Common data link from space - preliminary lessons from the TacSat-2 demonstration program

Several Air Force and Army organizations have collaborated over the last two years to prepare and fly a common data link (CDL) subsystem on the TacSat-2 satellite, an experiment in tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) from space. This revolutionary application of legacy technology provides a 274 Mbps downlink to existing in-theater communications systems from a small, tactical imagery satellite and supports direct theater tasking of this asset by the theater commander. The TacSat-2 CDL effort, and the operationally responsive space program it supports, promises a truly transformational ISR capability for the theater commander. Technology service corporation has led the space CDL system engineering effort, integrating airborne-heritage components with space-heritage components, and guiding the adaptation of these elements into the TacSat-2 spacecraft architecture. The TacSat-2 program has performed a number of engineering feats, and the first-ever operation of CDL to/from space can be counted among the most significant of those. This paper describes the history, technology, and development process associated with that accomplishment, offering some of the lessons learned during the experience. To the extent that additional information regarding deployment and operation is available at conference time, it is shared in the presentation