Low cost approach for a space based data relay

A low-cost system approach is presented for meeting the US Department of Defense requirement of continuous communications connectivity with low Earth orbit (LEO) spacecraft under test. The concept of using geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites for the LEO data relay is considered. A low-cost near-term approach for such a space-based data relay system would utilize two existing Defense Satellite Communication System III spacecraft, two existing SHF ground terminals, and a small, standardized terminal using autonomous antenna pointing for the space vehicle under test. The authors describe such a system design