Surrogate Satellite Applications and Survivability

The Tactical Satellite Communications System (TACSATCOM) established by the DOD will provide enhanced communications for US Army Ground Mobile Forces (GMF) and other services. However, in a crisis situation or during intense combat, increased communications will limit the number of users of TACSATCOM channels aboard DOD satellites to only those having top mission priority. Additionally, usage of the GMF equipment will be limited when the satellite failure occurs. The concept of launching an airborne short-time surrogate has been studied. The SHF surrogate satellite channel and the factors which were found to impact significantly on its cost-effectiveness were studied. Slight modifications to the GMFSATCOM terminals are shown to be necessary.