A comparison of DSCS and commercial satellite communications service requirements

Several key network operating principles separate the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) system design and implementation from that of INTELSAT and other commercial satellite communications systems. Technical issues of paramount importance to operation on the INTELSAT system are often considered foreign by the military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) community, and these issues are highlighted. For example, frequency reuse by polarization isolation is a key aspect of INTELSAT and other commercial communications satellites. This imposes certain requirements on Earth station design and performance which are not necessary for operation over DSCS III spacecraft. A general background of governing system design and service implementation requirements is given to clarify and explain the foundations on which the INTELSAT access procedure is based. The issues and rationale behind link analyses are contrasted with DSCS, and general systems concepts are discussed which explain how Earth terminal certification and service implementation are carried out. A simplified process is outlined for accessing the INTELSAT space segment.