A Model for Communications Satellite System Architecture Assessment

Abstract

Communications satellite system architecture trades traditionally consider only the cost per unit of capacity provided. This selection method ignores the other requirements with which the system architectures were designed and which are critical to providing a capability to the warfighter. A survey of communications satellite systems identified five common attributes that are incorporated in the design process: communications capacity; access; interoperability; commandability; and information assurance and protection. A mathematical model was implemented to enable the analysis of communications satellite system architectures based on multiple system attributes. Utilization of the model in a hypothetical case indicates system selection can differ from the traditional solution when additional key performance attributes are considered.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA552525

Entities

People

  • Charlotte M. Gerhart

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Communication Satellites
  • Communication Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Engineering
  • Frequency Bands
  • Information Assurance
  • Information Systems
  • Interoperability
  • Mathematical Models
  • Military Satellites
  • Satellite Communications
  • Space Systems
  • Spreadsheet Software
  • Systems Engineering
  • United States
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites