Shared-spectrum bandwidth efficient satellite communications

Recent innovations have allowed terminals on each side of a satellite link to share the same spectrum on a transponded satellite. This technology is used in commercial satellite links to enable bandwidth savings and/or improve link margins. In addition, advanced error correction techniques, not generally deployed in US MILSATCOM terminals are now widely available. This paper explores the potential bandwidth savings when using a combination of these technologies relative to currently used technology. The fundamental techniques and basic algorithms underlying the shared spectrum "Carrier-in-Carrier" technology will be discussed. The results of a recent over-the-air satellite test, using a variety of current US MILSATCOM terminals, to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technology is presented.