Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS)
Abstract
The Protected Satellite Communications Services (PSCS) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) evaluated alternative space and control segment architectures, along with the associated user segments, to address the required protected satellite communications capabilities in the nuclear, contested, and benign operating environments. The PSCS AoA Follow-on for Resiliency (PAFR) Study and Space Enterprise Vision (SEV) Strategic Tiger Team further defined the need for strategic space resiliency. To meet the requirements for strategic communications and capability gaps identified in these studies, the Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) system will provide space and mission control segments for worldwide and polar DoD strategic, secure, jam-resistant, nuclear-survivable communications for ground, sea, and air assets. It will include on-board resilience features and the capability to integrate a hosted Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) payload. PTW is a waveform designed to mitigate the effects of advanced jamming in Anti-Access/Area Denial environments. PTW will ensure delivery of protected tactical SATCOM to the joint and coalition warfighters in these contested, degraded environments. ESS supports strategic mission requirements such as Presidential and National Voice Conferencing (PNVC), Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) strategic networks, terminal report back, and Emergency Action Message (EAM) dissemination. The program provides the National Command Authority (NCA) and Combatant Commanders with highly-reliable, secure MILSATCOM to execute the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP), and command and control strategic forces at all levels of conflict. ESS will support 2030 strategic demand in all operational environments (nuclear, contested, and benign). It will be backwards compatible with the eXtended Data Rate (XDR) waveform and AEHF (Advanced Extremely High Frequency) satellite RF crosslinks (XL), as needed, to interface with existing AEHF space vehicles and support communication protocols associated with strategic communication services. The space vehicles will be designed to accommodate a hosted PTW payload. The ESS system will also satisfy emerging requirements and capabilities for enhanced resilience by accommodating on-board resilience payload(s), providing maneuver capability, and incorporating improved cybersecurity. RDT&E funding is required for continued program office and other related support activities that may include, but are not limited to: architectural development, acquisition strategy development, system requirements and system trades analysis, technology maturation, risk reduction activities, system concept development, prototyping, engineering, manufacturing, developing, testing and evaluating of the ESS systems and segments. This program is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P) because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- 643725_1206855F_4_3600_PB_2018
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