The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).
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(U) Air Force Satellite Communications (AFSATCOM)

-Description
-Initiatives
-Links
-Impacts
-Requirements
-Lead
-Programmatics
-Categories
-POC
-Images
-Road Map
-Text Version

Overview (U):

(U) Air Force Satellite Communications (AFSATCOM) provide secure, reliable, and survivable satellite communications for Air Force Single Integrated Operation Plan (SIOP) forces and other selected high priority users.


Description (U):

(U) AFSATCOM transponders are hosted as "passengers" on other satellite systems including the AFSATs, the Leased Satellites (LEASAT), the Gapfiller satellites, the Satellite Data System (SDS), DSCS, and the Lincoln Experimental Satellites (LES). The payload uses the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) portion of the frequency spectrum to provide two-way, record communications between a family of airborne and ground terminals. There are 12 AFSATCOM 5-kHz channels which are independent of other communications on their host satellites. Additionally on the CONUS, Atlantic and Pacific AFSATs, and the CONUS LEASAT, there is a 500-kHz wideband channel. The AFSATCOM 5-kHz channels 11-17 are regenerative, which means that the uplink RF signal at 317-MHz containing 75 bps messages, is converted to baseband; the message bits are amplified, reshaped, and remodulated and transmitted on the downlink at 243 MHz. Processing limits the signal to 75 bps and requires a special radio. AFSATCOM 5-kHz channels 18-22 are non-regenerative as there is no processing done other than the conversion. AFSATCOM is specifically designed for emergency action message (EAM) dissemination, force direction, force report back and Commander-in-Chief (CINC) internetting. The AFSATCOM terminal segment consists of all Air Force airborne and ground communication equipment, required interfaces, and related terminal equipment. These programs include the Air Force Satellite Communications (AFSATCOM) System, MD-1035 Dual Modem Upgrade Program, AN/ARC-171 Receiver-Transmitter Upgrade Programs, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Airborne UHF Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Terminal Upgrade Program and the Initial Network Control Station (INCS).

User Impact (U):

(U) AFSATCOM provides essential secure, reliable, and survivable satellite communications for Air Force Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) forces and other selected high priority users.

Programmatics (U):

(U) Operational.

Images (U):

NameTitle
Added Value to the WarfighterAFSPC Vision
DSCS IIIDefense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) III
FLTSATCOMFleet Satellite Communications
This Table Is Unclassified.

Related Initiatives (U):
NameTitle
Adv Narrowband Dig Voice TermnlAdvanced Narrowband Digital Voice Terminal (ANDVT)
Airborne Integrated TerminalAirborne Integrated Terminal (AIT)
DSCS IIIDefense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III
Enhanced Manpack UHF TerminalEnhanced Manpack UHF Terminal (EMUT) (aka Spitfire)
Mini-Demand Assigned Mult AccessMini-Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA)
UHF Follow-on (UFO)Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Follow-on (UFO)
This Table Is Unclassified.

Related Requirements (U): None.

Related Categories (U):
NameTitle
Satellite OperationsSatellite Operations
UHF Satellite SystemsUltra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Systems
This Table Is Unclassified.

Road Map Placements (U):

NameTitle
MILSATCOMSPACE FORCE ENHANCEMENT: MILSATCOM
This Table Is Unclassified.

Requirements, Funding and Additional Hotlinks (U):

Name
AFSCN History
AFSCN Homepage
This Table Is Unclassified.

Lead Office (U):

Air Force.

Point of Contact (U):

(U) National Security Space Road Map Team, NSSA, Open Phone: (703) 808-6040, DSN 898-6040.

Date Of Information (U):

(U) 01 February 1997



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(U) For comments/suggestions contact: Office of the National Security Space Architect (NSSA), 571-432-1300.

(U) Road Map Production Date: 23 June 2001


The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).