Cascade: a Ka-Band Smallsat System Providing Global Movement of Extremely Large Data Files

Abstract

Cascade (patent pending) is a new and innovative space-based capability for cost effective high bandwidth connectivity for military users. Analogous to a FedExtrade-in-the-Sky, the Cascade system will deliver extremely large digital data files, nominally tens to hundreds of GBytes, to and from anywhere on Earth typically within a day using a single satellite and often much more rapidly. Small independent low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will support composite 1.4 Gb/s data transmission rates and Terabyte level on-board storage. These satellites will service individual data sources and sinks sequentially on a pre-scheduled basis to effect simple but timely 'store and forward' movement of very large packages of data. Target users are those in remote areas that generate or require these substantial amounts of data but who do not have access to fiber or equivalent high bandwidth transmission. As a low cost solution for secure large volume batch data distribution. Cascade will free up over-subscribed real-time military satellite communications networks and provide near term, cost effective high bandwidth connectivity in support of information superiority and network centric warfare. It also solves the problem of prepositioning capacity to serve unpredictable surge needs. While Cascade is non real time its high data rate will deliver very large files ahead of slower, real time networks. A technically oriented overview of both the overall system that will provide the service and the nearer term Cascade technical demonstration will be presented. Potential military applications for Cascade will also be presented