C2 of Next-Generation Satellites

Abstract

Space systems have come to be used so extensively that it is almost impossible to imagine tomorrow's military operating without the strategic, operational, and tactical advantages that they offer. In the words of then-Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn, "Space systems enable our modern way of war. They allow our warfighters to strike with precision, to navigate with accuracy, to communicate with certainty, and to see the battlefield with clarity." Assured command and control (C2) of space systems is the assumption underlying the provision of these capabilities. While nanosatellites are a promising area of development, their assured C2 is strained at best due to communications shortfalls. A reliable, secure, low-power, cross-link would allow many space missions to be conducted by nanosatellites, while reducing program costs. We will show how this can be achieved by leveraging the MUOS constellation to create a "cross-link" for nanosatellites, which will allow them to provide a resilient capability with an affordable price tag.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA588340

Entities

People

  • Austin Mroczek
  • George Galdorisi
  • Rachel Volner

Organizations

  • Naval Information Warfare Systems Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Cross Domain
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Multiple Access
  • Nanosatellites
  • National Security
  • Payload
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • United States Strategic Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

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