Acquisition of Modular Low Earth Orbit Satellites for Improved Intelligence Collection

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to investigate and analyze improved multi-source intelligence (multi-INT) data collection through low latency, cross-communicating, modular low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This research examines the current acquisition process and system engineering approach to multi-INT data collection via command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) satellites, specifically focusing on time (production time and system life) and cost. The project introduces several proposed low latency, cross-communicating, modular LEO satellite systems for improved multi-INT data collection. It then provides a comparison of geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellite life-cycle costs versus the life-cycle costs of LEO satellites and analyzes the maintainability, upgradeability, interoperability, reliability, and safety/security (MUIRS) benefits of smaller, faster-to-orbit satellites that could be launched in weeks or months.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA567395

Entities

People

  • Randy Staab

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Earth Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Military Acquisition
  • Multiple Access
  • Payload
  • Reconnaissance Satellites
  • Satellite Buses
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Systems Engineering
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects