(U) Automated Communications Management System (ACMS)

(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).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  ACMS is an integrated toolset for Milstar communications planning.  It is implemented as a suite of software applications that reside on Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) hardware.  ACMS works in conjunction with other ground support systems to provide consistent configuration data for the Milstar satellite payloads and the Milstar ground terminals.  ACMS supports a distributed planning process and will be used by planners at all echelons, with ACMS-to-ACMS communications supporting planning consistency throughout the planning process.  ACMS is being implemented in two "builds", each consisting of several "increments."  Build 1 addresses the Milstar EHF planning problem.  Build 2 adds capabilities for UHF Follow-on/EHF planning, enhanced Milstar EHF planning capabilities, and Milstar UHF planning.  The Build 1 development timeframe is June 1998 (increment 2) and March 1999 (complete Build 1).  The Build 2 timeframe is January 2000 (increment 1), January 2001 (increment 2) and January 2002 (complete Build 2).

Description: (U)
(U)  ACMS supports the Milstar (and eventually other MILSATCOM) planners by providing a set of automated and semi-automated tools in an integrated application environment.  The major tool functions include:

- Reference Data Management
- User Requirements Management
- Satellite Constellation and Payload Configuration Planning
- Satellite Resource Apportionment Planning
- Satellite Resource Allocation Planning
- Crypto Planning
- Terminal Database ("Image") Generation
- Payload Database ("Tables") Generation
- Communication Asset Monitoring
- Communication Performance Trending and Analysis
- Communication Control (Terminal Control)
- Antenna Pointing Control (Terminal Control)

(U) The ACMS implements a windows-based interface for easy operator interaction.  The planning functions are implemented using an object based model, where identifiable planning objects (e.g., terminals, satellites, communication requirements) are grouped into "workspaces" for easy access and reference. In addition, the ACMS ensures a consistent and complete set of planning data by enforcing the Milstar planning rules as constraints during the planning process.  This design will allow any network manager assigned to the S-3 staff to plan and manage Milstar communication services with minimal training.

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Programmed.
	(U) IOC: 01/1999 (2QFY1999).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Advanced EHF, Fleet EHF Package (FEP), Milstar I, Milstar II, UHF Follow-on (UFO)

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) EHF Ground Segment Terminals

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) MILSATCOM.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
01 February 1997

(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).)