Tech Transition (Space)

The Resilient Architecture Design and Evaluation project conducts experimentation within an interconnected hybrid satellite communication (SATCOM) architecture to validate the performance, scalability and resilience of providing the Joint Force with multiple separate communications paths. To achieve these resiliency gains, the hybrid network requires 1) on-demand management of multi-band, multi-orbit DoW, allied and commercial data links; and 2) management and control capabilities to orchestrate paths through the space and ground networks. The effort validates the "Resilience by Design” approach in the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) Space Data Transport Force Design recommendations through a combination of 1) modeling and simulation; 2) hardware- and software-in-the-loop analysis; and 3) terrestrial and on-orbit demonstration. The project leverages Hybrid SATCOM terminal prototyping in the Experimentation (Space) project along with direct relationships with commercial terrestrial and space data transport providers to demonstrate dynamic networking, understand commercial offerings, assess security and resiliency, and jump-start future acquisition approaches that enable a pivot to a more resilient architecture. In addition to creating an experimental hybrid space network to meet DoW's unique resiliency, security, and scalability needs for broadband transport, the effort also quantifies the suitability of commercial 5G Non-terrestrial Networks (NTN) and other frequencies for a subset of current Ultra High Frequency (UHF) users while prototyping next-gen UHF technologies for the core users who need to stay on UHF. This will provide improved capacity, performance, security, and resiliency for dismounted disadvantaged user. Finally, the effort looks to understand how such a hybrid space network can support mission services for multi-domain sensing, Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT), and space control.

Experimentation (Space), Project 64S444, efforts conduct experimentation and field prototyping of Hybrid Satellite Communications (SATCOM) terminals for Joint operational implementation. In FY 2024 through FY 2028, the Experimentation (Space) efforts will extend Hybrid SATCOM capabilities to an expanded set of Department of War (DoW) platforms, and enable assured communications through both commercial and military satellite constellations in multiple orbital regimes, while accessing multiple frequency bands to maintain resilient connectivity and security. The Hybrid SATCOM terminal effort implements and experimentally flight tests multi-band, multi-constellation, multi-orbit SATCOM terminals at three ground installations and on nine different aircraft types. Specific platforms and platform details are available through proper channels. The Project also demonstrates the ability of Hybrid SATCOM terminals to seamlessly switch between vendors and satellite constellations. The Hybrid SATCOM terminal prototyping will include secure connectivity using National Security Agency-approved approaches, and authority approvals at least to the interim levels needed for experimentation as required for DoW communications.