Miniaturizing tactical satellite terminals

A key challenge of convergence is delivering high bandwidth imagery, video and data products to the dismounted soldier without the benefit of garrison infrastructure. The Global Broadcast Service (GBS) Joint Program Office (JPO) is realizing this vision with the adaptation of their transportable IP networked satellite terminal into a manpackable Receive Suite (RS) permitting single person transport, set-up and operations using battery power. The GBS JPO teamed with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SSC-LANT) and Windmill International, Inc. to develop Suitcase Portable (SPRS) and Rucksack Portable Receive Suite (RPRS) variants. The key feature of these versions is a small, lightweight (17.03" ? 11.33") phased array Ka-band auto-acquiring/auto-tracking antenna that when stowed forms an enclosure suitable for single person carry and commercial airline transport. A TRANSEC Joint IP Modem (JIPM) Mini-receiver modem, High-Assurance IP Encryption (HAIPE) encryption device, battery and ruggedized Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) laptop Receive Broadcast Manager (RBM) running GBS Unique Software (GUS) complete the kit. The development, integration and testing were funded by the Defense Acquisition Challenge (DACP) and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Programs with the goal to extend GBS to the tactical edge. The SPRS version has recently completed Task Order (TO) Verification and was subjected to the same MIL-STD-810F environmental and shock testing as other RS versions. The RPRS has passed the Critical Design Review (CDR) development phase while sharing the same antenna aperture as the SPRS. This paper will discuss SPRS/RPRS antenna performance under Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS) transponders and detail the data rate, availability, and battery life it can support in combination with the TRANSEC Mini-receiver modem. In addition, the paper will discuss the materials and drive mechanism used in the design to meet a 20 lbs maximum kit weight requirement.