Opportunity for an X-band relay capability in support of the space test range

Many future military spacecraft will need continuous connectivity with their ground control segment to support complicated on-orbit testing as would be performed under a space test range. In the case of satellites in low earth orbit, the indicated solution is to use a geosynchronous satellite relay system. In the present work the authors consider the possibility of using Defense Satellite Communication System II (DSCS II) spare satellites as a low-cost R&D relay system. The radio frequency plan coordination and the system sizing are discussed. The use of existing DSCS II satellites, existing ground terminals, and existing or commercial links to join the system together is seen as an inexpensive way of providing the US Dept. of Defense with a global monitoring and control capability having moderately high data rates (up to 10 Mb/s) for testing prototype new-generation spacecraft. This system is seen as a gap filler resource until more TDRS (tracking and data relay satellite system) links are available, or until the space test range can propose, design, fund, and deploy a set of dedicated relay packages on host satellite platforms in the late 1990s or at the turn of the century