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Future Trends in Military Satellite Communications Network
By Editor | December 9, 2006
The military satellite communications network, that also forms the GPS, is running on technology that is now ages old. Due to recent developments and new requirements pertaining to national security, a newer and better communication system is required and several such systems are currently under development. This point is enhanced by the fact that developments in information technology are literally changing how military conflicts are being handled and resolved. Recent advances have made it possible to receive and send highly accurate and detailed information from anywhere on the planet to any other location. For the military, this means the capability to remote control and direct faster deployment of mobile forces as well as quicker adaptability to newer situations that often develop without warning in the battlefield. All of this relies on satellite communication because as of now it is the fastest and most reliable way of getting data and information to the other party and around the globe.
Military satellite communications, also called “milsatcom”, are broadly categorized as wideband, protected, and narrowband. Wideband is like broadband and features a higher data carrying capacity. Protected systems are meant to be secure and more reliable. They cannot be jammed, they are discrete, and they are capable of nuclear survival. Narrow band are limited bandwidth communication channels that focus on users who mostly require vocal connections, who are mobile, or have limited means of reception.
Milsatcom is actually a network of satellites that perform different functions to fulfill the requirements mentioned above. This network is soon to be updated with newer architecture as well as better connectivity to service the needs of the future. Another development is that the network will be able to rely on national security space communications by taking advantage of Internet communications developed for civilian use with an added layer of security.
The Advanced Wideband System and the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite Progam will replace the current Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS). These new satellites will be capable of transmitting many gigabits per second. The security of the transmissions will also be increase by the global placement of extremely high frequency (EHF) system. This system comprises of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency System and Advanced Polar System. Both these new types of satellites will be ten times faster and secure than existing satellites. The Ultrahigh Frequency Follow-on (UFO) network of satellites that support the narrowband users will be replaced by the Advanced Narrowband System.
Besides increasing the capacity, the newer systems will also incorporate features like multiple high-spot beams. All aspects of this new development are being planned to get the maximum out of technology at the minimum cost. The resulting improvement in ground, air, and space coordination between commercial and government assets will be of a benefit to all.
Topics: Military Satellite Communications |