilize new
EHF satellites (follow-on to the current Milstar program) and will
seamlessly integrate the local combat net radio with the strategic
global network, facilitating effective access to all levels of
command and military operations anywhere in the world.
Due to the high cost of satellite systems development and
operations, outsourcing of services is considered by many nations.
In the UK, the Skynet-5 military satellite is being evaluated as a
private venture. The program is under development and the system is
expected to enter service by 2005. The French Syracuse III military
satellite constellation is also offered for rent, to the German
government and Army. Belgium and the Netherlands have also expressed
interest in such arrangements. Israel is licensing commercial
traffic on the Israeli Amos-2 and other communications satellites,
and is also planning to deploy a dedicated military SATCOM later in
the decade. NATO is still utilizing its NATO IV system, which is due
for replacement in the near future. Candidates for such replacement
are Syracuse III, Skynet-5 and Milstar. Turkey is planning a large
scale investment in space, including enhancement of its satellite
communications infrastructure.
The satellite network can support thousands of terminals in
net-centric system formation. For redundancy, the network can use
multiple satellites or other types of communications.
 For mobile operation, SATCOM terminals using commercially available
Ku-band already provide data rates up to 512 Kbps on the move. When
a vehicle comes to a halt, performance increase dramatically to two,
and up to five Mbps. Future SATCOM on the move technologies are
currently in development for commercial and military applications.
Such systems are part of the WIN-T program, which will utilize
future Ka band satellites and dedicated terminals to provide 1Mbps
continuous data rates to command elements on the move.
Military grade on-the-move SATCOM ground terminal must provide
continuous connectivity in conditions where commercial terminals
usually fail. They must be able to automatically and rapidly recover
from signal blockages, due to man made objects, terrain/foliage,
weather and other atmospheric effects. Such terminals are designed
to work with a wide range of military and commercial satellite
services, including wideband commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO),
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Military Geosynchronous Earth Orbit
(GEO) satellites, as well as Protected (Advanced EHF) Narrowband
Satellite communications.
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