Transformational Satellite Communications System

The Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) program is a United States Department of Defense (DOD) program sponsored by the U.S. Air Force for a secure, high-capacity global communications network serving the DOD, NASA and the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). It is an enabler of net-centric warfare that will facilitate defense and intelligence professionals in making rapid decisions based on integrated, comprehensive information.

cope

The Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) will provide the Department of Defense, DoD, with high data rate Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and Internet-like services as defined in the Transformational Communications Architecture (TCA). TSAT is essential to global net-centric operations. As the spaceborne element of the Global Information Grid (GIG), it will extend the GIG to users without terrestrial connections providing improved connectivity and data transfer capability, vastly improving satellite communications for the warfighter. TSAT's Internet Protocol (IP) routing will connect thousands of users through networks rather than limited point-to-point connections. Additionally, TSAT will enable high data rate connections to Space and Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (SISR, AISR) platforms.

Capabilities and Services

The TSAT program consists of a five satellite constellation (a sixth satellite will be procured to ensure mission availability), TSAT satellite operations centers (TSOC) for on-orbit control, TSAT Mission Operations Systems (TMOS) to provide network management, and ground gateways. The TMOS single contract was awarded in January 2006.

TSAT will incorporate radio frequency (RF) and laser communications links to meet defense and intelligence community requirements for high data rate, protected communications. The space segment will make use of key technology advancements that have proven mature by independent testing of integrated subsystem brass boards to achieve a transformational leap in SATCOM capabilities. These technologies include but are not limited to: single and multi-access laser communications (to include wide field-of-view technology), Internet protocol based packet switching, bulk and packet encryption/decryption, battle command-on-the-move antennas, dynamic bandwidth and resource allocation techniques, and protected bandwidth efficient modulation.

Chronology

An Interim Program Review was held 22 October 2004; the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) directed the TSAT program to continue as planned to achieve the delivery, launch, and on-orbit checkout of the first TSAT satellite.

In June 2003, the acquisition strategy for TSAT was approved, as stated in the FY05 PB justification.

On 20 January 2004, the TSAT program entered Phase B, Risk Reduction and Design Development. Phase B space segment contracts (Cost Plus, Fixed Fee) were awarded to Lockheed Martin and Boeing in late Jan 04. A $300M FY05 Congressional reduction resulted in a first launch delay from FY12 to FY13. In response to the Congressional reduction, the Air Force adjusted the FY06/07 budget.

On January 27, 2006 TSAT Mission Operations System (TMOS) segment development contract, worth US$2+ Billion was awarded to Lockheed Martin.

In July 2007, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman announced a plan to develop an IPv6-based networking system with Juniper Networks for the TSAT project.

The results of the competition to select the final space segment development contractor were originally to be announced in October 2007. However, the Air Force deferred this announcement until second-quarter 2008.

FY07 will verify with subsystem hardware testing in a space-like environment, that technologies are mature. If a technology fails to mature, less-capable technology off-ramps exist and can be used to preserve schedule. Even the technology off-ramps will significantly enhance warfighter capabilities, and the advanced technology can be spiraled into a later spacecraft. First launch is scheduled for 2QFY13.

References

* [http://www.losangeles.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=5332 U.S. Air Force TSAT]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/tsat.htm Global Security TSAT]
* [http://www.spacewar.com/reports/LockMart_And_Northrop_Grumman_TSAT_Team_Announces_Partnership_With_Juniper_Networks_999.html IPv6 TSAT announcement]

ee also

*Department of Defense Architecture Framework
*DoD Joint Technical Framework version 6.0
*DoD Business Enterprise Architecture
*Global Information Grid-Enterprise Services initiative
*Department Of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8100.01 "Global Information Grid - Overarching Policy", September 2002
*JTF-Global Network Operations
*Global Information Grid