Polar MILSATCOM (SPACE)

Abstract

This program element acquires the Polar Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) system that provides protected communications (anti-jam and low probability of intercept and detection) for users in the north polar region. Through FY05, Polar Satellite Communications funded three low data rate (LDR) Milstar packages on three classified host satellites as an expedited, interim solution for protected connectivity requirements in the north polar region (i.e., Interim Polar System (IPS)). Two satellites with hosted packages are required to provide the necessary 24-hour coverage. The third package went into operations in November 2008 to sustain the 24-hour coverage. In FY06, the DoD began funding the next generation Polar Satellite Communications capability with two more polar packages via the same host vehicle type (i.e., Enhanced Polar System (EPS)). The host spacecraft and the polar communications packages required design modifications that replaced obsolete components and took advantage of the more capable Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) technology including the eXtended Data Rate (XDR) waveform. The EPS Capability Development Document (CDD), approved by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council in September 2006, is based on a two-package, hosted XDR program with operational availability in CY15 and CY17. The EPS system is comprised of four segments: Payload, Ground Control, Gateway, and Terminal (acquired by each Service's Terminal Program Office). FY14 funds will continue integration of the two EPS packages (payloads) onto the host satellites. The program office will hold a Milestone B review in 2QFY14 and will conduct a Critical Design Review (CDR) of the Control and Planning Segment (CAPS) in 3QFY14. The program office will fund Navy SPAWAR to conduct integration and test of the Gateway. An EPS system-level CDR will be held 4QFY2014. The Polar MILSATCOM program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because the payloads have successfully completed Critical Design Review and the ground system is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to production.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Source ID
0605432F_5_3600_PB_2014
Change Summary Explanation
FY14: Other Adjustment row: +$124.805M, due to a change in Budget Activity from 4 to 5, funds have been transferred from PE 0603432F, Project 644052.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cost Analysis
  • Costs
  • Data Rate
  • Demonstrations
  • Engineering
  • Extremely High Frequency
  • Frequency
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Military Satellites
  • Payload
  • Polar Regions
  • Satellite Communications
  • Spacecraft
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

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