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Space Communications
Volume 3, Number 1 (Winter 2001/2002)
From the Editors
Headlines
Profile
Communication Systems Engineer, Donald H. Martin
A History of U.S. Military Satellite Communication Systems
Satellite communication has been a vital part of the United States military throughout the space age. The goal has been to provide communications between military units in situations where terrestrial communication methods are impossible, unreliable, or unavailable. This goal was partly realized with the earliest DOD communication satellites, and as satellite and communications technology has improved, the goal has been realized to a much greater extent.
Critical Issues in Spectrum Management for Defense Space Systems
Competing claims on the available radio-frequency spectrum have placed the Department of Defense in a difficult position. Military satellite communications must provide unique warfighter mission support, operational security, and high capacity on demand. But with commercial interests demanding more of the usable spectrum, these goals will require strong leadership and vision to attain.
Bandwidth-Efficient Modulation Through Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying
Using bandwidth-efficient modulation, communication satellites can transmit signals through a smaller frequency band. The Aerospace Corporation's research into one such technique has yielded tangible benefits for the military's protected communication satellites.
Forward Error-Correction Coding
Digital communication systems, particularly for military use, need to perform accurately and reliably in the presence of noise and interference. Among many possible ways to achieve this goal, forward error-correction coding is the most effective and economical.
Adaptive Nulling Antennas for Military Communications
Adaptive antennas dynamically respond to interference by "nulling out" or canceling the interference energy. The Aerospace Corporation has successfully applied the technology to satellites and ground terminals for two Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center programs.
Communication Technologies for Remote Regions
The Aerospace Corporation is applying satellite communication technologies to improve the communication capabilities of the Federal Interagency Communications Center and the four federal agencies it serves to provide an effective communication system for the safety of personnel in remote regions in Southern California.
The Challenge of Shared Military Communications
European military satellite communication technologies have never reached the level of their U.S. counterparts—and the gulf appears to be widening. As a result, the United States and its allies will have to work harder to share military communications and coordinate front-line operations.
Future U.S. Military Satellite Communication Systems
The current military satellite communications network represents decades-old technology. To meet the heightened demands of national security in the coming years, newer and more powerful systems are being developed.
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