Long Range MILSATCOM Architecture

The current MILSATCOM assets are reviewed and assessed with regard to the ultimate military potential of the satellite transmission medium. Examples are presented showing why the future use of satellite communication will be impacted by geopolitical trends and re-directions in national policy. The key military issue is surviving and enduring communication over the entire spectrum of conflict levels and the need for a balanced defense against all possible threats. The importance of the network approach involving diverse transmission media is stressed. This in turn requires a more determined effort for achieving improved interoperability with the use of transmission standards. The proposed course for future MILSATCOM systems is based on: evolution toward higher frequencies, internetting of satellite and ground links, ability to reconfigure satcom assets, and more sophisticated access and network control. Also addressed is the suggested policy for exploiting the extensive commercial satcom facilities and the need for closer coordination with the organizations planning the future major terrestrial communication systems.