Chapter 7

Contents Overview Military vs. Commercial Satellite Systems Benefits of Commercial SATCOM Use Army Requirements for Commercial SATCOM Warfighter Applications of Commercial SATCOM International Maritime Satellite Organization (lNMARSAT) Iridium Mobile Satellite Systems vs. Personal Communications Systems Commercial Broadband/Kaband Systems Summary

Army Use of Commercial SAlCOM

"Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom demonstrated the utility of commercial satellite communications to the Us. milita/Y. Us. Central Command's use of commercial SA TCOM grew from less than 100 Mbps in August 200/ to more than 2 Gbps in the winter of 2003. Given this reliance, DoD should learn ji'om and apply existing commercial practices in order to obtain the commercial SA TCOM it needs in the most efficient, costeffective manner practicable. " -COL Patrick Rayermann, G-3, SMDC, Article in "Parameters", Winter Edition 2003, pg. 54
companies like American Telephone and Telegraph, General Electric, and International Telephone and Telegraph to pursue development of communications satellites to maintain their dominance in long distance communications. The first commercial satellite, "Early Bird" (later renamed Intelsat 1), demonstrated that satellites could be placed in geosynchronous orbit. Early Bird carried voice and television traffic between the United States and Europe. Today, the use of commercial satellite systems by the Army have grown rapidly. The demand for satellite communications frequently surpasses the available supply of dedicated military resources and commercial suppliers have stepped in to fill the gap. Commercial satellite resources are a necessity. The capabilities they provide affect Army operations planning far beyond just their intelligence, communications, and navigation capabilities and services. Although the warfighter will always have specific requirements for satellite communications (SATCOM) using dedicated Department of Defense (DoD) satellite systems, commercial satellites are a vital and important part of the military's information infrastructure in cases where their capabilities meet military requirements and affordability. When DoD resources are saturated, the Army will continue to use commercial SATCOM for augmentation during the transformation of its communications architecture. The combination of Army transformation, evolving tactical doctrine, and the uncertainty of future contingencies suggests the potential for a tremendous increase in SATCOM requirements. Although the Army's tactical warfighting concept has grown to encompass a much larger, more dispersed battlefield, the force itself will be smaller, lighter, and far more mobile. The Army will not
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OVERVIEW
Industry was the first to recognize the economic potential of satellite communications when trans-Atlantic telephone cables laid on the sea floor between North America and Europe were quickly saturated with international phone calls. Advances in technology and electronics spurred

The Army Uses Commercial SATCOM to Augment 000 Satellite Resources

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necessarily control all the land interconnecting the warfighting enclaves. The shifting offorces and their geographical positions on the battlefield necessitates the use ofsatellite communications to effectively fight and win battles. The Army is actively working with DoD, other agencies, sister Services, and commercial SATCOM and information industries to identify current and emerging technologies that can be leveraged to support the Army's goal of prompt and sustained full-spectmm land dominance. Additionally, in the current threat environment, the collaborative use ofboth military and commercial satellite assets are cmcial for the U.S. to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and prosecute specific actions by terrorists as a technique in maintaining homeland security and defense. With technological superiority underpinning U.S. military strategy, the Army must work closely with commercial SATCOM manufacturers to define requirements in order for industry to develop systems before potential adversaries. Although there are some restrictions, it is impossible to control the export and sale of critical commercial technologies outside U.S. borders. DoD must be ready to exploit the power of technological advancements in SATCOM capabilities ahead of adversaries. As discussed in chapter 4, "Army SATCOM Requirements", the transmission of the most critical communications in hostile threat environments require that information assurance and protection be provided by military SATCOM systems. However, there are many requirements, such as administrative and logistics traffic, that could be effectively satisfied by commercial means. As demonstrated in recent Army operations and joint military exercises,
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

commercial satellites can provide real benefits for the warfighter. Iridium and INMARSAT commercial SATCOM services experienced huge growth during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom due to the demand for video teleconferencing, voice and data communications. [n fact, one estimate from DISA said that of the 3,000 MB of satellite capacity available during these conflicts, 84% was commercial. Detailed imagery from commercial satellites are priceless to military commanders and DoD has contracts in place with commercial firms to provide photographic services from their satellites systems. Commercial satellites, however, do have limitations that must be mitigated by careful planning. The commander must critically evaluate the trade-offs. What does he require in terms of capacity, coverage, quality of service, flexibility, interoperability, access, control, and security? What will it cost? Additionally, what are the potential capabilities and the likelihood of threat forces dismpting his communications networks? These factors must be weighed against the communications requirements prior to selecting a commercial solution.

In Operation Desert Storm, orders and communications between the Air Force and Navy ships had to be printed out and then flown in on a helicopter to waiting commanders due to a lack of available space segment on 000 military satellite communications systems.

The Migration to CommercialSATCOM

The pace of communications technology development has been phenomenal. This incredible progress is being helped along by breakthroughs in other areas, such as computing, where operating speeds are doubling about every 18 months. Faster processing speeds have led to coding and modulation technique improvements that have provided higher capacity, net-centric satellite services. It is no secret that military SATCOM requirements are increasing rapidly to the point ofbeing unsupportable by current and even planned DoD satellite
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assets. At the same time, the defense budget is under pressure making it difficult to develop and field complex new systems. The emphasis is on efficiency and affordability. Unique solutions for military defense used to be the norm; however, in today's environment, the reality is that such solutions require significant capital investment with lengthy acquisition tirnelines but technology advances so quickly that more affordable choices have to be explored in a more timely manner. The rapid product cycle that the commercial industry can generate is a fact that DoD can rely upon and leverage to upgrade military battlefield systems. Not long ago, relying on the commercial SATCOM industry for military communications would have seemed unrealistic, ifnot risky. The daunting requirements of"military specifications" meant that the DoD could not tum to commercial industry to guarantee national security. These military specifications (MILSPECs) were important and were designed to ensure equipment would work as intended through inclement weather and adverse battlefield conditions. Commercial SATCOM providers did not have to deal with MILSPECs nor were they particularly willing to get involved with the complexities and intrusiveness of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Today, it is actually appropriate that the military capitalize on commercial development because much of the commercial technology originated from DoD development efforts. Many ofthe proposed commercial SATCOM systems under development now will employ the technologies developed for MILSATCOM such as on-board processing, crosslinks, and advanced antenna technology. Competitive pressures in the commercial SATCOM markets will continue to drive technology advances. DoD can leverage this
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

progress. Commercial providers are willing to accommodate military requirements into their commercial products ifvolumes are high enough and the potential of high profits justify the large investments required. All military applications that can be supported by commercial satellites are being considered for that means of transport. Unencumbered by the costly demands ofMILSPECs, commercial SATCOM providers can often satisfy the level of DoD service required at a much lower investment cost. These providers are going a bit further by making it easier for DoD to take a closer look by bringing their systems closer to military specifications whenever it is practical and profitable. Providers are making an effort to become more knowledgeable about the unique requirements ofthe warfighter. They fully understand that communications systems must be in place and work as intended in order to ensure mission success and more importantly, the survival of soldiers. This equates to commercial providers planning for and building a greater degree of reliability into equipment which needs to function under harsh battlefield circumstances.
Three Approaches Available

Recent DoD acquisition reforms have directed that military acquisition procedures reduce the number of MILSPECS being used when purchasing new systems, major modifications or, upgrades to current systems, and non-developmental and commercial items. SMART- T is an example of a SATCOM terminal, which provides highly survivable, protected communications. In the performance specifications for the SMART- T, only five MILSPECS were used versus 70+ that used to be required.

There are three main ways for the military to tap into the commercial SATCOM market. The first method is to insert commercial technology into a system that has military-unique requirements. Global Broadcast Service (GBS) is a good example of this. Despite its many military-unique features, GBS relies on commercial technology including the use ofcommercial software. Secondly, the military can exploit commercial technology using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. Some companies are manufacturing their products in such a way that the military can buy these types of
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systems. In fact, many commercial and military products are corning off the same assembly lines generating economies of scale that bring costs down even further. Finally, the leasing or purchasing of commercial services can afford the warfighter much faster access to advanced capabilities and services than might be available on a current DoD system. The Army has become much more confident and comfortable in leasing and using commercial SATCOM resources and in many cases, prefers commercial to DoD assets.

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

Although DoD satellites provide coverage to most ofthe world, they do not cover some areas ofthe globe on a continuous basis. The north and south Polar Regions are not adequately covered by DoD satel1ites should Army forces require continuous capacity and connectivity in those areas. Today's military SATCOM systems are limited in their capacities to meet the throughput requirements that warfighters need for communications on the move, paging, messaging, and broadcasting. Additionally, they are heavily oversubscribed. Access can be difficult. Particularly in Ultra High Frequency (UHF), there can be a problem with frequency interference (unintentional or intentional) because of the heavy congestion of other terrestrial UHF systems. Military SATCOM systems are heavily used on a daily basis and, therefore, have limited capacity available exclusively for surge. Focusing support where it is needed is time consuming if a satellite must be moved to cover a specific area of operations. Reconfiguration ofthe SATCOM network requires planning and that takes time. This could cause disruption in current service and may not support the warfighter's need for fast, reliable, continuous communications. Current DoD SATCOM systems have evolved over time. Some ground terminals have been tailored to specific user communities ("stovepipe systems") resulting in limited interoperability between Services. In a joint warfighting scenario, stovepipe systems are a defmite shortcoming. Finally, the cost of developing, acquiring, fielding, and maintaining a new military SATCOM system is considerable.

Using commercial SATCOM means that military users are competing with civilian users for access. Those civilians may be adversaries of the United States.

MILITARY VS. COMMERCIAL SATELLITE SYSTEMS

There are distinct differences between military and commercial satellite systems. Military satellite systems such as UHF Follow-On, Defense Satellite Communications System, and Milstar carry a large amount of daily voice and message traffic in peacetime however they are designed to be used in wartime conditions. Each system has features that provide different degrees of jam resistance using spread spectrum techniques (Note: The exception to this is the UHF portion of the UFO satellites - it provides no jam resistance). The application of anti-jamming techniques can reduce the effective throughput of available satel1ite resources. Radiation hardening and survivability enhancements on the satellites cost more and the parts needed to meet radiation hardened requirements may limit parts selection to older technology. There are specific characteristics that must be built into military satellite systems that can result in both increased cost and reduced capacity, adding to the need to prioritize users.

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Warfigihter Concerns With Commercial SATCOM Systems

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

whenever they want to. They adhere to the terms oftheir contract. Ifnonpreemptable service was leased, then it will not be preempted, notwithstanding a failure. If preemptable service was leased to keep costs down, then service may be preempted. It just depends on the contract. Another example oflimited commercial SATCOM availability for DoD came at during the beginning ofthe Kosovo conflict. Although there was plenty of SATCOM coverage over the EuropeanlBalkan area, there was little commercial capacity available and no entire transponders. This is because commercial providers want to maximize their revenue by keeping their satellites operating near capacity. In fact, most will not launch a new satellite payload until its resources are significantly subscribed on satellites already in orbit. This limits the amount ofsurge capacity in any given area that DoD might want to capitalize upon. Unless DoD identifies requirements and funding for pre-positioned capacity, contingency access could be delayed or denied, thus jeopardizing adequate DoD communications capability. This is particularly true in remote areas of the world or in areas where the existing communications infrastructure is severely degraded or destroyed. Getting a busy signal in a critical, time-sensitive situation is unacceptable.
Jamming

Although commercial SATCOM resources have sometimes been touted as the answer to the increasing SATCOM requirements for the warfighter, there are facts to consider prior to procuring services from commercial vendors.
Competition With Civilians

Commercial SATCOM providers are very willing to accept military traffic over their satellites in order to increase their "fill rates". Competition has resulted in improved services between different providers and capacity continues to increase with each new commercial launch. That capacity diminishes, however, as more users are added to the systems. Using commercial SATCOM requires that military users must compete with civilians for access and those civilians may be adversaries. For example, the embeddedjoumalists reporting from Iraq routinely use satellite phones and videophones to transmit their reports back to Continental United States (CONUS), particularly if their report is planned for broadcast on evening news programs. With commercial SATCOM, there is limited, if any, preemption for warfighters against other paying customers. Since control of access rests with a civilian firm, even if service is obtained, it could be terminated at militarily inconvenient times. In June 2003, Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, U.S. Navy, testified before a Senate subcommittee that an important commercial SATCOM service to the Navy was preempted by media coverage of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. However, it should be noted that, in general, commercial operators do not terminate service
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Using commercial SATCOM requires that military users must compete with civilians for access and those civilians may be adversaries.

Commercial satellites are built to withstand the rigors ofspace but not to the degree of certain military satellites. Commercial satellite signals are not designed to be resistant to jamming but they are flexible enough to avoid natural interference and have the capability to shift frequencies and store information if interference is detected. After all, commercial
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satellite systems need to be able to distinguish a paying customer's signal from a false signal for accurate billing purposes. Although some jam resistance is obtainable, commercial SATCOM systems lack the beam nulling and signal processing capabilities that give Extremely High Frequency and limited-Super High Frequency military SATCOM systems the definite edge in extensive jamming situations. Additionally, commercial operators of satellites are not oriented to the degree of military operators to rapidly identify that jamming may be occurring, to deconflict or deal with the situation, and then restore service. In July 2003, the uplink to the Telstar-12 communications satellite operating over the Eastern Atlantic was jammed. The jamming cut offbroadcasts to Europe and the Middle East but most notably in Iran. Investigators triangulated the signals and determined that the jamming came from the vicinity of Havana, Cuba however it could have

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

emanated from anywhere within the satellite's uplink footprint, which covers all the Eastern United States, the Caribbean and SouthAmerica. The purpose ofthe jamming was apparently to stop Voice ofAmerica messages from getting through to the populace ofIran. Loss of Satellite Capabilities The impact of satellites in our society was made evident by the failure of the PanAmSat Galaxy IV satellite on 19 May 1998. The satellite lost proper attitude when both on-board computer systems inexplicably failed. The outage caused a huge wave of communications problems for many economic sectors in the US. including over 90 percent of US. pager customers. The loss of Galaxy IV literally affected millions of people. The reliance of the US. economy on this one satellite was completely underestimated and revealed how deeply ingrained SATCOM capabilities have become in daily life.

t
Nations consider the privilege of transmitting from their soil to be a natural resource and expect to be paid for using that resource.

Host Nation Approvals "Difficulty Spectrum"

Kosovo SEA Latin America

Most of Africa

US

Saudi Arabia Rest of SWA

Balkans

Korea

Most of Europe

Gennany

Japan C S

TurkeJ

Very Easy

Easy

Moderate

Hard

Extreme

When Requesting Satellite Access, Users Should Allow Plenty of Time for the U.S. to Obtain Host Nation Approvals
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And the u.s. is not alone. In August 2000, the remaining operational onboard processor on the Mexican satellite Solidaridad T failed, wiping out television, radio and paging services. The satellites' first processor had malfunctioned one year earlier. This particular satellite had served as the relay for distance learning services to children in remote areas of Mexico and had been their only means of education. Solidaridad I was totally lost. In the examples above, these were large satellites with critical traffic riding on them. It was not possible to immediately launch a replacement. Although these were large geosynchronous satellites, there are systems like Iridium with multiple smaller satellites (66+) in their constellations. If one or two satellites fail, there are many others available to pick up the slack, providing redundancy and re-routing calls around the malfunctioning satellite. There are more than 2,700 commercial, civil, and military satellites now in orbit with more to be launched in the next ten years. The impact of SATCOM on world commerce is, and will continue to be, phenomenal. Landing Rights and Host Nation Approvals The use of commercial SATCOM systems by Army forces can involve specific approvals particularly outside CONUS. For example, a common practice of host nations is to require their specific permission to operate any foreign-owned satellite communication terminal within their borders. These are called "landing rights". Landing rights are a set of agreements between a country and a satellite provider to receive the satellite's signals in that country. Landing rights
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

do NOT include the right to own or operate a satellite earth terminal nor do they convey the right to transmit in that country. Landing rights typically do not include authorization to import a specific piece of equipment into a country. A primary concern of many countries is the loss of opportunity to capture revenue. Nations consider the privilege of transmitting from their soil to be a national resource. Potential revenue would be lost if foreign-owned satellite terminals were used without any payment of some form of tariff. Since transmission systems of the ministry of Post, Telegraph, and Telephone (PTT) of a host nation are bypassed whenever a satellite terminal is used, a license/ approval to use that terminal is usually paid to the host nation's PTT ministry. Even though there can be prior agreements in place to operate SATCOM systems in a host nation, the cost of landing rights can be very high. To "land" a signal in a foreign country and provide satellite service to customers in foreign market is a complex problem and the U. S. must obtain prior permission from the applicable foreign government. Obtaining such permission is a major challenge and of course, there are fees required to lease or acquire the ground terminals and fees to use the space segment. Typically, the average time required to obtain host nation approval is four months but it really depends on the country and the expediency ofthe agency handling the paperwork. Depending on the country, other requirements may also have to be met. Most countries require satellite earth terminals to be both authorized and licensed but it is possible to have a terminal authorized but not licensed. Authorization usually involves factors such as location, the percentage of national ownership, and non-competition with the PTT. Licensing is more
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Obtaining landing rights and other host nation approvals is usually accomplished by the legal arm of the satellite service providers. It is not a responsibility of units operating in the area.

Chapter 7
teclmical in nature. It deals with parameters such as beamwidth, transmission frequency clearance, and the ever-present fees and permissions. South Korea currently requires that all commercial satellite terminals operating in their country belong to South Korea. Some countries want multimillion dollar payments for landing rights for new satellite systems and impose annual licensing fees for ground terminals ranging from $1 ,000 to $10,000 per terminal.
It should be noted that getting host

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

was not a lot of money at stake and so little attention was focused on it. Not so today. A good analogy is buying a bottle of water every day from a vending machine rather than just buying an entire case of it. Not only is buying single bottles of water more expensive but availability in the vending machine is not always guaranteed. It is the same way with commercial SATCOM particularly today when its use is an absolute necessity to DoD. Congress has urged DoD to make better use oflong term contracts with commercial SATCOM providers which could yield better pricing options. DoD already uses multi-year contracts for those requirements that are longstanding, such as Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). For tactical opeations with service paid for from supplemental funding, it is impossible to commit future budgets to long-term contracts. In order to do this, firm requirments and funding must be identified. On 14 December 2004, a new policy for the planning, acquisition, and management of commercial SATCOM fixed satellite services was implemented by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration (ASDNII). The policy will result in a capabilities-based, best practice strategy that provides more competitive, rapid, and reliable access to commercial SATCOM resources. In response to that policy, DISA performed numerous analyses including a Congressionally-directed spend analysis which showed that DoD is already using multi-year contracts when appropriate and leveraging their buying power in obtaining prices below market averages.

Army units requiring commercial SATCOM connectivity should have their requirements documented and validated in the Satellite Data Base (SDB) in accordance with CJSCI 6250.01C.

nation approval to operate SATCOM equipment and access resources can sometimes depend upon the political atmosphere and the personality of the negotiator. More than once, a demanding, arrogant negotiator has been the reason for a disapproved request.

Money Matters
Although DoD MILSATCOM systems have costs associated with their use, it is transparent to the military user who does not see a "bill" for services rendered over such systems. This is not the case with the use of commercial SATCOM systems. High costs can be associated with the operation and use of commercial SATCOM systems and are normally billed directly to the user. An advantage of commercial SATCOM is that costs associated with system development, technological improvements, and launch costs have been borne and already capitalized by the commercial provider so that the Army's investment to use these systems is relatively small. In the past, DoD has often been their own worst enemy when it comes to paying the commercial SATCOM bill. When commercial SATCOM was first used, it was usually bought in small quantities on the "spot market" where purchased capacity is by far the most expensive and the availability was uncertain. Relatively speaking, there

BENEFITS OF COMMERCIAL SATCOM USE

There are multiple layers of interoperability within a commercial
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, 23 April 2001. These commercial one-meter resolution satellite images were taken by Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite. In the left photo, military aircraft parked in revetments are visible off the west end of the runway. A commercial airliner is visible parked near the terminal. In the right image, the damage visible to the airfield's runway, taxiway and revetments is evidence of the precision delivery of the Coalition ordnance. There is no visual evidence of damage to non-critical areas. Ordnance impacts are especially evident when compared to a "before" image. The Kandahar airfield is located southeast of the city of Kandahar. IKONOS travels 423 miles above the Earth's surface at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour. It is the world's first commercial high resolution remote sensing satellite. Images are displayed with north up. Images provided courtesy of GeoEye.com.

On the left, is a one-meter resolution satellite image of Fritzler's Corn Maze near Greeley, Colorado taken by GeoEye's IKONOS satellite on 18 September 2004. The image features the U.S. Marines capturing the flag at Iwo Jima in World War II. On the right, this one-meter resolution satellite image of the Pentagon reconstruction progress was collected on November 20,2001 by the IKONOS satellite. An interior section of the Pentagon has been removed so that reconstruction can proceed. Imagery provided courtesy of GeoEye.com
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communications system, which make commercial SATCOM ideal for joint operations. With prior coordination of services, an Army Commander using an International Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) terminal can easily talk to his Air Force counterpart anywhere in the world. This applies to communications with allied forces similarly equipped to use the same system. Finally, interoperability exists between military and commercial users of the same system.

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

MILSATCOM in order to accomplish a mission. Commercial SATCOM that leases available capacity allocates its resources to active paying customers. DoD MILSATCOM, on the other hand, is necessarily required to have a prioritization system. Tasks that might not be judged to have a high enough priority to use a DoD MILSATCOM system can be performed by the AImy over commercial systems. Additionally, tasks that ARE high priority but which require more capacity than is available on a MILSATCOM system could be accommodated over a commercial SATCOM system.

The contract between NIMA and Space Imaging, Inc. for exclusive rights to imagery over Afghanistan has ended. Images of Afghanistan as well as other photos of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are available for viewing at www.geoeye.com. The detail of these photographs is quite astounding and will affirm the value of imagery to any military operation.

The Army is already using commercial SATCOM extensively (Inmarsat and Iridium represent two of the better known systems). Commercial leases of C- and Ku-band capacity have long been accepted as part of the Military Satellite Conmmnications (MILSATCOM) architecture. Buying commercial otT-the-shelftechnology is less expensive than procuring militaryunique SATCOM equipment that could be technologically obsolete before it is even fielded. The flexibility, accessibility, and availability of commercial SATCOM have definite advantages for Army users while tactical doctrine continues to evolve and contingency missions around the world demand a responsive communications capability. The flexibility and responsiveness of commercial SATCOM systems are characteristics that the Army covets when it comes to contingency operations. The commercial systems are already in place - however availability is region-specific and subject to supply and demand considerations. Finally, AImy tactical units can use commercial SATCOM (if available) as a supplement to the existing MILSATCOM network. Just as the MILSATCOM network offers advantages that cannot be duplicated in a commercial SATCOM system, the reverse is also true. The AImy has the option of using commercial assets when it does not necessarily require the specialized features offered by

ARMY REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL SATCOM

In a nutshell, the following characteristics are desired for commercial SATCOM systems to adequately support the Army tactical warfighter. It should be noted that these are dependent upon the type of system being used - Mobile Satellite Systems (MSS) or Fixed Satellite Systems (FSS). Global coverage. (MSSIFSS) Ability to communicate on the move in all environments. (MSS/FSS) Small, handheld units that are inexpensive and simple to operate. (MSS) Automatic switching and rerouting of calls in the event of a failed or busy node. (MSS) Ability to operate in a "secure" mode, encryption compatible with all military standards. (MSS/FSS) Efficient use ofbandwidth to support the tactical operation. (MSS/FSS) Station grouping/elimination for specific selection of net participants broadcast mode, point-to-point, and netted topologies. (MSS) Assured access and required amount of bandwidth when and where needed.
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(MSS/FSS) Interoperability between and among Serv ices/Allies/coalitions/non-DoD agencies via cellular/satellite systems. (MSS/FSS) Messaging capability to send short updates. (MSS) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS). (MSS/FSS)

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

WARFIGHTER APPLICATIONS OF COMMERCIAL SATCOM

Commercial satellites have been used successfully during recent military operations around the world and continue to be used in current operations. In Operation Joint Endeavor, U.S. peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Hungary used a commercial telecommunications system provided by Sprint Inc. which provides voice and data access to local, worldwide long-distance, and internet services via SATCOM. Alascom transportable terminals, initially deployed to support training exercises in Alaska, were transferred to use in Panama during Operation Just Cause. PanAmSat, another commercial satellite system, has provided satellite links to the Army in support of drug interdiction programs in Bolivia and Peru. In Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) and INMARSAT were used extensively. And that was just the beginning.

This Bradley C2V was used by LTG Wallace, V Corps in Iraq., cial SATCOM (Inmarsat) was installed for continuous communications on the move. For higher throughput, Ku-band was used when at the halt.
of this band through multiple leases and service agreements with commercial service providers and commercial satellite companies. The Combat Service Support (CSS) community uses several communications applications which involve Cand Ku-band SATCOM. Among these applications are CSS Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) which provide global, wide area data networks. CSS Automated information Systems Interface (CAISI) is a deployable wireless LAN infratructure designed to provide network connectivity in garrison and battlefield environments. It can link up to 40 tents, vans, or shelters in a seven square kilometer area. The Movement Tracking System (MTS) combines Cband SATCOM and GPS to provide communications capability and real time physical location data on vehicular movement. More information on CSS VSAT and CAISI can be found in Chapter 9. Intelligence soldiers are very familiar with the TROJAN SPIRIT global SATCOM infrastructure. TROJAN SPIRIT uses C- and Ku-band SATCOM and is the Army's only fully
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C- and Ku-Bands
The Army has used commercial wideband SATCOM services and systems for years-primarily in the Cand Ku-bands-because there has not been enough organic military capability to meet its needs. The Ku-band is exclusively commercial and has seen considerable growth over the past 20 years. The Army makes extensive use
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The Spectral Operations Resource Center (SORC), a part of the Army Space Command is a valuable resource for space operations officers and Army warfighters to use for imagery support. Check out what they can do for you at their SIPRNET website: www.arspdb2.armySpace. Spacecom.smil.mil/MSI

Chapter 7
accredited TS/SCI communications systems. More about the TROJAN SPIRIT system can be found in Chapter 11. The Force XXI Battle Command Brigade/Battalion and Below (FBCB2) network is a digital command and control system that provides battle command and situational awareness information from brigade down to the soldier/platform level using GPS navigation signals and communication satellites. Blue Force Tracking (BFT) is a part of FBCB2. Using commercial L-band SATCOM, BFT provides warfighters an enhanced awareness on the battlefield. The system increases decisionmaking power, reduces response times, helps coordinate air support, and prevents friendly fire accidents. More significantly, BFT drives decision making down the command chain, allowing junior officers to react to events without necessarily consulting senior officers who might be physically away from the action. With 8FT, map sheets spread out on a Humvee hood with sticky notes and pen marks are a thing ofthe past. Computer terminals provide easy to interpret, moving blue icons on digitized maps and the latest available accurate satellite imagery for navigation, with regular information updates. This is a huge improvement over static and often inaccurate paper maps. With the increasing congestion ofthe Ku-band, commercial satellite providers are increasing their attention to other portions ofthe electromagnetic spectrum.

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

band can be significantly degraded by rain attenuation. Ka-band development has been slow due to a host of factors, not the least of which is the downturn in the global economy. This reduction has forced the cancellation of some service roll-outs and significant delays/modifications to others. Wild Blue (www.wildblue. com) and SpacewayTM (www. spaceway.com) are two commercial service providers offering broadband satellite services using Ka-band for homes and businesses.

Commercial Imagery - Eyes on the Prize

Commercial satellite imagery has been a valuable source of timely information to U.S. forces during Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. For the first time on a large scale, it has been used to provide information needed to support a wide range of missions from intelligence preparation of the battlefield, mission planning, to infrastructure damage assessment. However, during the beginning phases ofthe conflict, there was a problem. There was no real fast and efficient way to get the imagery information obtained to the people that needed to see it. The bandwidth was available for the imagery providers to obtain the photos from the satellites but there was not enough bandwidth to get those images to the field. This led to the creation of a rather awkward delivery system. At that time the commercial satellite imagery was stored on compact discs - often by personnel in the United States - and then delivered to the theater by hand. During the invasion ofIraq in 2003, the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), which procures imagery for U.S. military and intelligence agencies, used several new
January 2008

So what part of the world would YOU want to see from above? Commercial satellite imagery is easily available for purchase at fairly decent resolutions. And if you just want to browse, that's usually possible for freel One company consolidates a variety of imagery providers under one website. Check them out at www.terraserver.com.

Mavin' On Up to Ka-Band The attractiveness ofKa-band (30 Ghz uplink/20 Ghz downlink) for broadband applications is because it is a fairly untapped portion ofthe electromagnetic spectrum. Ka-band antennas can be smaller; however transmissions in this
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technology developments to speed up the process of moving the commercial imagery from collection to dissemination in the field. Upgrades to computer programs and links into the GBS have allowed a faster transfer of imagery information. Because of the proliferation of commercial and military imaging satellites operating today, it is a virtual certainty that anything done in the open will not be a secret for very long. Although the DoD operates its own fleet of powerful imaging satellites, the constraints oftheir orbits mean they will only pass over specific areas of interest once or twice a day. To augment the military imagery provided by these satellites, several commercial satellite providers are under DoD contract to provide imagery and satisfy geospatial requirements. These companies include DigitalGlobe and GeoEye. GeoEye was formed as a result of a merger between Orbital Imaging and Space Imaging in January 2006. By combining their assets, GeoEye became the largest commercial remote sensing company in the world. DigitalGlobe's QuickBird satellite was launched in October 2001 and provides the highest resolution commercial satellite imagery currently available (0.6 I-meter black and white and 2A meter color), according to the company. The QuickBird satellite revisits the area about everyone to three days depending upon the latitude of the site being revisited. GeoEye has three satellites. Ikonos was the first high resolution commercial imagery satellite. It was launched in September 1999 and moves over the ground at approximately seven kilometers per second, 423 miles above the earth. Ikonos collects data at a rate of over 2,000 square kilometers per minute. It also collects both black-and-white and multispectral
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

imagery. Ikonos makes nearly fifteen 98-minute journeys around the globe each day. OrbView-3 offers views from onemeter panchromatic and 4-meter multispectral digital imagery. OrbView-2 provides l-km multispectral imagery that primarily supports the SeaStar Fisheries Information Service with daily fish-finding maps for fishing vessels around the world. In addition, it is used for environmental momtoring purposes and naval operations. In 2008, GeoEye-l is slated for launch and will capture image detail up to OAl-meters for panchromatic images, and 1.64-meters for multispectral images. GeoEye-l will collect large areas of up to 700,000 square kilometers per day.

Eagle Vision
The process of obtaining imagery from commercial vendors through the NGA Commercial Satellite Imagery Library (CSIL), however, can involve a lengthy process that can degrade imagery timeliness and utility. Eagle Vision I, although not a commercial system, is an in-theater direct downlink of commercial satellite imagery. It was first deployed to the United Arab Emirates in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Eagle Vision proved to be appreciably faster than getting imagery from commercial vendors through the NGA CSIL. The Spectral Exploitation CellTransportable (SPECTR), part of the Space and Missile Defense Command, could receive imagery from Eagle Vision I in about 12 hours, on average, from the time the image was collected. In contrast, it required an average of24 hours, from collection to receipt, for SPECTR to receive imagery from CSIL.

The preferred providers of MSS for DoD users are Iridium and Inmarsat. Check out the DISA MSS website for details. www.disa.mil/satcom/sco/ in dex. html.

Questions on Security
Commercial imaging companies covet DoD business and the military reciproPage 7-13 January 2008

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cates. High resolution photographs of areas of interest are worth their cost and those costs are plummeting as more companies offer up their services. The U.S. government is encouraging the further development of commercial imaging systems by investing heavily in them. This frees up government imaging systems to concentrate on more sensitive and critical targets. However, commercial space imaging systems can become potential targets of anyone else in the world who might wish to weaken U.S. military capabilities. Although this vulnerability can be mitigated by continuing to maintain military-owned capabilities, the negation of many commercial space imaging systems would seriously handicap U.S. military capabilities. The U.S. has led the way in acquiring and using space imagery to its advantage but adversaries are closing the gap. Today United States is not the only country capable oflaunching imaging satellites and selling their products. There are over a dozen other countries able to "watch" global events unfold via high resolution imagery, including countries opposed to the United States. It is difficult to gauge the scope of this threat however it is one which the Army is very much aware. Additionally, use of imagery by friendly forces or even the media covering war events can be a problem. In combat scenarios, the use of commercial imagery can actually hinder the Army warfighter if the information obtained by its use is carelessly or ignorantly disseminated with no thought to the potential consequences. Satellite imagery is as easily obtained today as ordering a book over the internet. Security is always a real concern and although this sounds ominous in the context ofmilitary operations, it can have positive effects
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too. Imagery obtained over commercial satellites, with its accessibility and speed of transmissions, can show progress of troop movements, verify and assess the accuracy of weapons systems, and prove to adversaries the presences, strength and resolve ofU .S. forces.

MOBILE SATELLITE SYSTEMS

The Army defines Mobile Satellite Systems (MSS) as a commercial satellite communications system with a capability to provide voice and data services at multiple data rates to warfighters on the move. The preferred providers ofMSS for DoD users are Iridium and Inmarsat. For detailed information on available providers for DoD MSS SATCOM, check out the
DISA MSS website at http://www.disa.mil/

Additional details on the Inmarsat organization and its system of satellites can be obtained via the internet at www.inmarsat.com.

satcom/sco/index. htmJ.

MSS is the commercial equivalent of a Personal Communications System (PCS). MSS is capable of providing secure service and non-secure access to commercial and DoD information systems and can access a dedicated DoD gateway. MSS will support Army missions and operations by augmenting the terrestrial and military satellite networks and providing a worldwide, beyond-lineof-sight, encryptable, seamless communications capability to all echelons. MSS can also provide the following special features: Broadcast service Protected paging NIPRNet connectivity Short Burst Messaging DoD has a dedicated government gateway that provides remote access to the Defense Switched Network (DSN), commercial long distance, commercial international long distance and the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) via Iridium.
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It is important to remember that MSS

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

The ORD states that MSS will be employed by the warfighter as an extension ofthe existing MILSATCOM architecture and the Defense Information Systems Network. MSS will provide additional capability for beyond-line-of-sight communications by allowing the off-loading of noncritical voice and data traffic from scarce DoD SATCOM resources. As technology and mission requirements have envolved over the years, the wish list of warfighter performance attributes for MSS has been further refined and is currently as follows:

providers are commercial enterprises and as such, the Army does not exercise oversight in the development, fielding, or operation of these systems. Because ofthe inherent mobility requirements ofthe military, several commercial firms have worked with and targeted their services towards the warfighter. Many other companies are developing and plalming to launch their own systems in the next five years. The various systems differ in satellite altitudes, method of delivering data streams, services offered, and satellite coverage areas.

Information Assurance 000 Policy for Procurement of MSS

The Army adheres to the DoD policy on the procurement ofMSS from commercial providers published on 29 August 2001, which establishes DISA as the responsible agency for MSS procurements and operations. It further states that DoD users must utilize the contract vehicles prescribed byDISA. IinformationonMSS services through DISA can be found in Chapter 8, Planning and Access. The DoD heavily invested in the Iridium system, including the funding to establish a DoD gateway in Hawaii. In order to maximize the return on this investment and take advantage ofthe capabilities of the Iridium system, Army users with a handheld terminal requirement must use Iridium unless it cannot meet the specific user requirement. For non-handheld terminals, Inmarsat is the authorized provider. Requests for exceptions must be documented and submitted to the Joint Staff (J6S), Space Systems Directorate. Information assurance includes information operations and prevention of and resistance to physical destruction. In protecting sensitive user information, MSS must encompass the ability to avoid, prevent, negate, or mitigate the degradation, disruption, denial, unauthorized access or exploitation by an adversary or the effects ofthe environment. Warfighters need information assurance to exercise positive Mobile Battle Command and Control (C2) OnThe-Move (MBC20TM) and for dissemination of critical mission information during all phases of an operation.

With the current UHF FollowOn (UFO) service overSUbscribed by as much as 250%, commercial SATCOM providers like Inmarsat and Iridium can relieve pressure on the UFO system by providing secure, assured access to Army users.

Net Ready
MSS must be capable of exchanging information completely, accurately, and on a timely basis through a joint integrated architecture.

Interoperability
MSS must be interoperable with the DISN and GIG MSS must support interoperability between users employing the resources of different MSS vendors. The intent is to prevent a "stovepiped" system or slaving users to a single MSS provider.

Army ReqUirements for MSS

Army requirements for MSS were initially spelled out in an Armyapproved Operational Requirements Document (ORD) dated July 1996.
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Connectivity

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

The Option of MSS
MSS will provide the capacity to support validated access requirements to the warfighter and associated coverage on a global, regional, interregional, and theater basis. It must support forces in various stages of employment, from training to combat. The MSS requirements and characteristics as described are not all inclusive. Needs will continue to grow, and as technology matures, warfighter requirements will adjust accordingly. The small terminal sizes, flexibility, and mobility that MSS offers to the warfighter is unprecedented. Users of MSS can communicate with small, handheld terminals that can be used for voice or data. The power level needed (about 0.2 watts) is less than that used by a cellular telephone. Key technical features required for battlefield use include the following: Low transmit levels for encrypted speech, data, video, and mixed speech/data/video/short messages. Complete interoperability with all commercial cellular and space-based cellular systems. Predefined networks established on demand using two-button dialing. No interference from many terminals operating simultaneously in close proximity. Position location and reporting information. Fully mobile, interconnected base stations with no towers. To sink large research and development costs into building a satellite network for specific users supporting a specific mission is no longer necessary to serve Army communications. Using off-the-shelf terminals and leasing transponders on commercial systems, an MSS system for the warfighter can be fielded in days rather than years. It is important that the Army signal planners become familiar with the options available in mobile satellite systems, the advantages of each option, and what drawbacks could be encountered.

Access and Control

MSS used by the warfighter must be able to deny access to unauthorized users and provide a capability for user prioritization. Satellite resources are scarce and must be allocated to the most important users.

For additional information the products, services, and corporate profile on the Iridium system, check out the website at www.iridium.com

Quality of Service
MSS systems must provide a quality of service that ensures the user receives communications services when needed and at a level that ensures successful communications. Quality ofservice includes system availability, link performance parameters, and a measure of the quality of data or voice services provided.

Flexibility
The warfighter needs the ability to adjust supporting MSS and DoD space and terrestrial-based communications capabilities to match the dynamics of the operational environment. This requires flexibility in each segment of the SATCOM system. Terminal mobility, frequency selection, and system resource allocation represent different options allowing the user flexibility in responding to rapidly changing operations, threats, and geographic needs. MSS systems are particularly valuable to DoD in certain scenarios (e.g. enroute communications, VIP communications, humanitarian/disaster relief) but must be flexible enough to allow for rapid reconfiguration should the situation change unexpectedly.
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Chapter 7
Will MSS Fulfill Your Requirements? The Program Management Office (PMO) SATCOM at DISA is the best place to find answers in procurement ofMSS services. It is important to have some basic information before beginning the process. The following questions will help in determining precise requirements: In which countries or world regions can I expect to use a mobile satellite phone? Do I want to carry the phone wherever I go, or is it best mounted in a vehicle or field site office? Do I need to be contactable and able to make calls when I am mobile? Is it okay ifmy mobile phone only works outside under an open sky and not inside buildings? Is fax or data required in addition to voice? How long will I need to use the service? Will the phone be used full time (2417), only during duty hours (8x5), just for occasional use, or shared use (voice day/data night)? operate a global maritime communications satellite system for distress and safety applications, Inmarsat has expanded significantly to include services to land mobile and aeronautical users. Inmarsat today can be used for disaster relief and emergency communications and is also widely employed by the media for news repOliing from areas where communications would otherwise be difficult or impossible. For the Army, Inmarsat can be used in training and assistance operations. Potential applications include: Secure, mobile, voice, fax and data using STU-III and STU-lIB encryption. Secure, high speed data transmission with interfaces to KIV-7 and KG-84 encryption devices. Rapid deployment communication hubs offering multiplexed voice, fax, and data circuits. Full-term assigned leased channels for assured availability. Global fleet management and asset tracking. Backup network to reliable, insecure, or vulnerable terrestrial infrastructure. Store and forward video surveillance operations. Telepresence for virtual meetings and telemedicine. When Inmarsat was an intemational treaty organization, one ofthe provisions in the organizational charter was that the use ofInmarsat resources could be used only "for peaceful purposes." This vague language was left open to interpretation and raised many questions about the intent of the peaceful purposes clause for military forces in hostile areas of the world. Inmarsat is now a private company and as of October 2006 formally adopted amendments to their convention that they will be under no obligation to act strictly for "peaceful purposes."
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INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SATELLITE ORGANIZATION (INMARSAT)

Inmarsat Overview Once an intemationally owned satellite consortium, INMARSAT became the first intergovemrnental treaty organization to privatize and become a limited company, "renaming" itselfInmarsat Ltd. With its headquarters in London, England, Inmarsat comprises over 120 companies that finance the operations and have an investment share. Originally established in 1979 to
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Chapter 7
The Inmarsat System
Inmarsat's first satellites, the Inmarsat2s, were launched in the early 1990s, and the Imnarsat-3s - the first generation to use spot beam technology, followed later in the decade. The two latest satellites, 1-4s, were launched in 2005. The total Inmarsat fleet now comprises 10 satellites. A third Imnarsat-4 is planned for launch in 2008. The primary satellite constellation consists of four Imnarsat-3 satellites in geostationary orbit and the two Imnarsat-4s. Each satellite's global beam radiates a footprint, which covers approximately one-third of the earth's surface, and when overlapped, they provide coverage of the whole surface of the Earth apart from the poles. A fifth Inmarsat-3 serves as a backup and there are four previous generation Imnarsat-2 satellites, all of which are in geostationary orbit. The newest satellites, the Imnarsat-4s, set a new benchmark for mobile satellite communications in terms of their power, capacity and flexibility. One Imnarsat-4 satellite is 60 times more powerful than an Inmarsat-3, and the Inmarsat-4 fleet is expected to have a commercial life until around 2020. The satellites are controlled from the Satellite Control Center (SCC) at Inmarsat's headquarters in London, England. The control teams there are responsible for keeping the satellites in their geostationary position and for ensuring that the onboard systems are fully functional at all times. Data on the status of all satellites is supplied to the SCC by four tracking, telemetry and control stations located at Fucino, Italy; Beijing, China; Lake Cowichan, Western Canada; and Pennant Point, Eastern Canada. There is also a backup station at Eik in Norway. Communications traffic from a user terminal is relayed via the satellite and
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

then downlinked to a land earth station that acts as a gateway into the terrestrial communications networks. There are about 40 land earth stations located in 30 countries. The flow of communications tratlic through the Imnarsat network is monitored and managed by the Network Operations Center at Inmarsat headquarters.

Coverage
There are 3 types of coverage related to each Imnarsat satellite. Global beam coverage is where a single global beam covers up to one-third of the Earth's surface, apart from the poles. In general, global beam coverage extends from latitudes of -78 to +78 degrees regardless of longinlde. Wide spot beam coverage was introduced with the Inmarsat-3 satellites and is optimized for covering most areas of interest to Imnarsat's customers. It is somewhat limited in comparison to global beam coverage. Each Imnarsat-4 satellite provides 19 wide spot beams. Narrow spot beam coverage was introduced with the Imnarsat-4 satellites and each sateHite has 228 nalTOW spot beams. They form the backbone ofImnarsat's broadband services, including the Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN).

The military space-based application of Personal Communications Systems is known as Mobile Satellite Services (MSS).

Inmarsat Ground Terminals

Imnarsat ground terminals are commercially available from a number of manufacnlrers however Army users must go through NETCOM to procure

Inmarsat-A Terminal
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Chapter 7
terminals. Details are in Chapter 8. Inmarsat provides interfacing and interoperability specifications to commercial terminal manufacturers who build Inmarsat user earth terminals capable of providing the various standards of voice and data services offered by Inmarsat. A variety of Inmarsat user terminal configurations are available for vehicle mounting, shipboard installations, aircraft applications, and use with other platforms. Inmarsat terminals in use by the Army now are the following: Inmarsat-A Inmarsat-A is an analog mobile SATCOM terminal capable on kHz FM voice, 50 bps telex and up to 9.6 kb/s facsimile and data. (The terminal can also be upgraded to support data rates up to 64 kb/s.) Although known for its maritime applications, InmarsatA provides an effective communications means for remote area operations on land, such as disaster and humanitarian relief efforts. It is equally effective for engineering, bridging, and other logistics projects. It is a cornerstone service for safety and distress communications. The typical Armyowned Inmarsat-A terminal is small self-contained, and has connections 'for fax and personal computer in addition to voice. It has a foldaway parabolic antenna approximately one meter in diameter. The terminal can be upgraded to accommodate duplex data transfer, transmission of still and compressed video images, high-quality (15 kHz) audio and videoconferencing.

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

Inmarsat-C Terminal

The terminal is easy to set up and install, and can work off of batteries or portable power supplies. Inmarsat-B Inmarsat-B uses digital technology to make better use of satellite power and bandwidth. This gives service providers the option to offer users much lower charges while maintaining high quality and reliability in communications. The Inmarsat-B service supports automatic, direct-dial phone, fax, and telex. Data services come in two forms: 64 kbps high-speed data and the standard 9.6 kbps service. Inmarsat-B terminals are particularly appealing to high volume users such as the medical community who use SATCOM for telemedicine applications or broadcast quality audio transmission over high-speed data links. Government agencies and peacekeeping forces use an encryption capability on their terminals, which allows them to communicate critical information in a secure manner. Inmarsat-C The Inmarsat-C is a message-based, data-only service provides two-way data communications to and from

NETCOM, 9th ASC is the only designated Army office authorized by HQDA to coordinate commissioning ofan Inmarsat terminal directly with a satellite service provider.

Inmarsat-B Terminal
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Inmarsat Mini-M Phone

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virtually anywhere in the world. This service provides no voice capability. Inrnarsat-C terminals typically are simple, low-cost units, which can be hand-carried or mounted in a vehicle. Anything that can be coded into data bits can be transmitted. The messages are transferred to and from an Inrnarsat-C terminal at 600 bps. Because of its small size and relative simplicity, this terminal can be mounted easily on a vehicle. There are a wide variety of additional features that can be added to the standard messaging service of this terminal. Inmarsat M4 The M4 terminal provides portable high-speed services for voice and data which can extend a network into the world's most remote regions via satellite. Tailored for large data transfer requirements, M4 service offers voice (4.8 Kbps) and highspeed data (HSD) capabilities to users almost globally (except poles). The M4 unit also offers built-in highspeed data (56/64 Kbps) capabilities through an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) interface compatible with off-the-shelf ISDN peripherals, such as modems and video conferencing equipment. With multiplexing, the 64-Kbps channel can also be subdivided into several slower speed voice, fax and data circuits, with 8 Kbps typically used for each voice circuit and 9.6 Kbps for each fax circuit. Depending on the terminal manufacturer, a standard analog telephone interface may also be provided for telephone, fax and modem equipment. Much smaller than an Inmarsat-B, the M4 terminal is roughly the size of a laptop computer and weighs about 9 pounds. Shipped with a battery, it delivers more than 100 hours standby time and can be easily stored with a laptop computer in a portable over-the-shoulder carrying case. Other applications
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

supported by Inmarsat M4 service include remote diagnostics, telemedicine, remote monitoring, encryption systems (STU-III) and data streaming. Like its predecessor, the Mini-M phone, M4 terminals come equipped with a SIM (subscriber identity module) card reader. Multiple SIM cards can be used on the same M4 terminal, establishing unique accounts for each SIM card and providing a way to bill the card user rather than the terminal owner. Inmarsat Mini-M Phone The Mini-M Phone was designed to exploit the spot beam power of the Inrnarsat-3 satellites. With Mini-M, a user simply opens the lid of the terminal, points the antenna at the satellite and dials. Mini-M provides voice, fax and data at a transmission rate of2.4 kbps. The latest Mini-M's are small, light, and cost effective, weighing about four pounds and resembling a laptop computer in size. Users are typically people who must operate in areas beyond the reach of cellular or fixed communications. Features include a Subscriber Identify Module card that protects the user from fraud because the information stored on it (such as user identity and billing details) is encrypted. The Inrnarsat mini-M satphone service enables users to make phone calls to and from virtually anywhere on Earth. Inrnarsat mini-M is a versatile communications workhorse. It is available in land and maritime versions, as well as in a pay phone kiosk format for deployment in remote offices and settlements, and below decks at sea. Aero-C Aero C is a store-and-forward messaging and data-reporting service for use in smaller aircraft operating on a local or regional basis, particularly in remote airspace. Aero C equipment
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is compact and lightweight with an antenna similar in size to a VHF blade, and can be readily installed in aircraft and helicopters. Aero C supports: Globally available two-way 600 bits/s data communications, messaging, polling and position-reporting for nonsafety-related purposes Interfaces with international X.25 networks Integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) capability through a common antenna. Aero C aircraft equipment comprises an antenna, a duplexer and a transceiver. The transceiver is connected to a flight-deck data terminal or a laptop and, optionally, to a printer. Capable ofhandling messages up to 32,000 characters long, Aero C is typically used for weather and flightplan updates, maintenance and fuel requests, in-flight position reporting, and communications. Aero C is based on store-and-forward technology. Messages entered into the aircraft terminal are subdivided into data packets and transmitted to the ground earth station, where they are reassembled into the complete message and sent to the ultimate addressee via the national and international telecommunications networks. The process is reversed for messages to the aircraft. The packets are error-protected: if errors are detected, retransmission of the affected packages is requested. The complete messages are transmitted to destination only after all error-free packets have been recompiled, so that in general messages are not delivered in real time. Short data reports can be contained in a single packet, however, significantly reducing transmission time.
Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

services and products operating at data rates up to 492 kbps. BGAN delivers mobile, broadband services to company, lightweight satellite terminals which are comparable to or smaller than the size of a laptop computer. BGAN supports IP technology as well as traditional circuitswitched voice and data. There are a wide variety of small user terminals available which provide performance options to suit different operational needs. BGAN will enable users to access email, corporate networks and the internet, transfer files, video conference, and make telephone calls from nearly anywhere in the world. BGAN operates using a new generation of Inmarsat satellites called Inmarsat-4s. These new satellites are some of the most advanced communications satellites ever launched. The first Inmarsat-4, the F-l, was successfully launched in March 2005 and now operates over the equator at 64 degrees East (Indian Ocean). It covers Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The second satellite, the F-2 was launched in November 2005 and is operating at 53 degrees West serving South America, most of North America, the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Pacific Ocean. A third satellite, F-3 is due to be launched some time in 2008. The Inmarsat-4 satellites have 60 times the power and 20 times the capacity of the current 1-3 satellite constellation, providing significantly enhanced performance and capability for users. The 1-4 satellites will provide BGAN services on up to 228 narrow spot beams while simultaneously providing legacy services on 19 wide spot beams.
Army Policy And Use Of Inmarsat

By leveraging commercial sources, DoD no longer needs to sink large amounts of money into researching and developing an MSS network for the warfighter.

Inmarsat's Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) is a new family of

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

The use of the Inrnarsat system by the Army has grown tremendously because
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of its widespread use in global military operations. The ready accessibility and the ease of obtaining service have made Inmarsat very popular. The Army is not the only service that has recognized the value of this commercial terminal. The number ofNavy ships using Inmarsat increases annually, both by choice and by governmental requirements that ships be equipped with satellite communications. Also, since 1990, Inmarsat has provided service to the Air Force fleet as well as ships. Aircraft require more of the satellites' power due to their smaller antenna size and that, in tum, means that the satellite must have increased capacity to service these users. Army policy towards the use of Inmarsat adheres to the peaceful purposes guidelines previously discussed. Generally speaking, Inmarsat use is limited to the following: Provision of emergency communications supporting Army roles in disaster relief, search and rescue, support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the public welfare (i.e., humanitarian aid, whether directed to the Army or performed by the Army with Congressional approval). Communications in support of peacekeeping missions (i.e., those nationally directed or under u.s. roles supporting forces or actions of the United Nations. General-purpose communications that are non-aggressive in nature (e.g., administrative, medical, logistical, etc.). According to AR 25-1, (Army Knowledge Management and Information Technology Management) dated June 2004, "the use ofInmarsat terminals in any theater of operation will be guided by the policy of the theater combatant commanders. Primary C2 communications should be
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

over DISAlJointJCombatant Commander/Army networks and devices, with Inmarsat filling voids when primary communications providers are not available and the transmission of such information is unclassified or appropriately protected to the level of the data sensitivity. Per the ASD NIl, Inmarsat must be used with a STU-III, STE, or other NSA-approved device". Since Inmarsat can be used for administrative, logistical, and other non-aggressive support of combatant forces, Inmarsat is a viable means for tactical logistical communications where availability, cost, security, and technical factors permit its use. Radio regulatory requirements for the Inmarsat system are handled through the office of the Army Spectrum Manager. NETCOM,9thArmySignal Command (ASC) at Fort Huachuca, Arizona will coordinate and arrange commissioning ofArmy Inmarsat terminals with private corporations as the U.S. Army representative to the Inmarsat organization. NETCOMI9th ASC is the onlv designated Army office authorized by HQ, Department ofthe Army to coordinate commissioning directly with the satellite service provider. Army forces that require Inmarsat communications services must first have a commissioned terminal and receive permission for access. Procedures for obtaining access to

Iridium is a DoD Preferred Provider of Mobile Commercial SATCOM Services

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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

-All Iridium satellites are interconnected front, back, and sicle-to-side

-66 active satellites -6 planes with 11 satellites per plane -1 spare satellite in each plane

-Total nut'1'ber of satellites is 72

Iridium Provides Full Global Communications Coverage Including the Poles Inmarsat terminals and services are contained in Chapter 8, SATCOM Planning, and Access.

IRIDIUM
Iridium is a commercial, satellitebased communications system which provides mobile (on-the-move) telephone and other services (paging, messaging, facsimile, and Low Data Rate) to small handsets anywhere on the globe, including the poles, 24/7. Iridium incorporates digital, wireless technology and a packet switched satellite backbone network. Although it can handle a variety of services, the Iridium system is optimized for voice. The Iridium System The Iridium satellite constellation consists of 66 operational satellites and thirteen spares occupying six orbital planes in low earth orbit at an altitude of 485 miles (780 kms). Each plane has 11 satellites. The additional satellites orbit as spares ready to replace any unserviceable satellite.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

The Iridium 000 Gateway is Located in Wahiawa, Hawaii This constellation ensures that every region on the globe is covered by at least one satellite at all times. As of 2005, projections show the current spacecraft lasting until roughly 2014 with a replenishment program planned beginning with launches in 2012. Iridium satellites circle the earth once every 100 minutes traveling at a rate of
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16,832 miles per hour. Each satellite acts as a "digital relay", with Ka-band crosslinks to four other satellites; two satellites in the same orbital plane and two in an adjacent plane, delivering essential L-band communications links to and from remote areas on the earth where terrestrial communications may not be available. This system is very attractive to Army users because it is the only commercial system with complete earth coverage. Iridium ground support is comprised ofa System Control Segment and gateways, which are used to connect into the terrestrial telephone system. The System Control Segment is the central management component for the Iridium system and provides global operational support and control services for the satellite constellation, delivers satellite-tracking data to the gateways, and performs the termination control function ofmessaging services. The main Iridium facility is located in Leesburg, Virginia with a backup location in Chandler, Arizona. A secure Iridium DoD gateway located in Hawaii handles all military traffic over the system for security and billing purposes. It provides Ka-band feeder links for seamless DoD network connectivity allowing DSN, NIPRNET, and SIPRNET services. Iridium handsets are available from a wide variety of vendors. The NSA has approved and certified a security applique called an Iridium Security Module (ISM). Using this small attachment, the ISM provides encrypted communications protected up to and including top secret. The ISM is compatible for secure communication with STU-III telephones through the DoD gateway. The Iridium architecture design is based upon line-of-sight access to the satellite; therefore, customers with handsets inside buildings or under
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Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

dense foliage generally have difficulty receiving the satellite signal. The Iridium pager provides a better means of receiving messages. If no pager is available, callers who are unable to reach the subscriber on an Iridium handset for any reason will have the option of leaving a message that will be delivered the next time the handset has line-of-site access to the satellite constellation. Iridium is the current DoD choice for mobile, commercial service.

COMMERCIAL BROADBAN D/KABAN 0

In recent years the demand for highspeed networking, driven mainly by the rapid expansion of the Internet, has been growing at an exponential rate. The bandwidth required for these networks can be delivered to users using a variety ofmethods including digital subscriber lines, fiber optic cable, and cable modems; however, these are "wired" solutions. Technology has matured to the point where satellite systems, being a "wireless" solution, are an attractive means for broadband use. Army applications which would be ideal for use over broadband systems include: Videoconferencing High speed internet access Telemedicine Interactive distance learning Teleradiology The broadcast nature of satellites supports the efficient transmission of the same message to a large number of users, making satellites the natural choice for multicasting services. Satellites are also attractive for interconnection ofgeographically distributed high-speed networks, or for providing other multimedia services to both deployed forces and the sustaining bases. While most of the existing broadband communication
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Commercial SATCOM provides an alternative means of satisfying those communications requirements that might not be satisfied using military SA TC OM.

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today is carried via terrestrial links, satellites will come to playa greater and more important role. This can be demonstrated by the increasing conunercial interest in this area. Unfortunately, the satellite industry has had difficulty with providing dedicated broadband satellite services. Systems proposed during the mid1990s and even into the 2000s have been repeatedly delayed, put on hold, scaled back, or even cancelled as the terrestrial based services flourished. There are serious shortcomings inherent in satellite-based systems, such as significant propagation delays, wireless channel quality, exposure of systems to space radiation, etc. however research continues in an attempt to overcome these shortcomings. The service focus and nature of satellite systems themselves is also changing, with revolutionary new technologies such as onboard switching, spot-beam technology, intersatellite links and constellations of systems in a variety of orbits that represent new challenges for the satellite industry. There are a number of providers offering broadband-type "services" that lease capacity on satellites with high-speed voice, data, and video conununications. Those satellites are equipped with hybrid payloads where Ka-band transponders are bundled with Ku-band. and employs high-performance, onboard digital processing, packet switching and spot-beam technology to offer direct site-to-site connectivity at rates of 512 Kbps and 2 Mbps for remote locations and up to 16 Mbps at larger locations.

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

SUMMARY
Conunercial SATCOM is essential for the Army warfighter. The flexibility and responsiveness that it offers is critical for an Army, which is seeing a large increase in conununications requirements as a result of a substantial transformation of its force structure. The warfighter requires more flexibility, a quicker response to the threat, and a need to be better equipped to deal with an unpredictable adversary. Additional requirements growth is due to an increase in missions and the accompanying expanded battlespace, situational awareness, intelligence and targeting requirements, and more capable sensors and processors delivering higher amounts ofdata. Used extensively by the Army now, conunercial SATCOM has been tested successfully during recent conflicts around the world. Inmarsat is a good example of a conunercial SATCOM system that the Army has relied upon for conununications in the past and MSS systems such as Iridiumhave assumed a comfortable place in the Army SATCOM architecture. Commercial SATCOM is an alternative means of satisfying those conununications requirements that cannot be satisfied using military SATCOM. The Army, as part of a j oint combined arms team, must be able to conununicate with non-governmental organizations, allied nations, and coalition partners. They cannot be expected to procure military SATCOM hardware to meet their conununications requirements and DoD cannot afford to buy it
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Additional Sources of Information Contained on this CD: Commercial Satellite'Access

Request Procedures
Iridium and Inmarsat Guide to Requesting Service * Spectrum Chart

5 PACEWAY
SPACEWAY, built by Hughes Networks Systems, is probably the closest to launching a viable broadband satellite system. With the launch of its first satellite over North America on 26 April 2005, SPACEWAY is a nextgeneration satellite system, whose capabilities enable high-speed data networking and enable groundbreaking applications. SPACEWAYoperates in globally assigned Ka-band spectrum,
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Chapter 7
for them. Also, some U.S. equipment is not releasable to non-U.S/DoD agencies. Commercial SATCOM equipment used with commercial encryption devices fulfills the goal of secure long-range communications between all nations participating in an operation. The use of commercial SATCOM is evident throughout the Army. The Flyaway Tri-Band Satellite Terminal ANIUSC-60A, is a COTS highly transportable tri-band SATCOM terminal with the capability to use commercial satellites in the C- and Ku-bands as well as the military Xband. Many other uses for commercial SATCOM are being explored and, where possible, are being integrated into the Army SATCOM architecture. There are distinct differences between commercial and military SATCOM. Higher costs associated with commercial SATCOM access and the necessity of getting host nation approvals are important considerations in the event of a conflict overseas. Commercial SATCOM is not as jam resistant as some military SATCOM systems. Access to commercial SATCOM, however, is usually less cumbersome than military SATCOM access, barring any host nation approval problems. The Army benefits substantially by letting the international marketplace

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

determine the successes and failures in the global market. With so many comparable systems under development and being launched, the Army does not have to invest in any of them prior to determining which systems can best satisfY requirements. The Army, as part of 0 00, has certainly benefited from advances in technology developed in the commercial sector, however analogies between the military and commercial requirements are rarely the same when the "bottom line" is considered. The biggest difference between commercial and military SATCOM services is that the military focuses on life and death, where commercial providers measure their success by profits eamed.
It is impossible to know the total communications demands offuture Army contingency missions. However, the Army cannot satisfy its myriad communications requirements without a proper mix ofboth commercial and military SATCOM. Both have their places within the Army satellite architecture. There are benefits and disadvantages that must be traded off between military and commercial SATCOM to provide timely, economical communications appropriate to the mission.

Additional Sources of Information Available: Commercial Satellite Access Procedures Iridium and Inmarsat Guidance for Requesting Service Spectrum Chart

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

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January 2008

Chapter 7 Acronyms

Army Use of Commercial SATCOM

BFT
Blue Force Tracking

MEO
Medium Earth Orbit

BGAN
Broadband Global Area Network

MILSATCOM
Military Satellite Communications

C2
Command and Control

MILSPEC
Military Specifications

CONUS
Continental United States

MSS
Mobile Satellite Service

NIMA COTS
Commercial-off-the-Shelf National Imagery and Mapping Agency

CSB
Commercial SATCOM Branch

ORO
Operational Requirements Document

OISA
Defense Information Systems Agency

PCS
Personal Communications System

000
Department of Defense

PTT
Post, Telegraph, and Telephone

FBCB2
Force XXI Battle Command Brigade/Battalion and Below

SATCOM
Satellite Communications

SCC GAN
Global Area Network Satellite Control Center

SOB GBS
Global Broadcast Service SATCOM Data Base

UHF GEO
Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Ultra High Frequency

UN GPS
Global Positioning System United Nations

INMARSAT
International Maritime Satellite

INTELSAT
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

ISM
Iridium Security Module

LEO
Low Earth Orbit
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

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January 2008