Advanced EHF technologies for lightweight augmentation communication satellites

Abstract

Small EHF satellites can significantly complement the antijam service provided by basic EHF MILSATCOM space segments. Mobile/survivable launch vehicles with rapid launch preparations can be utilised to deploy reponsively these small satellites into high-altitude elliptical or circular orbits. From such orbits, only a few satellites are needed to provide high-duty-cycle coverage of a critical area. The communications capabilities provided by these EHF payloads can range from low-data-rate services (75 to 2400 bit/s per channel) to high-data-rate links (10 Mbit/s or more per link) depending on the payload configuration. Through the use of EHF waveform standards, these augmentation satellites will be compatible with existing and planned EHF terminals. Advanced technologies permit the development of the highly capable, lightweight payloads required for these roles. Some of the key payload technologies include adaptive uplink antennas; high-speed, low-power digital signal-processing subsystems; lightweight frequency-hopping synthesisers; and efficient solid-state transmitters