Technologies for Future High Capability Micro-Milsatcom Systems

Satellite communications systems are a vitally important component of our Defense infrastructure for both tactical and strategic missions. In particular, satellite communications (whether military or commercial) have become increasingly important to support tactical operations, as was clearly demonstrated during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In the emerging doctrinal shift to a CONUS-based force structure with capabilities for rapidly responsive lethal power projection to meet global crises, the vital necessity for SATCOM to provide an omnipresent communications infrastructure for immediate support of the developing theater will become a key element in the successful realization of our new warfighting strategy. This infrastructure must provide RF bandwidth on demand and access to ATM switches and B-ISDN or SONET services as required from any worldwide location for any type of terminal. DARPA is developing the enabling technologies to give future systems the ability to realize their potential for becoming more affordable, more capable and more accessible by a theater commander. Advanced technologies are facilitating microminiaturization of key subsystems for communications satellite payloads, their host satellite buses, terminals and interfaces with terrestrial systems. These technologies can enhance the capability density of large spacecraft, as well as facilitate small, highly capable space and terrestrial assets, which can be labeled microMILSATCOM systems