Skynet 5: MILSATCOM using SDR

A Military Satellite Communication (MILSATCOM) modem is described in this paper featuring waveforms offering either high data rate or highly resilient communications and an intermediate capability with medium data rate and resilience. This modem is Europe´s first production Software Defined Radio (SDR) implementation for MILSATCOM and is based on the JTRS´ Software Communications Architecture (SCA), version 2.2. This modem is known as the Paradigm Modem (PM) and is the UK´s Electronic Protection Measure (EPM) modem specifically developed for use on the Skynet 5 system, which provides MILSATCOM services to UK and NATO armed forces. Some features of the PM are described with association to capabilities of the SCA. The evolving waveform suites for MILSATCOM SDR will envelope state-of-the-art commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) waveforms including DVB-S2 and WiMax. The selection of waveform based on scenario (trunk versus tactical) and prevailing channel conditions will be essential to maximising capability within existing SHF resources. It is envisaged that such systems, based on flexible platforms and provisioned by a robust waveform suite in conjunction with an adaptable antenna will allow maximal MILSATCOM diversity.