SatCom For Net-Centric Warfare November/December 2010 MilsatMagazine

Ka-band Mounted Battle Command On-The-Move Photo courtesy of EM Solutions  milsatmagazine pAYLOAD — nov/dec 2010  CHRONICLES intel

The Orbiting Vehicles Series: OV2 + Onwards Satellites + Remotely Piloted Aircraft by Jos Heyman...... 26 Colonel Keith W. Balts, USAF...... 04

Iran: Space Launch Capabilities Tiffany Chow...... 50

COMMAND CENTER Securing Tactical Mobile Networks Martin Roesch...... 63

James Ramsey, President MTN Government Services MilsatMagazine Editors...... 38

focus

The Antenna Challenge William Hafner & James Montgomery...... 18

Enhanced Situational Awareness Rick Lober...... 34

Enhancing Mobility Through COTM Karl Fuchs...... 45

The Importance Of Compression Sandy Johnson...... 58

Mission Critical Audio Conferencing Sudhir Gupta...... 68

2 MILSATMAGAZINE — SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010 Satellites + Remotely Piloted Aircraft Colonel Keith W. Balts, USAF...... 04

Iran: Space Launch Capabilities Tiffany Chow...... 50 intel Satellites + Remotely Piloted Aircraft

author: Colonel Keith W. Balts, U.S.A.F. Vice-commander, 30th space wing, vandenberg afb

Advances in technology allow modern in person and on the battlefield, the forces to fight battles at extreme ground commander in Afghanistan distances, separating the shooter communicates with the remotely from the target. Whereas Colonel piloted aircraft (RPA) unit in Nevada Prescott delivered his famous directive while inputs stream in from the

A pre-flight inspection of an MQ-1B Predator unmanned aircraft at Ali Base, Iraq. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. DoD photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin, U.S. Air Force.

4 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 cyberspace domains, identifying them intel Don’t fire until both as media “in which the United 3 you see the whites States can expect to be challenged.” of their eyes... In general, fourth-generation warfare —Col. William Prescott theory also supports this trend by

Battle of Bunker suggesting that military operations Command center (Breed’s) Hill, 1775 are more “likely to be widely 4 dispersed and largely undefined.”

In light of this relatively new trend, distributed common ground/surface military leaders need to consider system in Virginia and the combined potential second-order effects, air and space operations center in uniquely associated with 1 Qatar. Similar to RPA operations, distributed capabilities, that space operations are distinguished by may detract from the advantages that vast geographic separation between the these capabilities bring to the fight. ground and (space) vehicle segments. Comparing space and RPA operations According to General Kevin Chilton, illuminates several of these effects. commander of US Strategic Command, By leveraging the experience gained space operations are “absolutely global from decades of space operations, in nature and indifferent to physical military leaders can translate applicable 2 terrain or lines drawn on a map.” lessons learned from a relatively

Forces able to distribute their operations geographically can gain advantages in force protection, Combat identification for economy of force, flexibility, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) system and personnel costs; however, during time-sensitive targeting such distribution also exposes them to can be messy and may include unique vulnerabilities and challenges. inputs from the distributed With the advantages in mind, the common ground/surface system, military has already fielded many the combined air and space remotely operated systems or has them operations center, the ground under development, demonstrating commander, and, of course, the an evolutionary trend toward more, UAS pilot. not fewer, distributed operations. —Pilot of a remotely piloted The RPA example above is a prolific aircraft flown during Operation one in the air domain; examples Enduring Freedom exist in other physical domains as well. General Chilton has punctuated the growing reliance on distributed operations for the space and

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 5 intel mature unmanned community to a could also benefit from this discussion. comparatively young one. Many of Unlike the recent trends in air, these lessons also apply to remotely land, and sea domains, historically, operated capabilities in other domains. space operations have always been distributed (and remotely operated) Why should we compare space and due to the unique physical attributes RPA operations? Of all the terrestrially of, technical challenges peculiar to, based remotely operated systems, RPAs and risks in the space domain. currently make up the preponderance of those systems distributed across As General C. Robert Kehler, significant distances — that is, outside commander of Air Force Space the immediate area of responsibility. Command (AFSPC), remarked during Operators of other remote systems a visit last year to Creech AFB, are in fairly close proximity to the Nevada, home of Air Force RPAs, “We vehicles they control, but those understand remote split operations in systems may grow more distributed AFSPC. We have been operating UASs over time; thus, their communities for many years. It’s just that those

The final phase of the training is held at the MQ-1 Predator Formal rainingT Unit (FTU) at Creech AFB, Nevada, where students learn to fly and fight with the MQ-1 Predators. Photo courtesy of USAF

6 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 UASs fly outside the atmosphere, Nevertheless, the crisscrossing intel and we fly things that are more evolutions of satellites and RPAs than 22,000 miles away. We do that distinguish the two. On the one hand, 5 with remote split operations.” space operations began in a distributed mode but have grown closer to the Military space operations do involve fight by deploying new systems and

6 Command center several manned weapon systems, expertise into the theater of operations. especially ground-based platforms RPA operations, on the other hand, performing space-related missions. Examples include launch vehicles, MOS space situational- awareness sensors, and space- control systems with a direct physical, rather than a remote, connection to the weapon system; however, this article addresses satellites because they represent the preponderance of space operations and are, in essence, remotely operated space vehicles. Satellite system architectures closely resemble RPA architectures as both consist of control segments, vehicle segments, and the links connecting them.

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 7 intel offers a framework for 7 comparison and analysis.

A DOTMLPF analysis of space operations reveals some recommendations that can help remotely operated communities in other domains better prepare for future distributed operations.

Doctrine Despite the importance of doctrine to military success, especially the effective employment of new technologies, military personnel have noticed a lack of an overall doctrine for 8 RPAs. The uniqueness of these Global Hawks aircraft and other remotely operated systems warrants specific guidance to address distribute key elements of traditional shortfalls and differences in existing air operations away from the theater. doctrine. Current command and Despite their differences in capability control (C2) doctrine posed significant and operating domain, space and RPA challenges to space operations in the operations share enough characteristics late 1990s and early 2000s as space to make them worthy of comparison as capabilities became more integrated examples of distributed operations. with traditional military operations.

Background, Two nuances, unique to space Analysis, and operations at the time, forced leaders Embedded in-theater and in US-based space Recommendations organizations to re-examine With the space community’s more existing C2 doctrine for establishing than five decades of experience in command relationships. First, space distributed operations, what lessons units can create effects within the apply to the RPA community? The traditional area of operations without doctrine, organization, training, the need to fully deploy or undergo materiel, leadership and education, a change of operational control personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) (CHOP) to theater. Second, space construct used by the Joint Capabilities capabilities can create effects across Integration and Development System, the entire area of operations — even across multiple areas of responsibility

8 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 simultaneous effects across intel traditional areas of operations.

Organization During the past two decades, space expertise and organizations evolved

within geographic commands in order Command center to better integrate space capabilities into traditional military operations; advise senior theater leadership on space capabilities; and plan, coordinate, and execute theater space operations. The speed and effectiveness of this evolution depended on the location and organizational affiliation of General C. Robert Kehler, commander the space personnel involved. of Air Force Space Command Initially, very few space-savvy personnel simultaneously or within the same existed outside of US Space Command tactical timeframe (i.e., a single (USSPACECOM) to assist theater execution cycle for satellite planning, commanders in integrating these 10 similar to a single Global Hawk sortie). new capabilities. Similarly, theater expertise did not flow back into Traditional criteria for establishing USSPACECOM to help career space command relationships did not address officers understand the environment, these nuances, so conflict ensued requirements, and culture of traditional between supported and supporting military operations. To remedy commanders over how best to resolve this situation, in the mid-1990s this doctrinal gap. After years of USSPACECOM, AFSPC, and their experimentation, exercises, operational equivalents from other services began experience, and heated exchanges, deploying space support teams to the Air Force developed specific theater organizations for planning, doctrinal criteria to help commanders exercises, and real-world operations. establish the appropriate command relationships, such as operational The next step involved creating a control, tactical control, or a permanent presence in major theater 9 supporting affiliation. headquarters using liaison officers — specifically, officers working side- Using this doctrine as a baseline, by-side with theater leadership but the RPA community should establish reporting to USSPACECOM or its exact criteria for defining command subordinates. Finally, the Air Force relationships when units do not assigned space experts — mostly need to fully deploy or when graduates from the space course at the their weapon systems can create US Air Force Weapons School — to

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 9 intel major theater headquarters, reporting senior space leaders to gain direct directly to theater commanders. experience in theater operations.

This evolution from deployable teams RPA operations had their roots in to liaison officers to permanent party theater operations, but the evolution experts was a key element in increasing of theater space organizations is the effectiveness of space capabilities noteworthy because it demonstrates as geographic theater commanders a desired end state for expertise gained more influence over space in distributed operations. If the RPA 11 requirements and integration. community succumbs to the temptation While this evolution occurred at the to distribute too much expertise away junior-officer level, a similar one from the theater, it could find itself occurred at the senior level, although in the same situation as the space community in the early 1990s. By keeping sufficient junior- and senior- level RPA experts embedded within theater organizations, rather than relying on liaisons, the RPA community will ensure effective integration of current and future capabilities. Although not examined here, several organizational changes also occurred inside space organizations to better support theater activities.

USAF UAV Training Simulator, Training photo courtesy of USAF Distributed operations carry with them it lagged the junior-level process by the disadvantage of simultaneous several years. Senior space officers authorities exercised over a single served as liaison officers, deployed, unit by both the “organize, train, and and then eventually became permanent equip” chain of command of their members of theater headquarters as military service and the operational directors of space forces (DIRSPACEFOR), chain of their combatant commands. positions created to facilitate When units do not CHOP into or out coordination, integration, and of a theater, commanders experience staffing activities in support of space- a dilemma in unity of command in integration efforts for the combined that they must fight a war while they 12 force air component commander. train for it. Space operations mitigate this disadvantage by establishing A critical milestone, establishment of recurring training requirements for the DIRSPACEFOR position, gave space line crews and real-world proficiency operations a forum and voice in theater standards for training and evaluation headquarters that junior officers could personnel (as well as unit leadership). not always provide. It also enabled Having to perform periodic real-

10 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 world operations not only keeps this data can also lead operators to intel instructors and evaluators proficient, “drink their own bathwater” by learning but also enables them to help backfill the wrong lessons in the absence of line crews so the crews can interrupt external perspectives from supporting their normal schedule rotation to or supported forces. Collaboration fulfill monthly training and evaluation tools and opportunities to visit related obligations. Major system upgrades and locations in person can generate Command center procedural changes can also stress the these external perspectives. Funding steady-state manpower levels needed for site visits, key conferences, and to balance training requirements select debriefings will help distributed and real-world operations. operators improve their performance; in turn, those operators will educate Manpower needs must account for forward units on the capabilities potential surge capacity for major and limitations of emerging weapon modifications to the weapon system, systems. In fact the first real benefits procedures, or real-world operations from the evolution of theater space tempo. Policies and requirements put organizations came from educating in place by the space community could theater commanders on space serve as a baseline for RPA units that capabilities, which also led to increased must also train while they fight. credibility for the space community. Distributed operations offer a key training benefit insofar as Materiel + recorded data can contribute to Facilities better debriefings of individual As satellites and RPAs differ missions and help train other operators. widely due to the operational Unfortunately, the exclusive use of domains involved, materiel

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 11 intel The role of simulators in distributed operations also enters into a discussion of the materiel element. Control nodes for remotely operated systems depend heavily on computers and data manipulation, making their functionality easier to simulate than manned systems that operate in the physical Predator UAV firing a missle environment.

considerations worthy of comparison Simulators for distributed operations reside mainly in facilities associated can be incredibly realistic, especially with the control segment and for weapon system displays that communication links. Despite tight use text and graphics versus cost constraints, requirements live video or audio feeds. Close for control nodes should include synchronization of upgrades between capacity for growth in both size and real-world systems and simulators coordination demands. The ability is paramount as both training and to surge efficiently beyond routine operations occur simultaneously. mission objectives will enable operators to carry out infrequent but complex Finally, effective distributed operations operations that necessitate crew depend upon links to the outside world. augmentation, accommodate outreach These links are important not only for opportunities without interfering with vehicle connectivity and situational operations (i.e., hosting tours for awareness but also for operators to external organizations), and integrate feel connected to the mission and the unforeseen future capabilities. people they support or who support Expanding part of the system without them. Similarly, realistic visualization major redesign represents another tools and meaningful collaboration advantage of distributed systems capabilities can amplify contributions over traditional manned systems. made by personnel operating outside the traditional area of operations.

12 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Three-dimensional common operational Leadership + Education intel pictures and training tools, along with The crisscrossing evolutions of the live video feeds, assist operators in space and RPA communities also comprehending the environment not produce useful comparisons for physically present around them. Video overcoming leadership and education teleconferencing, live chat, and ample challenges associated with distributed travel opportunities can also build and operations. Leaders of distributed Command center maintain professional relationships operations face two significant for successful collaboration, allowing obstacles instilling a warrior ethos and operators to understand the nuances motivating personnel who operate away and nonverbal communication behind from their “band of brothers” in the war the inputs they receive. Protection of zone. Some of this disconnectedness control nodes and links should also can even lead to post-traumatic stress occupy a high position on commanders’ disorder among RPA crews involved 13 lists of priorities since they often in lethal operations. Even though represent the most vulnerable space operations do not currently aspects of the weapon system. involve lethality, motivated operators with a war-fighter mentality are still

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 13 intel critical to mission success, especially personnel and weapon systems personnel integrated directly with involved in the operation beyond ongoing military operations. the immediate control node. The Initially, the RPA community has the experience is just “not as potent an 14 benefit of drawing its personnel from emotion as being on the battlefield.” manned systems — these individuals

Command center bring their deployed experience Distributed operations may yield with them. The challenge lies in huge cost savings and reduce sustaining that perspective in their risk, but to periodically connect new community while educating the operators with the battlefield, next generation of operators who commanders should allocate might not have the benefit of theater funding and man-hours for trips to experience. Video teleconferencing, the theater and other distributed instant messaging, and other electronic elements. Waiting three years for collaboration methods can go only new operators to take on a liaison or so far in creating and sustaining a embedded RPA position in-theater feeling of connectedness with other is too late to benefit the mission during their first operational tour.

From left: LT Thomas Shuler; a predator MQ-9 UAS; CBP ground control station,photos courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard 14 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Personnel at the junior and midcareer levels. intel The military space community grew The Air Force reacted by pushing for out of an engineering culture whose more technical, advanced degrees and early space operators included either for specialization within the career field officers with technical degrees or to counter the degradation in technical technically savvy contractors. proficiency. Moreover, the conversion to enlisted personnel cost young In the 1990s, the Air Force transitioned officers early opportunities to gain this to nontechnical officers and eventually expertise as part of their professional to enlisted personnel as the mainstay development. It is difficult to develop of space operations, at the same senior leaders in a community that time keeping contractors involved offers few opportunities to acquire to balance the loss of technical technical experience at a junior expertise. Although this move helped level. (Approximately 75 percent of operationalize space capabilities second-tour space officers served as 15 and save money, the pendulum had missileers in their first assignment.) swung too far, diluting experience

U.S.A.F. UAV training at the Air Force Weapons School, photo: USAF

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 15 intel Lessons within each DOTMLPF element can prevent the repetition of mistakes when new domains open or when remotely operated systems appear in the existing operational environment. Distributed operations stretch our current understanding of established domains, thus driving the need for unique doctrine and organizational structures. Furthermore, personnel policies, leadership development, U.S.A.F. Reaper UAV and training programs must adapt to incorporate nuances In summary, the RPA community never before encountered in should not abandon its origins, even traditional warfare — or at least not though technology permits it to encountered to the extent revealed do so. Rapidly training new officer by modern distributed operations. accessions or enlisted personnel to operate RPAs may seem attractive, Finally, placing more emphasis on the but such policy changes should occur design of control nodes, perhaps at the gradually, allowing commanders to expense of some vehicle prominence, identify and resolve second- and will allow leaders to leverage the third-order effects before drastic most versatile and flexible segment of corrections become necessary. distributed weapon systems. By taking a hard look at how space operators Conclusion approached these elements, military Distributed operations offer unique leaders can improve the integration, advantages in warfare, but they can evolution, and mission contributions also include serious side effects. of newer distributed systems such By examining space operations as RPAs. As space operations evolve and applying lessons learned toward and RPAs evolve away to other distributed operations, from their traditional operating military leaders can minimize environments, they learn many lessons negative second-order effects and for sharing — such as two remotely thereby ensure mission success. operated ships passing in the fight.

16 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Editor’s Note:

This article originally appeared in Air Footnotes intel & Space Power Journal, Fall 2010 issue, and is presented courtesy 1 National Park Service, “Bunker Hill Monument,” of the United States Air Force. http://www.nps.gov/bost/historyculture/bhm.htm (accessed 22 September 2009); and Joseph L. Campo, to the author, e-mail, 28 September 2009. About the author Col. Keith W. 2 Gen Kevin P. Chilton, “Cyberspace Leadership:

Towards New Culture, Conduct, and Capabilities,” Command center Balts is the vice Air and Space Power Journal 23, no. 3 (Fall 2009): commander of the 5, http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/ 30th Space Wing apj09/fal09/fal09.pdf (accessed 21 May 2010). and Western Range 3 Ibid., 6. at Vandenberg Air Force Base, 4 William S. Lind et al., “The Changing Face of War: Calif. The wing’s Into the Fourth Generation,” Marine Corps Gazette 85, forces conduct no. 11 (November 2001): 66. spacelift and range 5 Military doctrine does not specifically define remote operations, and split operations; rather, the term refers to operations support operational described in this paragraph in which the operator and and developmental platform are geographically separated from each other. SSgt Alice Moore, “AFSPC ComNotes Commander Visits missile system testing for the UAS Operations at Creech AFB,” Schriever Air Force Department of Defense from the Base, 25 March 2009, http://www.schriever.af.mil/ West Coast of the United States. news/story.asp?id=123141399 (accessed 21 May Vandenberg Air Force Base is the only 2010). U.S. platform for polar orbit launches 6 Maj Keith W. Balts, “The Next Evolution for Theater and the only location to conduct Space Organizations: Specializing for Space Control,” intercontinental ballistic missile testing in Space Power Integration: Perspectives from Space without over-flying populated areas. Weapons Officers, ed. Lt Col Kendall K. Brown (Maxwell AFB, AL: Air University Press, December 2006), 124, http://www.au.af.mil/au/aul/aupress/Books/Brown/ Colonel Balts received his commission brown.pdf (accessed 21 May 2010). as a distinguished graduate of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He has 7 Sean C. Sullivan, “Capabilities-Based Planning: Joint served in various operational and staff Capabilities Integration and Development System and the Functional Capabilities Board,” course reading positions involving satellite command (Newport, RI: Naval War College, 20 August 2008), 4. and control, space control, missile warning, national reconnaissance and 8 P. W. Singer, Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution theater space operations. Colonel Balts and Conflict in the Twenty-first Century (New York: Penguin Press, 2009), 210. has served at the squadron, numbered Air Force, major command and national 9 Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 2-2, Space agency levels. He commanded a Operations, 27 November 2006, 10–14, http:// space warning squadron and the Air www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/service_pubs/afdd2_2.pdf (accessed 21 May 2010). Force’s largest isolated installation within the continental U.S. He also 10 Today, USSPACECOM’s space-operations mission served in the Combined Air Operations resides in US Strategic Command. Centers for Operation Southern Watch 11 Balts, “Next Evolution,” 124. and Operation Enduring Freedom. 12 AFDD 2-2, Space Operations, 7. Colonel Balts is a command space 13 Scott Lindlaw, “UAV Operators Suffer War operator with qualifications in four Stress,” Air Force Times, 8 August 2008, 1, http:// satellite systems and two ground-based www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/08/ap_remote_ radars. Prior to assuming his current stress_080708/ (accessed 9 January 2010). position, Colonel Balts was a student at 14 Singer, Wired for War (see caption for third the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. unnumbered plate in the photo gallery following p. 308). 15 US Air Force, “13S Career Paths, Deliberate Force Development,” briefing, AF/A3O-ST, January 2009, slide 21.

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 17 FOCUS The ANTENNA Challenge

authors: William Hafner and James (Pat) Montgomery, PhD EMS Technologies, Inc.

Without question, the military’s need The government’s own satellite for mobility and bandwidth continues investments will significantly increase to grow exponentially. This is reflected the U.S. military’s broadband in the launch of the latest WGS capabilities in the Ka- and EHF-band satellite this summer and the U.S. arena, and will no doubt help lessen Air Force’s decision to pay Boeing the military’s dependence on Ku-band to lay the groundwork for a seventh and other commercial sources for wideband military communications bandwidth. Today, 80 percent of the satellite to route video, voice and military’s bandwidth comes from data messages to deployed troops. commercial sources at a price tag of

WGS

18 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 approximately $600 million annually size as they increase the number of FOCUS in 2009, according to DISA’s SATCOM, SATCOM functions. However, what about Teleport and Services office. the antennas that need to talk to the satellite? They are limited by physics — We estimate that some 15 different the physical area of the aperture must military platforms will be in line for be of a size and aspect ratio to achieve

WGS. Boeing’s BAMS UAV for the the gain and pattern performance Command center Navy has already received the WGS required to meet the link requirements. upgrade and Global Hawk will soon be upgraded.

What does this mean for antenna designers and terminal developers in the SATCOM- on-the-move world? Two things — one, there are many niche markets that companies can fit into and do well — whether they specialize in miniature SATCOM or large airborne systems.

Two, smaller and greater SATCOM functionality are king. The radio side of the satellite market already has fully embraced this move, where terminals and modems of even non-SATCOM radios are shrinking in

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 19 FOCUS In many cases, military users have to The design challenge is to come up choose between a small, low-profile with low-profile antenna systems antenna with lower data rates, or a that neatly fit the shape of a vehicle larger antenna to get the bandwidth without sacrificing performance. necessary to support mission-critical User needs can be driven by a desire applications such as situational to maintain a discrete presence to awareness. These combat operations conceal the aperture from view. must be managed in real time across Other applications can be driven to land, sea and air. In the world of low profile by aerodynamic needs of airborne military operations, low-profile flight in both manned and unmanned antennas are needed for two reasons systems. For some unmanned systems, — to hide the antenna from view including Global Hawk and Predator, and to make it aerodynamic.

Twenty years ago, the only antenna answer was a parabolic dish combined with a feed system. In applications where low profile was tactically desired or required, alternatives were not available and the only choice was to attempt to meet the needs with undersized apertures severely constrained in link performance. Antenna design innovators are exploring ways to meet the low-profile needs with smarter designs that have the low-profile physical characteristics Global Hawk UAV along with the growing bandwidth needs of the warfighter in mind. the flight system was literally designed Today, the industry is exploring around a mechanically steered a number of novel approaches parabolic dish system. However, most using flat plate apertures suitable of the addressable market requires for low profile implementation — retrofit of an antenna system to an from multi-layer printed circuit existing aerodynamic platform. apertures which can support wide bandwidth, to designs consisting of These platforms were never designed interlaced narrow band slot arrays for large exterior additions that supporting multiple frequencies. can result in unacceptable impacts to the flight ability of the aircraft. Low profile is the key to success in adding an external SATCOM system to an existing airframe.

20 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Plethora Of military/commercial hybrid approach FOCUS Satellite Options at Ka-band. The military has more satellite spectrum at their disposal than The decisions on usable bandwidth are ever before. The rich options constantly under evaluation for best available include a combination of value within a complicated scenario. commercial and military satellites Commercial bandwidth is interesting in operation now and planned: because the capital investment is taken on by the satellite operator. The »» In the commercial satellite arena, Ku- users, military and commercial alike, band dominates the current leased lease capacity to meet their demands. bandwidth market for the military. C-band provides additional capacity The downside for the user is that the in regions either underserved by bandwidth is available on a first-come, Ku-band or in tropical zones where first-served basis, with pricing and rain fade immunity makes C-band availability varying with world events. the logical choice. Up and coming in With military-owned satellites, the the commercial market are the Ka- military user community is in control band offerings. With multiple players of its destiny, but the downside entering the market with consumer includes the capital expenditures and commercial offerings, strong necessary to purchase and operate the consideration is underway for military satellites. In addition, satellite lead use of the commercial Ka-band times and the unpredictable timing networks with promise of even smaller and location needs of bandwidth make terminals and higher bit rates. long term management difficult.

»» In the military domain, the choices Capacity Outpaced are no less interesting. Included During the ongoing operations in the is the WGS fleet coming on line Middle East over the past decade, with its integrated X- and Ka- regional Ku-band capacity management band operations. AEHF will be fully has been a challenge with demand activated in the next several years, frequently outpacing availability. The replacing the current aging Milstar military has looked for other options, fleet with new advanced features. most notably in Ka-band systems with the rollout of the DoD’s WGS, »» In addition to the aforementioned, made to give fresh capacity options there are military/commercial hybrid to the military. The higher Ka-band systems that are currently offering frequency spectrum offers significant X-band services on commercially advantages, including smaller owned satellites operating at military footprints and creating opportunities bands. Commercial Ka-band network to reuse frequency at much higher operations are also including military power (see the graphic on this page Ka-band as part of the satellite for a snapshot of each band, frequency payload system to capitalize on the

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 21 FOCUS range and the advantages and investments being made by Air Force disadvantages that each band offers). and Army Labs as well as DARPA.

An Antenna For The difficulty that prime contractors and Any Band their suppliers are grappling with is the As advances in radios enable users physics of the problem. With the reuse to switch from one frequency to of aperture for multi-band applications, another, the need to develop this next- sacrifices that reduce performance are generation interchangeable, “any band” generally necessary, e.g., aperture efficiency. antenna is the next big innovation on the horizon. It is a challenging This results in a larger antenna to problem to solve, as evident by the function within two or more bands in

22 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 one aperture. FOCUS Other concepts include “back- to-back” apertures, where the aperture swept volume accommodates multiple bands with two separate band-specific apertures facing in opposite directions and switched by pointing for the selected band of operation.

The needs of our military will continue to push the industry to solve this challenge. As key UAV platforms such as Global Hawk seek to move from today’s Ku-band to the WGS of tomorrow, they will need an antenna that can help them transition and move within those bands seamlessly, Top: EMS D&S AS-Ka Antenna Systems depending Bottom: EMS D&S AS-Ka Antenna Systems Installation Photos: EM Solutions on their

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 23 FOCUS mission requirements. This may be We believe the key for the industry solved with the addition of a totally to meet this challenge is to focus on separate aperture on a separate our strengths — our niche. No single part of the fuselage or by updating company is going to dominate the an existing dish antenna with a entire market; rather, there will be complex multiband feed assembly. those who specialize in key technology areas. EMS Technologies specializes Whatever form the next-generation, in developing airborne and low-profile multi-band antennas take — whether antenna solutions for aircraft that they are two antennas situated back fly fast and with high efficiency. to back or a reflector with a feed that can be switched out from mission to Without question, there is a lot of mission. The question is when will this opportunity to design the solutions multi-band and switchable capability for the military that enable the mobile be a reality? We believe it will be three warfighter. The user community has to five years before we see an efficient as many unique applications as can dual-band antenna, but there are be created by the marketplace. This current solutions in development now. multitude of requirements create the demands and challenges we The industry is advancing with the must overcome to support the needs development of low-profile antennas of the warfighter user community. for a single purpose. In the last four It’s a challenge we welcome. or five years, there has been a real effort to solve some of the problems, be it Ka-band for airborne, or Ku-band for any ground mobile. Today, these are point solutions for a specific platform, satellite or specific mission.

24 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 About the Authors

xDr. James P. (Pat) Montgomery is a FOCUS William Hafner, technical fellow for principal engineer EMS Technologies within the Defense Defense & Space & Space Division of Division. In his EMS Technologies, current position, Dr. Inc., provides technical Montgomery serves leadership for EMS’ as a principal member Ku-band airborne of the engineering SATCOM antenna staff and provides systems and supports technical leadership strategic business with significant development initiatives business impact on for the company’s key programs for EMS. SATCOM antenna architecture. Hafner’s He has more than 40 engineering career has spanned a years experience working with antennas broad range of technology areas and he and microwave technology and has has held a number of engineering and worked in several technical leadership business development positions with positions since joining the company increasing responsibility for EMS. Prior in 1986. Prior to his current role, Dr. to his current role, he was director of Montgomery served as corporate chief Broadband Programs for the Satellite engineer, leading the development of the Networks Division and principal engineer EHF Antenna System for the B-2 stealth for the Corporate Business Development bomber. Previously, Dr. Montgomery Group. Previously, Hafner worked was principal engineer for the Georgia with SPC Electronics as business Tech Research Institute (GTRI), where development and product line manager he was responsible for the development for microwave and millimeterwave of a number of programs involving EHF transceivers for the Very Small Aperture frequency selective surfaces, RCS Terminal (VSAT) and terrestrial markets. measurement systems, RAM permittivity Hafner has authored numerous papers and permeability measurements and and technical proposals on high large telemetry antenna systems. Before frequency communications links and joining GTRI, Dr. Montgomery served holds patents on a Multi Beam Satellite as a member of the Technical Staff at Communications System and High Texas Instruments working on radar Data Rate Satellite Communications phased array and slotted waveguide and Method. He received his bachelor’s array aperture development as well degree in electrical engineering from the as the development of many planar Georgia Institute of Technology in 1983. near-field testing systems and related software. Dr. Montgomery holds a Ph.D. and M.S.E.E. from the University of Colorado in electromagnetics, where he also served as a guest worker at the National Bureau of Standards. He obtained his B.S.E.E. from the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Montgomery is a Life Senior Member of the IEEE.

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 25 chronicles The Orbiting Vehicles series — OV2 + Onwards —

author: jos heyman, FBIS, Tiros Space Information

This article continues the look at September/October 2010 issue the OV satellite history from the of MilsatMagazine on Page 82. author that was published in the OV2 The Orbiting Vehicle (OV)2 series of satellites were built by Northrop for use with the Titan IIIC launch vehicle. The series was initially developed for the Advanced Research Environmental Test Satellite (ARENTS) program, which was intended to obtain supporting data for the Vela series, which The OV2-5 was designed for solar, magnetic and cosmic ray research in space. On Sept. 28, 1968, it was boosted from the ground by a Titan III was cancelled. launch vehicle into a circular equatorial orbit at an altitude of 22,000 miles above the Earth. It was designed with an operating life in space of at least one year. (U.S. Air Force photo) 26 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 The OV2‑2 and OV2‑4 flights in the series were cancelled.

Launched on 15 October 1965, the chronicles objective of OV2‑1 was to monitor biological hazards of the near‑Earth charged particles. It had a mass of 59 kg and 14 instruments were carried to measure energetic particles, electromagnetic field strengths, very low frequencies and radiation effect on tissue equivalents, and included a plexiglass simulated human torso, high‑ and low‑energy particle detectors, two plasma probes and two magnetometers. The satellite was launched with several other satellites on what was essentially a test of the Titan IIIC launch vehicle. It remained attached to the second stage of the launch vehicle due to a failure of the release mechanism. Titan IIIC launch vehicle, NASA photo

OV2-2 was to carry out optical maneuvers, a solar aspect sensor measurements from a 400 km circular and two fluxgate magnetometers. orbit to provide a better understanding The 192 kg payload failed to separate of the physics of space radiation from the Transtage and contact was and its relation to the Sun. The lost after launch. OV2-3 gathered satellite was to be launched in 1966 data on solar and geomagnetic and would have carried instruments activity and changes in cosmic ray and similar to those to be carried on trapped particle flux arising from such OV2-3. The mission was cancelled. disturbances. It carried 15 instruments but contact was lost soon after launch. OV2-3 was launched on 21 December 1965 and carried 15 experiments to OV2-4, which was to be flown in 1966 gather data on solar and geomagnetic but was cancelled, was to carry out activity in cosmic ray and trapped optical measurements from a highly particle fluxes arising from such eccentric trans-lunar orbit from which disturbance. The satellite tested it would have studied space radiation. various components from the cancelled ARENTS program, including a solar OV2-5, the final spacecraft in the OV2 cell array, a solid propellant rocket series was launched on 26 September for satellite spin‑up, cold gas jets, 1968. The OV2‑5 satellite collected a solid propellant rocket for orbital data on the space environment at a

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 27 synchronous orbit altitude, including cosmic rays, trapped particle fluxes and changes in fluxes arising from

chronicles solar and geomagnetic disturbances. The satellite carried 11 experiments to measure cosmic rays, trapped radiation fluxes and changes in fluxes arising from solar and geomagnetic disturbances. The instruments included proton/electron spectrometers, a dE/ dX range telescope, a low-energy Faraday cup, an electron density fan, a Lyman-alpha scanning photometer, a magnetometer, positive and negative plasma sensors and an Orbis-High beacon.

Although only seven of the 12 appendages of the satellite deployed successfully, most of the instruments provided data. OV2‑5 had a mass of OV3 204 kg. The combined payloads on this flight have also been referred to as P67‑2. The collection of plasma probes, several Geiger‑Mueller data on the space environment in counters and two magnetometers. a geosynchronous orbit was the objective of the cancelled OV2-5. The 80 kg OV3-2, launched on 28 October 1966, studied the electron OV3 and ion density and structure of the The OV3 series of satellites were outer radiation belt and provided built by Space General and were data on charged particle variations of an octagonal shape measuring in the extreme upper atmosphere 74 cm in diameter. They were used during the solar eclipse of 12 with Scout launch vehicles. November 1966. Instrumentation included an electrostatic analyzer to OV3‑1, which was launched on measure proton and electron spectra, 22 April 1966 with a mass of 68 an impedance probe to measure kg, conducted radiation studies by electron density, a plasma probe measuring the angular distribution and to measure positive and negative energies of charged particles in the charged particles as well as a mass magnetosphere and upper ionosphere. spectrometer to measure ion species. It was also known as Ops-1527. The payload included proton and electron OV3-3 mapped and monitored particle spectrometers, electrostatic analyzers, radiation in space with omni-directional

28 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 transfer spectrometer, electron and proton spectrometers, a solid state charged particle spectrometer

and a tri‑axial magnetometer. chronicles

The fifth satellite in the series, OV3-5,

did not achieve orbit on 31 January Command center 1967, due to a launch vehicle failure. The 94 kg satellite carried two mass spectrometers, three ion density gauges and an impedance probe to measure properties of the atmosphere at altitudes between 250 and 860 km, including the constituents and density of the atmosphere and its temperature. It was also known as Atmospheric Composition Satellite (ATCOS)‑1.

OV3-6, also known as Atmospheric Composition Satellite (ATCOS)-2, measured the properties of the upper ionosphere, including its composition, density, pressure and temperature. Instruments included two mass spectrometers, three ion density Scout launch vehicle, photo courtesy of NASA gauges and an impedance probe. The satellite, which was launched on 4 proton/electron spectrometers, high December 1967, operated for 5 days. and low-energy hydrogen/helium nuclei telescopes, a Faraday cup electron OV4 and proton spectrometer, a medium- The Orbiting Vehicle (OV)4 energy magnetic electron spectrometer satellites were technology spacecraft and a tri-axial magnetometer. It associated with the proposed Manned was launched on 4 August 1966. Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) that was proposed by the US Air Force The 79 kg OV3‑4 satellite was and was eventually cancelled. launched on 10 June 1966 and undertook radiation studies of Launched with a Titan IIIC on 3 the inner Van Allen belt and was November 1966, along with several also known as Personnel Hazards other satellites, the 136 kg OV4‑1R Associated with Space Radiation satellite was used in conjunction with (PHASR) and Ops-1427. The payload 109 kg OV4‑1T to test the feasibility consisted of a tissue equivalent of using the ionosphere’s F layer radiation chamber, a linear energy as a wave guidance for HF and VHF

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 29 chronicles

30 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 transmissions between satellites out of line of sight of each other. OV4-1T carried a transmitter operating at 20,

34 and 46 MHz whilst OV4-1R carried chronicles a receiver. In addition, the satellites measured cosmic noise and the electron and air densities of the lower ionosphere. The project has also been referred to as Whispering Gallery.

A second set of Whispering Gallery satellites, designated as OV4-2 and due for launch in 1967, was cancelled, along with the entire MOL program.

The 9661 kg OV4‑3, launched on 3 November 1966, was a boiler plate model of the Manned Orbiting Laboratory, to which the reconditioned Gemini-2 (which had been used on a sub‑orbital flight on 19 January 1965) was attached. The objective of the flight was to test the launch vehicle configuration as well as to qualify the MOL heat shield. The mission was also referred to as Gemini B‑Heat or Project Manifold and was also known as Ops-0855. OV5 The Orbiting Vehicle (OV)5 satellites were built by TRW and were octahedrons with sides of 28 cm each, or tetrahedrons. They were launched as secondary payloads on Titan IIIC launches.

The 6 kg OV5-1 was also known as Environmental Research Satellite (ERS)‑27 and conducted solar flare studies by measuring the X‑radiation. Launched on 28 April 1967, the instrumentation consisted of a beryllium window proportional counter

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 31 which swept across organic and inorganic material samples outside the satellite, to measure the

chronicles friction and drag characteristics.

The OV5-4 was launched on 26 September 1968. Also known as Environmental Research Satellite (ERS)‑21, the 12 kg satellite obtained experimental data on the heat transfer in liquid under zero‑gravity conditions in support OV5 of the SNAP design of propellant systems. The test tank contained to measure X‑rays from solar flares, heating elements immersed in fluid solid state detectors to measure the freon and an expandable bellows background radiation, photomultipliers externally pressurised with a fluid to measure the background radiation mixture to permit constant vapor and six Geiger‑Mueller counters pressure measurements. The fluid for X‑ray measurements. pressures and temperatures were measured at various points in the tank. On 26 September 1968, OV5-2 The experiment failed prematurely. was launched. Also known as Environmental Research Satellite On 23 May 1969, three OV5 satellites (ERS)‑28, the 10 kg satellite was were launched on the same Titan IIIC ejected from the launch vehicle launch vehicle. The OV5-5, also known during the early stages of the flight. as Environmental Research Satellite It conducted radiation studies by (ERS)‑29, was a 11 kg satellite to monitoring the electron and proton gather data for basic research on environments in the Van Allen solar radiation and its effect on the belts. The instruments consisted magnetosphere. Using a VLF plasma of three sets of omni‑directional wave detector, an altitude sensor, spectrometers, several Geiger‑Mueller a magnetometer and seven particle tubes and directional detectors to detectors, it measured the VLF proton measure electrons and protons. and electron fluxes as well as the temporal variations of such fluxes. The 8.6 kg OV5-3 — AKA The combined payloads on this flight Environmental Research Satellite have also been referred to as S68-3. (ERS)‑20 — conducted material studies to determine the effect of OV5-6 was another 11 kg satellite the space environment on metals. to gather data for basic research on Launched on 28 April 1967, the solar radiation. The payload consisted payload consisted of 16 small arms of a solar flare monitor, six particle detectors, solid state detectors, a

32 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 detector, a solar X‑ray monitor and a solar flare electron detector.

OV5-8 was one of 13 satellites chronicles launched on 16 August 1968 on an Atlas launch vehicle with a Burner II upper stage to conduct a materials friction experiment. The protective shroud surrounding the second stage of the launch vehicle failed to separate and the satellites, collectively referred to as SESP P68‑1, were not deployed.

In their days, the Orbiting Vehicle series of satellites were remarkable in that details of the experiments were published, unlike other US Air Force satellites, which were classified and remain so — in most instances — today. We will probably never know the extent to which these small satellites were The Atlas 10B launch vehicle awaiting launch. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Air Force Base associated with classified programs, as they undoubtedly were. magnetic spectrometer, a Faraday cup and a fluxgate magnetometer. It was also known as the Environmental Research Satellite (ERS)‑26 About the author . Jos Heyman is the Managing Director of OV5-7’s objective was to measure Tiros Space Information, a Western Australian solar radiation. It had been intended consultancy specializing to fly the payload on the launch in the dissemination vehicle that carried OV1-17 and of information on the scientific exploration others on 18 March 1969, but OV5-7 and commercial was cancelled to make way for the application of space for use by OV 1-17A (Orbiscal-2) payload. educational as well as commercial organisations. An accountant by profession, Jos is the editor of the OV5-9 collected data on solar TSI News Bulletin. flares and low‑energy radiation. The payload of the 13 kg satellite consisted of low‑energy proton detectors, a dE/dx‑E telescope, a Cerenkov counter, a VLF radiation

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 33 FOCUS Enhanced Situational awareness author: Rick Lober, Vice President and General Manager Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems Division

Situational awareness is a vital The demonstration took place on requirement supporting U.S. homeland an Albatross aircraft and showcased security and border control as well live, uninterrupted, and highly-secure as military interests. In 2005, the video transmissions with D-1 video Department of Homeland Security resolution and pulse-code modulation (DHS) established the Secure Border (PCM) audio at air-to-ground data Initiative, a multi-year plan to help rates of more than 2 Mbps. secure U.S. borders. The Initiative notes that the means to effectively secure the border is achieved through situational Ground-breaking awareness and the ability to respond Results to potential issues immediately. The demonstration results were ground-breaking. The Hughes solution In the same year, the Joint Functional features two-way, Ku-band satellite Component Command for Intelligence, connectivity, which performed at Surveillance and Reconnaissance speeds much greater than what is (JFCC ISR) was established under the currently available in the commercial United States Strategic Command. market, while still maintaining or It serves as the control center for exceeding currently available quality ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and and performance. Customers can Reconnaissance) operations and is view transmissions from any secure, vital in enabling global situational IP-based network, allowing for awareness for the U.S. military. continuous communication during deployment or at headquarters. Over the past five years, Hughes has made significant progress in Users can also use a geotagging developing situational awareness feature to easily help identify areas technology and solutions. In Camarillo, of concern. Other airborne video California, the Hughes Defense and systems currently on the commercial Intelligence Systems Division (DISD) market are limited to a 200 mile range. demonstrated breakthrough technology They also require line-of-sight (LoS) to enhance situational awareness — the communications, making them inefficient Advanced Airborne Video Solution. in mountainous or urban terrains.

34 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 They are also markedly slower with Control, Communications, Computers, FOCUS lesser quality, hindering the missions Intelligence, Surveillance and of those in the homeland security, Reconnaissance (C4ISR) customers. defense, and government sectors. The Advanced Airborne Video Solution The Hughes Advanced Airborne Video uses Hughes HX technology and Solution meets the situational awareness Expert Network Management System needs of homeland security and defense (ExpertNMS) capabilities. ExpertNMS missions, and is also a cost-effective provides superior usability and features and a proven, commercial-off-the-shelf a highly intuitive and interactive (COTS) platform.

Hughes first developed its Advanced Airborne Video Solution to meet the needs of its partner, Row44 and the commercial airline industry with on-board, broadband Internet services. To respond to the airline industry’s need for situational awareness capability, Hughes developed a COTS platform for airborne use, employing its highly successful HX technology.

The developed platform became the Hughes Advanced Airborne Video Solution and it provides the speed, quality, and security necessary to meet the requirements of homeland security, defense, and Command,

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 35 FOCUS interface, with advanced diagnostics capable of monitoring an entire network to optimize performance. Worldwide Coverage Currently, the Advanced Airborne Video Solution has global reach operating over Ku-band satellites. Hughes is continuing its research and development efforts increasing global Ka-band link via its Horizon-1 satellite capability, which will enable customers located at 127 degrees West. to use smaller aircraft antennas and facilitate even greater data rates. Footage from the demonstration is available at: Hughes partnered with leading- http://www.defense.hughes.com/ edge technology providers for a resources/airborne-2-minutes. demonstration of its Advanced About the author Airborne Video Solution, including Rick Lober joined Row 44’s flying test-bed aircraft; Hughes in late TECOM Industries, Inc. KuStream™ 2008 as the Vice President and 1000 bi-directional Ku-band antenna; General Manager Streambox’s highly secure video of the Defense coding and viewing sub-system; and and Intelligence Systems Division. Intelsat General’s communications He has over 25 years experience with both COTS- based and full MIL communications and intelligence systems starting as a design engineer and progressing to a P&L executive. He has previously worked at Cubic Communications, Inc. and Watkins- Johnson Company and received his BS and MSEE degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Air-to-ground video over 2 MBPS

36 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010

James Ramsey, President

COMMAND CENTER MTN Government services Editor’s Note: MTN Government Services (MTNGS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of MTN Satellite Communications (MTN).

Jim Ramsey is a military veteran with more than 35 years of communications and leadership experience. Jim served at the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) as a Presidential Communications Officer for both President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush. He was responsible for planning, installing and maintaining communications requirements for over 1,000 presidential trips, commanded four units, and ended his tour as the Operations Officer. Jim was inducted into the WHCA Hall of Fame in 2005.

38 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 milsatMagazine After retiring from the U.S. Army, I was Jim, could you please tell us about appointed by President George Bush your background and what brought as the CIO of the 2004 G8 Summit. you to MTNGS? Additionally, I served as the senior vice president for MorganFranklin Corporation and as senior vice

Jim ramsey president for Protection Strategies COMMAND CENTER I joined MTNGS in February 2009 with Incorporated. I’ve spent my entire the charge of establishing a wholly career advising, planning and installing owned subsidiary focused on expanding tactical communications worldwide. MTN into the public sector, government I was first introduced to MTN when and the military. I hired the company to provide communications for a television Prior to MTNGS, I served in the U.S. broadcast from an aircraft carrier. Army and retired as a Lt. Col. (LTC) after a successful 26-year career as a Communications Officer.

Field View

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 39 milsatMagazine transponder worth of information. Can you give us a brief description of In just five months from inception, MTNGS and its position in the military design and integration, the first full- satellite business? bandwidth stabilized maritime terminal was delivered to the U.S. Navy, where it Jim ramsey resided as a classified device through

COMMAND CENTER As a newly formed subsidiary, we May 1988. At that time, the Company have the added benefit of leveraging began to redeploy the technology onto MTN’s robust VSAT managed services commercial vessels such as cruise network and infrastructure, which ships and the U.S. Army boats under already supports our successful contract with the Drug Enforcement private sector businesses globally. We Administration (DEA). are a technology and market leader in the maritime VSAT sector with a very Sometime in 1989, the U.S. Navy strong position as a major provider tried to recall the then U.N. Classified of VSAT products and services to technology for redeployment, the cruise industry, commercial but realized it had already been shipping and large luxury private redeployed in the commercial arena, yachts. Our services benefits provide so they continued to work with MTN high-quality, reliable, redundant and on a sole-source commercial basis responsive global VSAT managed in developing what was known as services with a staff that understands the Challenge Athena program. the public sector. The program’s only purpose was delivering C3I information to and Our staff has served in the military from their command and control services, has been part of our nation’s vessels, as well as all their large deck most critical organizations, has vessels on a global basis. deployed communications worldwide in support of the Department of milsatMagazine Defense (DoD), civilian agencies and Could you give us an overview of Non Governmental Organizations MTNGS’ current service offerings? (NGO), and has worked with a single Special Forces Team in Afghanistan. Jim ramsey Currently, we offer a complete milsatMagazine VSAT managed services capability We understand MTN was an early pioneer globally. This includes VSAT in VSAT technology for the DoD. Can you hardware, TDMA and SCPC network describe some of those early programs? solutions, installation, VSAT training and consulting, and 24/7/365 Jim ramsey maintenance and support. As we MTN was contacted in April 1986 by continue to grow, we plan to offer the Pentagon to design and build a a complete end-to-end integrated stabilized satellite communications network solution in which VSAT will platform capable of delivering a full only be part of the solution.

40 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 milsatMagazine milsatMagazine Would you please describe MTNGS’ Jim, who are the primary customers network infrastructure? for MTNGS? Jim ramsey Jim ramsey MTN provides a seamless global We created this subsidiary to focus service to all of our users, whether across the entire public sector and COMMAND CENTER classified or unclassified. This is support those who need rapid, reliable, provided through three teleport redundant, sustainable and deployable stations around the world, two of which we control and through which we lease capacity. All of the teleports are connected today by redundant fiber connections complete with alternate routing and alternate carriers, so there is no common sharing of services in case of a fiber cut or natural disaster. All ground infrastructure components have multiple backups and parallel routers, and all teleport hubs are redundant with automatic failover.

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 41 communications. Our end-user Jim ramsey customers include the DoD and other This is our constant focus. We take the agencies within the government, DoD security requirements seriously including the National Oceanic and and we understand the responsibility Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) associated with being a DoD contractor. in providing broadband satellite MTNGS has to meet the requirements

COMMAND CENTER connections for their research vessel of the National Industrial Security fleet. We subcontract through various Operating Manual (NISPOM), prime contractors for different programs. Intelligence Community Directives We also serve a number of NGO’s for (ICD), Director of Central Intelligence missions such as disaster relief and Directives (DCID), and the Joint Air recovery operations. Force Navy (JAFAN) Directives. Our clients have various security requirements milsatMagazine and challenges we work to comply How are you able to conform to with, and we execute all projects in a security requirements for handling DoD highly effective manner. We are also in traffic through your network? the process of receiving our ISO 9006 certification. We constantly engage in working groups and forums throughout the DoD network to strengthen and enhance our security for the DoD traffic. It is obvious to us that protecting the traffic through our network is essential to growth and the safety of our men and women in uniform. milsatMagazine How has the new DISA purchasing platform for satellite communications affected your business? Jim ramsey We are anxious, as are all within our industry, to see how the Future Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Services Acquisition (FCSA) will change the industry. As a GSA Schedule 70 contractor, we have submitted our proposal for the addition of the two new SINs (132-54 and 132-55), and submitted a proposal for Custom SATCOM Solutions (CS2). We strongly believe NOAA’s Okeanos vessel DISA’s efforts in bringing this program

42 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 to the war fighters is vital and will add Jim ramsey efficiency, effectiveness and a more This is simple — to consistently streamlined approach to supporting deliver beyond expectations what we DoD for commercial satellite resources say we can deliver, on time and under and managed networks. budget. It is essential to our business to partner with our customers to milsatMagazine seamlessly integrate our company COMMAND CENTER Do you see increasing demand for into the mission and to ensure every commercial satellite bandwidth for customer/client is treated as a DoD? What mission areas? priority. Our government and military are faced with huge challenges Jim ramsey today; therefore, it is critical that our Absolutely! We can see across the entire delivery of communications is part of communications sector, the increased the solution and not a hindrance to demand for bandwidth and throughput accomplishing all missions at hand. for situational awareness, command Our solutions must be seamless a and control, advanced weapons, and extension of the network enterprise intelligence systems. We also believe to enhance the ability to face ever- the flexibility, investment, and research demanding challenges. and development of the private industry can facilitate the increasing demand for Our core values include personal throughput. Study after study published and professional integrity, customer within the DoD shows the demand for service that is far above and satellites is outgrowing the ability for beyond expectations, collaborative the public sector to keep up with. We are relationships, a “can do” attitude, truly proud of the fact that we can help and uncompromising support to our support our men and women in uniform people and to our clients. and fill the gaps in satellite capability and technology across the spectrum These core values are embraced for the DoD. I learned as a soldier that by our staff and have become the private sector can bring technology, nonnegotiable with MTNGS. We responsiveness and flexibility to the DoD strongly believe our core values, our when needed and to fill those gaps in people and the execution of our tasks growing requirements. are what will help us grow within the public sector. milsatMagazine What is your strategy for the milsatMagazine government and military markets Where would you like to see MTNGS in moving forward? one year? Five years? 10 years?

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 43 Jim ramsey Jim ramsey We are building a solid foundation I strongly believe it is a privilege of clients, relationships and strong and responsibility to give back as a past performances during the initial contractor within the public sector, years of MTNGS. During the next as a leader in our industry and as five years, we plan to expand our a resident of our community. We

COMMAND CENTER business as a more end-to-end recently worked with the Loudon integrated communications provider County Youth Program (an after school through partnerships, internal growth program) and several others within and, possibly, acquisitions. We want the community to donate backpacks to leverage our capabilities and full of school supplies to children who global reach throughout the public couldn’t afford these necessities. It sector using VSAT and/or other was an amazing event that touched technologies. Over the next 10 years, all of us. We had over 1,000 people we plan to be a major player within attend and gave away 300 backpacks. the public sector for communications Last year, we also worked to create with innovations of future technology, a strong support program across the seamless and reliable network DoD to help deployed military families infrastructure, and our constant and surviving spouses (Wounded re-investment in research and Warriors, Patriot Foundation, Disabled development programs. Sports and several others within the DoD community). milsatMagazine Finally, we understand you have strong We also created a strong support feelings about corporate responsibility program within the NGOs for medical to support charitable causes. What is care, education, hunger relief and MTNGS doing currently in this area? numerous other efforts around the world. It is an obligation and privilege that my staff and I are passionate about, and we will continue to give back through MTNGS.

44 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 enhancing mobility FOCUS thru cotm author: Karl Fuchs, Vice President of Engineering, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT)

Communications On The Move national security missions in areas (COTM) continues to be a vital that lack supporting communications technology to help the warfighter infrastructure. Satellite COTM routers achieve mission success. Broadband are ideal for battlefield ISR missions Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity in a as they require limited setup time; mobile environment on the ground, and are ready for rapid deployment at sea, and in the air, provides instant in any theater of operations around access to information, which is the world. Satellite COTM routers paramount to military organizations for are extremely compact and scaled to reconnaissance, situational awareness fit in a soldier’s pack. Additionally, and critical communications needs. COTM remote routers designed for military applications are ruggedized By providing real-time, secure for continual operations in adverse and reliable video, data, and voice conditions and when soldiers are on transmission via satellite for warfighters the move. COTM enabled satellite and military support organizations, networks allow COTM routers satellite communications enables and itinerant terminals to operate military groups to carry out important seamlessly around the world.

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 45 FOCUS goal has been difficult due to the requirement for very high in-bound data rates through ultra small antennas. Further complicating ISR is the use of high-speed aircraft which introduces the Doppler Effect, where high speeds, turbulence and rapid shifts in altitude create problems in receiving satellite signals.

Recent developments in airborne COTM, however, are making reliable high- definition (HD) video a reality for critical airborne communications. Mobile communications over satellite Airborne COTM can be just as reliable is not a new idea, but a number of as ground-based COTM with the technological advancements in the use of specialized wave forms that past few years have made widespread support increased vehicle speeds. deployment more cost effective and By using automatic beam switching transparent to the end user. Smaller and persistent IP addressing for satellite dishes, globally persistent airborne communications, an aircraft IP addressing and the efficient use can be flown from the United of spread spectrum technology States to Europe and on to a final have all enhanced the mobility of destination in Southwest Asia and communications over satellite. maintain a seamless global network of advanced communications while Airborne switching satellites throughout its Acquisition journey. This network even extends The greatest developments in COTM to soldiers departing the aircraft with technology are taking place in terms communications-equipped manpacks of airborne communications. that include mobile satellite router boards. Paratroopers can quickly The need for high-definition (HD) and easily set up communications video from mobile military aircraft on the ground to suit any mission. communications has long been a requirement for Intelligence The stringent security requirements of Surveillance and Reconnaissance the military are particularly challenging (ISR). In the past, achieving this in SATCOM because of the broadcast

46 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 nature of the medium. Recent upgrades COTM occurred earlier this year. FOCUS in Transmission Security (TRANSEC) include the ability to obfuscate any The Exercise traffic volume or remote terminal In June 2010, nearly 70 military, acquisition activity, which either government and industry members on its own, or when coupled with took part in the annual worldwide Joint other intelligence information, may User Interoperability Communications prove useful to an adversary. Exercise (JUICE), demonstrating reliable satellite technology in conjunction TRANSEC ensures an adversary cannot detect traffic types, patterns or network acquisition activity. The challenge of obfuscating acquisition activity is particularly daunting for COTM applications since transient blockages necessitate frequent reacquisition.

To address these critical issues, iGT has developed a unique acquisition algorithm as part of their TRANSEC offering. Airborne COTM that supports high- definition video communications continues to evolve and be tested to meet the most stringent military standards. An important demonstration of enhanced mobility via

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 47 FOCUS with military operations. JUICE, a its observation run of the local area. Department of Defense exercise Once Fort Monmouth was notified and sponsored by the Executive Agent the CWID mission was acknowledged, Theater Joint Tactical Networks and the VTC session was dropped and hosted by the U.S. Army’s CECOM Life periodically reestablished in five- Cycle Management Command Software minute and 10-minute increments. Engineering Center, evaluated new and emerging technologies in a joint Another test scenario involved U.S. task force operational environment. Army Special Operations Command The exercise occurred at 11 locations Paratroopers from the 112th Signal in eight states, as well as, Germany. Battalion (Airborne) who were JUICE set out to accomplish six key scheduled to parachute from an Air objectives, including optimizing Force C-130 aircraft into a Fort Bragg, mobility for tactical networks in NC, training area. The paratroopers limited bandwidth battle space. were to be equipped with an iDirect iConnex e850mp SATCOM modem A Coalition Warfighter Interoperability embedded in a Ku-band micro- Demonstration (CWID) forward- terminal. Once on the ground, the operating site successfully participated plan was for the paratroopers to set in several SATCOM-on-the-move up a live, Everything over IP (EoIP) video teleconference (VTC) bridge video teleconference session with sessions with JUICE command and an Army vehicle traveling in Fort control and the Fort Monmouth Monmouth, New Jersey, over the JUICE SATCOM-on-the-move vehicle. 2010 Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) SATCOM Non-classified The purpose of the VTC sessions was Internet Protocol Network (NIPRNet). to advise JUICE C2 that the CWID unit was ready to deploy and begin A scheduled Fort Bragg parachute jump from the C-130 was preempted at the last minute. As an alternate plan, the jump package was trucked over to the landing zone and unpackaged as though it had been dropped. The Special Operations Command unit successfully deployed the EoIP communications system, which performed with the network and joined in the Satellite VTC bridge sessions with JUICE C2 and the SATCOM-on-the- move vehicles at Fort Monmouth The Alaskan shelter and three USC-60 satellite and CWID Dahlgren, Virginia. terminals were used in JUICE 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Rebecca M. Henrichsen.)

48 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 FOCUS

Comtech SLM-5650A satellite modem

After the 112th Airborne forward- the ground and in the air. COTM operating unit joined the satellite improvements will continue in network, it participated in regular the future and should include VTC bridge sessions with JUICE C2 greater connectivity, bandwidth, and the Ft. Monmouth and Dahlgren speed, reliability and availability. In COTM vehicles. They reported on addition, improvements in TRANSEC their mission’s observations of technology will help ensure that the area and the environmental transmissions are safe and secure. conditions encountered. These upgrades will make increased mobility a reality and lead to even JUICE provided an excellent opportunity more safe and successful missions. to evaluate the latest advances in About the author military communications technology. Karl Fuchs is These advances offer greater efficiency, Vice President increased mobility and lighter, more of Engineering, iDirect Government ruggedized technologies that will Technologies (iGT). improve the safety and agility of Fuchs leads iGT’s our troops in combat situations. team of federal systems engineers and serves as chief The JUICE demonstrations particularly architect for new show that COTM is greatly enhancing product integration. Fuchs has more mobility for the warfighter on than 15 years of experience in the areas of technology and the federal government.

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 49 intel Iran: Space Launch

Command center Capabilities

author: Tiffany Chow, Secure World Foundation

With the success of a domestically- Iran’s space program is a built and launched satellite in February collaboration between research 2009, the Islamic Republic of organizations, the government, Iran (Iran) became the first Islamic industry, and universities and may 1 nation, and the ninth nation overall, have been developed with foreign 4 to launch its own payload into assistance. Iran asserts that its orbit. Since then, Iran has expanded space program is entirely based on its activities in space: reporting civilian and research goals, whether that it has committed significant they be communications or funds to its space program, announcing environmental monitoring, but 2 new satellite and rocket plans, Ahmadinejhad also says “the scientific and promising to put a man in arena is where we [Iran] should 3 5 orbit by 2025. defeat [Western] domination.” While

Iran assures its space program is a peaceful one — some worry about its true intentions as many space capabilities are inherently dual-use in nature. In particular, most space launch technologies are applicable to long-range ballistic missile development.

After its first successful satellite launch, Iran offered help to any Muslim country who wanted to establish 6 its own space program, Iran’s Safir launch vehicle creating proliferation

50 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 concerns among analysts. for the recently announced Simorgh intel 10 Iran’s space program is launch vehicle. thought to be both an attempt to gain international Launch Vehicles prestige and a technological 11 demonstration of potential »» Safir, “Ambassador.” Safir is a 12 ballistic missile capabilities. This two stage launch vehicle based Secure World Foundation article roughly on the North Korean Taepo 13 will offer an overview of Iran’s Dong-1, measuring 22 meters in space launch capabilities including length, 1.25 meters in diameter, and 14 launch sites, vehicles, and satellites. about 26,000 kilograms in weight. 15 It cannot carry more than a 100 16 Space + Technical kilogram payload. Safir-1 was test- Capabilities launched carrying a dummy satellite on Aug. 17, 2008, and while Iran Launch Sites claimed it was a success, outside Currently, Iran has four known launch analysts stated it failed shortly after sites, though it does not always liftoff and never reached its intended 17 use them or reveal which site it position. On a later flight, the has used in any particular launch: Safir-2 successfully carried the Omid satellite into space on Feb. 3, 2009, 7 18 »» Emamshahr in northeastern Iran. and placed it into a low Earth orbit. The Safir series is also thought to »» Semnan, part of the Iranian be based on Iran’s Shahab ballistic 8 19 Space Research Center, also in missile series, with its first stage northeastern Iran (site of Safir-2/ being “almost indistinguishable from 20 Omid launch). the Shahab-3.”

9 »» Qom in western Iran. »» Kavoshgar, “Explorer.” Believed to be liquid-fuel propelled, this is a »» The newest launch site is six and sounding rocket and thus not officially 21 a half miles northeast of Semnan intended to be a satellite carrier. and is thought to have been built After the rocket reaches about 100 with help from the North Koreans kilometers in height, the payload

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 51 27 intel then separates and returns to Earth rocket. Defense Minister General 22 28 with a parachute. The Kavoshgar is Ahmad Vahidi oversaw the launch, similar in design to the Shahab-4, a prompting the following newspaper missile based on Soviet Scud missile commentary, “‘Iran will not tolerate 23 technology. Three Kavoshgars any unpeaceful use [of space] by any have been launched. Kavoshgar-1 country,’ Defense Minister General

Command center was successfully launched on Feb. Vahidi trumpeted as he stood in his 24 29 4, 2008. The performance of military uniform.” While Iran states Kavoshgar-2, launched on Nov. the Kavoshgar-3 launch was meant to 26, 2008, received conflicting be for experimental research, many coverage between state and other doubted its scientific value.30 media sources and led many to 31 »» Simorgh, “Phoenix.” At 27 meters long, 85 tons, and with liquid fuel propulsion system capable of a thrust up to 143 tons, Iranian officials state that Simorgh will be able to carry 100 kilograms up to an altitude of 500 kilometers. Simorgh was announced by Ahmadinejhad as part of the National Day of Space Technology on 32 Feb. 3, 2010. According to Iranian reports, it will be able to handle heavier payloads than the Safir and thus deliver the Mesbah-2 and other 33 new satellites into space. In the event of difficulties with the Simorgh, Kavoshgar 3 Vice President of Iran’s Aerospace Systems Industries Seyyed Mehdi Musavi-Badjani stated that Iran might 25 question its success. Kavoshgar-3 use foreign launch vehicles to deliver 26 34 was launched on Feb. 2, 2010 these satellites into space. carrying turtles, worms, and a rat. Its performance was also questionable as the Iranian government failed to provide any solid proof of its success. The launch of Kavoshgar-3 was treated like a military display, creating even more suspicion about Iran’s peaceful intentions. The rocket was launched not from one of Iran’s designated space launch sites, but from the back of a military truck used to launch a similar military Simorgh

52 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Satellites the Aug. 17, 2008, launch of intel »» Sinah. At 160 kilograms, Sinah the Safir-1, carrying the dummy was launched on Oct. 27, 2005, by Omid satellite, was successful, Russia. Though it is the first Iranian but the international community 41 commercial satellite, it was built in largely agrees that it was not. 35 and launched by Russia. Directly after the launch, Iranian officials at first stated that the »» Zohreh, “Venus.” Plans for the Safir-1 successfully delivered geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite the Omid satellite into space. An Zohreh have been in the works since the 1970s, but have run into various obstacles along the way including international pressure and U.S. export control regulations. In early 2005, Iran signed a deal with Russia to continue 36 its development. Zohreh is intended to meet “certain television and telecommunication 37 needs” in Iran.

38 »» Omid, “Hope.” Omid is a 40 centimeter cube weighing 20-27 39 kilograms. It was intended to circle the earth in low Earth orbit and is Iran’s first indigenously- built and -launched 40 satellite. Iran states that

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 53 intel anonymous report from an Iranian official corrected that earlier claim, stating that the Safir-1 was only carrying a dummy satellite, not 42 the real Omid. Additionally, the footage released by the Iranian press appears to have been spliced from an earlier Kavoshgar 43 launch. On Feb. 3, 2009, the Safir-2 successfully delivered the 44 Omid satellite into orbit with an inclination of 55.5 degrees, a Omid satellite perigee of 246 km, an apogee of 377 km, and a period of 90.76 report that the satellite never arrived 45 minutes. It remained in low for launch. After the Italians refused 46 Earth orbit till Apr. 24, 2009. to help Iran with the launch, the Omid was reportedly equipped Mesbah-1 disappeared from the with telemetry and Geographic public’s and media’s eye. Iran stated it Information System technology, collaborated with Russia and Italy on used as a telecommunications the Sinah-1 and Mesbah-1 satellites, satellite, and collected data to but both Russia and Italy denied this, aid Iranians in building their own saying that Iran simply purchased the 47 52 operational satellite. satellites from them. In July 2009, with no explanation, Russia refused to 48 53 »» Mesbah, “Lantern.” Mesbah is a launch any more Iranian satellites. cube of about 50 centimeters on Iranians state they have built a one side, weighing around 60-75 Mesbah-2 based on the original Italian 49 kilograms, design, which they intend to launch and intended themselves. Mesbah-2 reportedly to orbit at an altitude of 900 kilometers for 50 three years. Mesbah-1 was built in Italy and originally intended to be launched by the Russians at the same time 51 as Sinah-1. Sirah, 1st Iranian Comsat Russians Rasad satellite

54 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 About the author

weighs around 65 kilograms. Iran Tiffany Chow is intel reports it will launch the Mesbah-2 located in the Washington Office itself in March 2011 on the recently Assistant for Secure 54 announced Iranian Simorgh rocket. World Foundation, Like Mesbah-1, Mesbah-2 is intended where she provides support to the to serve as a telecommunications Washington Office 55 satellite. Director and SWF’s Legal and Policy » Advisor. She has » Tolu, “Sunrise.” Tolu was unveiled by been active in Ahmadinejhad as part of the National the international Day of Space Technology on Feb. 3, relations and international security fields 56 for the past four years and brings to 2010. It will be Iran’s first remote- SWF a diverse range of experience, sensing satellite. On May 25, 2010, both academic and administrative. the Vice President of Iran’s Aerospace Prior to joining Secure World Systems Industries Seyyed Mehdi Foundation, Tiffany worked for the Musavi-Badjani announced that Tolu Center for American Politics and would be launched using the Simorgh Public Policy at UCLA, where she 57 assisted the Director and Administrative launch vehicle in March 2011. Director with research projects and program logistics. Before that, she »» Navid-e-Elm-o-Sanat, “Herald of interned with the Monterey Institute for International Studies’ Center for Science and Industry.” Navid-e- Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in Elm-o-Sanat was also unveiled by Washington, DC, where she provided Ahmadinejhad as part of the National research support on a wide array of Day of Space Technology on Feb. topics including export control issues 58 in the United Arab Emirates, United 3, 2010. It is intended to serve Nations Security Council Resolution as a research satellite for Iranian 1540, and the potential for microreactors 59 universities. to be used for the proliferation of chemical weapons. Tiffany held this internship while participating in the »» Rasad, “Observation.” Rasad-1 was prestigious UCLA Quarter in Washington launched during Iran’s Government program, where she also completed 60 a large-scale independent research Week (Aug. 28 to Sep. 3, 2010) paper entitled “Reevaluating the on the back of a domestically-built Nonproliferation Regime: An Application carrier according to Reza Taqipur, of John Ruggie’s Regime Theory.” Iran’s Minister of Communication and 61 Technology. No further information Footnotes is currently known about this satellite. 1 USSR/Russia, United States, France, Japan, China, Editors’ note: United Kingdom, India, Israel, Iran. Some sources cite eight countries because the United Kingdom no longer This article was first published on maintains its own launch capability. the Secure World Foundation’s website, September 2010. 2 Dareini, Ali Akbar. “Iran launches new research rocket into space.” Associated Press Worldstream, Feb. 3, 2010. 3 “Iran to Send Larger Satellites into Space.” Fars News, Aug. 22, 2010. There are conflicting reports on

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 55 when Iran will be able to send an astronaut into space. 28 Dareini, ibid. intel Original plans stated by 2020. This estimate was revised to 2025. Within this article, the date is revised 29 “Iran shoots rat into space,” ibid. to 2024, with implementation plans being ahead of schedule for 2019. 30 “Iran rocket launch puts West on high alert,” ibid. 4 Forden, Geoffrey. “Secret Iranian Missile Memos.” 31 “Iran shoots rat into space,” ibid. ArmsControlWonk.com. Sep. 14, 2009 32 “Iran to Send…,” ibid. 5 “Iran shoots rat into space.” Iran Times International, 33 Dareini, ibid.

Command center Feb. 12, 2010, with Russia to continue its development. 34 “Iranian official says three satellites to be launched 6 “Iran ready to transfer space technology to Muslim by March 2011.” BBC Monitoring Middle East, May 25, states – official.” BBC Monitoring Middle East, Aug. 2010. 18, 2008. 35 Cohen, ibid. 7 Wade, Mark. “Iran.” Astronautix. March 10, 2010. 37 “Iranian official says…,” ibid. 8 Inbar, Tal. “Iranian Space Program – Global Aspects.” Paper presented to the International Astronautical 38 Karimi, Nasser. “Iran claims first launch of its own Congress in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, Oct. 12-16, satellite.” The Associated Press, Feb. 3. 2009. 2009. Pp. 2. 39 Shiga, David. “Just how advanced is Iran’s space 9 Wade, ibid. programme?” New Scientist, Feb. 4, 2009. 10 “New Iran rocket launch site shows N. Korea links: 40 Karimi, ibid. Jane’s.” Agence-France Presse, March 5, 2010. 41 Daragahi, ibid. 11 Celerier, Pierre. “Iran says it has sent another rocket into space.” Agence-France Presse, Nov. 26, 2008. 42 Ghazi, Siavosh. “Iran launches home-built satellite rocket.” Agence France Presse, Aug. 17, 2008. 12 Crail, Peter. “Iran Makes First Successful Space Launch.” Arms Control Today, March 2009. 43 Brugge, Norbert. “Iran’s first space launch vehicle “Safir IRILV.” Feb. 9, 2010 . 14 Postol, Theodore. “Technical Addendum to the Joint 44 Daragahi, ibid. Threat Assessment on the Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Potential: A Technical Assessment of Iran’s Ballistic 45 Inbar, 6. Missile Program.” Pp. 49. June 3, 2010. 46 Space-Track.org. 15 “Iran ready to transfer space technology…,” ibid. 47 Daragahi, ibid. 16 Daragahi, ibid. 48 “Iran plans new satellite launch.” UPI, Dec. 1, 2009. 17 Mikkelsen, Randall. “Iran satellite launch 49 Inbar, 4. a failure: U.S. official.” Reuters.com Aug. 50 19, 2008. . Times International, Oct. 9, 2009. 51 18 Daragahi, ibid. Dareini, ibid. 52 19 Crail, ibid. Kaminis, Markos N. “Iran’s New Hope – “Russia won’t launch aging Mesbah satellite,” ibid. Space, the Next Frontier.” Wall Street Greek, Feb. 12, 53 “Iran shoots rat into space,” ibid. 2009. 54 “Iran plans new satellite launch,” ibid. 20 Inbar, 3. 55 “Iranian official says…,” ibid. 21 “Iran shoots rat into space,” ibid. 56 “Iran shoots rat into space,“ ibid. 22 Inbar, 7. 57 “Iranian official says…,” ibid. 23 Cohen, Ariel. “Sword and Shields: Iran’s ICBM threat.” UPI, Sep. 29, 2008. Inbar, 3. 58 “Iran shoots rat into space,” ibid. 24 Dareini, ibid. 59 “Iranian official says…,” ibid. 25 Celerier, ibid. 60 “Iran to launch new satellite in September 2010.” BBC Monitoring Middle East, Jul. 7, 2010. 26 “President implies Iran launched rocket yesterday.” BBC Monitoring Middle East, Feb. 3, 2010. 61 “Iran plans new satellite launch in late August: minister.” Agence France Presse, Jul. 7, 2010. 27 “Iran shoots rat into space,” ibid.

56 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010

FOCUS The importance of compression

author: Sandy Johnson, COO, SatCom Global

For those units of the armed forces operating in remote parts of the globe, the ability to communicate with colleagues, friends and family has, until now, been restricted, due to affordability and the lack of communication channels.

However, there is a revolution currently taking place in the world of satellite communications. As a result, it is now possible for users who spend long periods of times in these distant locations, whether on land or at sea, to benefit from the high quality voice and data communications they have become increasingly used to using at home.

The key to this step change is compression. The latest data compression technologies provide two major benefits, which now makes the provision of advanced communications channels a viable proposition for command staff and individual military personnel.

First, the adoption of an advanced, flexible codec delivers a new level of high quality two-way voice and data communications in an easy- to-use and secure environment. At a fraction of the cost of existing

58 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 satellite communications, this their operational base — they have had FOCUS makes such affordable to all. to wait until they reached the nearest city or next port in order to use a local, In addition, the technology is designed expensive, pay-as-you-go phone. from the ground up to support ultra- efficient satellite communications In the past few years, matters have delivery via both pre-paid and post- improved with the development of paid options. This provides the satellite communications, as it has military and civil organizations alike become more common for the local with the flexibility and transparency to take back control of their telecoms costs. Keeping In Touch Staying in touch with family, friends, and colleagues has been difficult for those working in tough and out-of-the-way land- based or maritime environments. This has been especially problematic for military personnel operating in war zones in inhospitable terrains that are thousands of miles from home.

Individuals, often away for extended tours of duty and also attempting to save as much as they can to send money home and support their families, the options have historically been limited. In most cases, they have not been able to communicate from

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 59 FOCUS command to provide some form voicemail with colleagues at command of calling facility — for example, center or other remote locations. offering vouchers which allow military personnel to call home from their base, In enabling this enhanced two-way and at a time that best suits them communication capability, for the first and their surrounding conditions. time in a pre-paid environment, family or friends have the ability to leave a The ability to take advantage of this voicemail message. The call can then capability, however, has continued to be returned at a convenient time, an be restricted by the high cost of calls, acitivty that has long been taken for typically $1 per minute or more. In granted in the world of terrestrial response, with the greater utilization landline and mobile communications. of Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, technology is helping to make such One World, communication much less expensive. One Network Another key beneficiary is the bill payer The issue extends significantly beyond or owner of the communications device. a simple requirement to be able to Those with responsibility for remote call home using a pre-paid voucher. land bases or fleets are typically reliant At home, and on-shore more broadly, on satellite communications for all military personnel are increasingly communications between the command able to take advantage of a wide center and outlying operating units. variety of sophisticated voice and data Telecoms are an important element of communications options. These range the budget in managing each site. from instant messaging to sending and receiving emails to searching the The availability of new satellite-based Internet. All occur within a secure, solutions using compression technology controlled environment and offer a represents a revolution in enabling much better value for the money, all as truly global land-based and maritime a result of compression technologies. communications, both in terms of cost and range of facilities. The cost With the greater availability of IP in the of communicating is dramatically home environment, when in outlying reduced by using VoIP end-to-end geographies, individuals similarly by installing a Horizon Multi-VoIP want to send and receive emails and unit in each remote location and photograph attachments — the modern another in the operational center. day equivalent of the traditional ‘long awaited letter (to and from) ‘home’. Previously, the center, or hub, would At the same time, they may also require the use of a landline phone, want to be able to fill some of their with a call to each location via a PSTN leisure time surfing the net. This line, an expensive option costing in the has also been beneficial for senior neighborhood of $3-4 per minute. Now staff who wish to send and receive it is possible to call any outlying base business-critical information via or vessel directly through the local user

60 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 extension number and to make a VoIP- FOCUS to-VoIP call, using the background IP channel, by-passing the PSTN operator.

The concept of email data compression in remote terrestrial or maritime environments is not new. Recent developments have taken performance and cost reduction to a new level. Until now, access on such broadband products has been limited to one voice channel, resulting in long queues to make a call.

With the introduction of a flexible new proprietary codec, it is possible to have multiple connections, with as many as eight handsets on one Horizon Multi- VoIP unit. Not only does this allow eight people to make calls simultaneously, data can also be passed across the background IP channel at the same time. Users can also maximise savings by selecting from several call settings for optimal cost/quality voice delivery. This is a radically different form of communication and is both highly intuitive and easy to install. The savings that can be realized here are huge, as this technology slices the cost of such calls to just cents per minute. Improved Employment Terms Operationally, the availability of instant messaging is another valuable new capability. Historically, sending data across a satellite communications network in this manner has been highly bandwidth intensive — up to 25 kbps and, once again, quite costly. With the advent of instant messaging and peer-to-peer VoIP, the satellite system is optimized, using

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 61 FOCUS less than 2 kbps. This provides an ideal individuals with specialist skills — low-cost, two-way conversation option. and in effect become an ‘employer of choice’, by including superior, low This also offers a number of additional cost voice and data communications advantages. The instant messaging facilities as part of a more text facility enables correspondence competitive remuneration package. to be delivered into print, which can be valuable in ensuring clarity of Shrinking The communication. The local commander, World for example, can communicate rapidly For military personnel operating in with the command center. This is dangerous war zones or dealing with most important when receiving an civil emergencies, such as natural immediate requirement for equipment, disasters, the ability to access the engineering, or other specialist support. Internet and stay in contact with home on a regular basis by phone, email In a challenging economic climate, this and text offers a much smaller world. clearly offers a notable benefit to the For administrators, the visibility armed forces overall in their ability to and control of communications operate effectively within tight budgets. It costs using such provided tools also offers the additional plus of boosting means they can offer these benefits the operator’s ability to recruit and retain without expenditures spiralling out of control as they seek for, and then retain, the best recruits.

About the author Sandy is a co- founder of SatCom Global with Mark White and has been in the industry since 1995 when she joined Next Destination Limited as Finance and Operations Manager. Sandy has played a key role in the implementation of SatCom’s proprietary billing system, online technical support and airtime services websites. She has responsibility for the Sales performance and Operations in the Group.

62 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 SECURING TACTICAL intel MOBILE NETWORKS author: Martin Roesch, CTO, Sourcefire

Network Centric Warfare has played network infrastructure that enables a transformative role in military ubiquitous, real-time communications operations during the first decade by connecting every person and every of the new millennium. Fueled by device for superior military operations. major advances in information The result is enhanced real-time technology, at the core of this new situational awareness by being able paradigm is an ever-expanding to exchange more information with

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 63 intel those in the field from a host of interested in data to support political, devices and ad-hoc networks. military and economic objectives.

At the same time, this extensive The Comprehensive National Security infrastructure has made network Initiative (CNCI) launched by President security a challenge and created George W. Bush and expanded by difficulties in achieving Information President Obama to include support Assurance. Not only do these vast for an updated U.S. cybersecurity networks contain and transmit sensitive strategy emphasizes the need to secure information but they also connect to classified networks. Defense in Depth larger Department of Defense (DoD) programs demand a comprehensive data centers that house sensitive as security approach that includes well as classified information. The layered defenses with various security desire for network-centric systems technologies deployed from the data has exposed infrastructure and centers to the network backbone devices to unprecedented, and often and all the way to the field level. unintended, information access. To date, it has been extremely An increase in the number and challenging to extend Defense in sophistication of Advanced Persistent Depth programs and comply with CNCI Threats (APTs) has compounded the to protect mobile networks in the need for swift and effective security field. Ad-hoc, tactical networks lack measures at all potentially vulnerable the physical resources to implement points. An adversary with an interest in the same security infrastructure obtaining and maintaining a foothold in as the larger networks they must a target organization for an extended access. There is a dearth of security length of time, an APT has at its solutions that offer a small form disposal sufficient resources — money, factor, can scale to support growing equipment and skill — to evolve networks, satisfy budget requirements attacks in direct response to detection and meet military specifications. capabilities of the target. These groups are typically state-sponsored and In the face of these challenges, military organizations and operations are enhancing the security posture of tactical field networks by deploying hardware-based, or physical, security solutions that can integrate with highly mobile field-based communications systems already in use. Sourcefire is partnering with systems integrators to bring its leading intrusion prevention and detection capabilities to the tactical edge with solutions being fielded with various agencies.

64 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Physical security solutions are quite intel effective in minimizing threats but identifying solutions with the flexibility to meet stringent size, ruggedized design, weight, and power restrictions of field-deployable systems can be challenging. They also have to be physically shipped to their eventual location which is not possible for certain remote and hostile destinations.

Enter virtualization security (VirtSec) solutions. Virtualization has been widely touted for its many benefits including reduced operating costs, increased flexibility, and energy efficiency. For tactical mobile networks these benefits translate into increased security options and the ability to support a Defense in Depth strategy. VirtSec solutions are hosted on virtual machines, not separate hardware appliances, which, in turn, can be hosted on existing ruggedized, lightweight military specification hardware already deployed at the tactical edge. Because they don’t require a separate form factor, VirtSec solutions can be quickly deployed and start protecting networks right away. They can extend to the far corners of the network, where IT security resources don’t exist or the deployment of physical security hardware is impractical. To take advantage of the benefits that virtualization provides, Sourcefire has adapted its physical network security solutions to deliver comprehensive virtual intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 65 intel VirtSec solutions bring security to areas that were previously difficult to reach and protect. For example, tactical LANs and ad-hoc SATCOM environments staged within a matter of hours to provide mission- critical communications in the field can now be monitored by virtual security solutions deployed from a centralized operations center.

Virtual security solutions provide flexible, near instantaneous network monitoring and protection. This makes them ideal for supporting initiatives across every branch of the military, increasing protection of their on-the- move, high-speed, high-capacity backbone communications networks.

A few potential networks that could Top: A WIN-T Increment Two test vehicle benefit from this approach include awaits movement instruction during the the Army’s Warfighter Information WIN-T technology demonstration at Naval Network – Tactical (WIN-T), the Air Engineering Station, Lakehurst, NJ. (U.S. Army photo by Russ Meseroll.) Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES), Bottom: the Air Force’s Theater Deployable The WIN-T demonstration days educated the Army community about WIN-T and Communications Integrated demonstrated its early progress. Here, Communications Access Packages WIN-T test vehicles are shown at the WIN- (TDC ICAP) and Special Operations. T technology demonstration. (U.S. Army photo.) In addition, the scalability of a virtualized approach could also help at the edge. But in order to provide protect the vast and dynamically these robust capabilities virtual security changing endpoints of the DoD technologies must offer continuous Global Information Grid from network intelligence and full network continuously evolving security threats. visibility in the following three areas:

VirtSec solutions inherently support key »» Events: Analyze network traffic and objectives of Network Centric Warfare either block attacks or alert IT security specifically by helping to achieve resources to compromise; provide situational awareness, providing global detailed forensics to help investigate visibility of networks all the way to security events. the field level, and delivering forensic information about breaches occurring

66 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 »» Users: Quickly link user identity to align their policies in practice, intel (name, division, contact information) securing tactical mobile networks to security events for trace back. in the field should emerge as a major focus for the next decade. »» Devices: Provide awareness of all network assets including operating VirtSec solutions will play a critical systems, client applications and role in supporting a Defense in Depth services; detect configuration strategy for Information Assurance and changes and traffic anomalies to help complying with the CNCI to secure all identify friendly and non-friendly classified networks including locations network behavior. or network segments that may have been impossible to monitor before. In addition, because IT security About the author experts aren’t typically deployed Martin Roesch has in the field, the ability for VirtSec a long history of technology to deliver information back identifying real- world cybersecurity to security resources for attribution challenges and and action through a centralized developing solutions management console is essential. to address them. He founded Sourcefire in 2001 to deliver With America’s digital infrastructure commercial security increasingly under attack the need solutions that leverage his open to protect our military digital assets source innovation, has never been more important. As Snort, and today all branches of the military continue serves as Sourcefire’s CTO.

© Infonetics Research, Virtual Security Appliances Biannual Market Size and Forecasts, June 2010 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 67 FOCUS mission critical audio conferencing

author: Sudhir Gupta, CEO, XOP Networks

Mission Critical Audio Conferencing VoIP based packet networking has is typically used in applications such as: matured significantly over the last decade. According to several research »» Air Traffic Control analysts, shipments of IP PBXs have out stripped the shipments for legacy »» Satellite Launch Control TDM PBXs. Similarly, VoIP based value-added services platforms, »» Air Force Command & Control such as conference bridges, are also available from multiple vendors. Most of the systems that are currently deployed in the field today Given this backdrop, this article were developed in the eighties and discusses how mission critical nineties and hence are TDM (Time conferencing can benefit from VoIP Division Multiplexing)-based. based packet networking. Also mentioned are lessons learned from an actual deployment of VoIP- based mission critical conferencing applications at a large satellite launch services company.

The net result of the new VoIP technology is to give significant CAPEX (up to 50 percent less), and OPEX savings (up to 40 percent less). The overall system is significantly more reliable and has inherent flexibility that can be engineered to customer requirements. The network also benefits from the low cost CPE that come with VoIP networks.

68 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Monolithic Architecture The legacy mission critical conferencing FOCUS networks are built using TDM-based The current implementation of conference bridges and TDM-based Mission Critical Conference Keysets as shown in Figure 1. The Bridges is monolithic in nature. Keysets are connected to the Bridge Such systems use proprietary using redundant leased phone lines. signaling between its different sub-systems. All critical components Typically, the Keysets are wired into the are duplicated and sometime even headboard of the participant’s desk. triplicated to meet the five 9’s By pressing mechanical push button availability requirement. This adds keys, the participant is able to dial into complexity and additional hardware the selected conference call. Then, that ultimately increases the size, using the PTT handset, the participant power, and cost of such equipment. is able to speak into the conference as needed. Functionally, the network TECHNOLOGY OBSOLESCENCE serves its purpose but has several The current Mission Critical Conference issues with it as mentioned next. Bridges were developed in the 80s and 90s. The prevalent technology available ISSUES WITH LEGACY to vendors at that time was mainly MISSION CRITICAL Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). CONFERENCE SYSTEM Hence, majority of the Mission Critical Figure 1 below shows a typical legacy Conference Bridges deployed today mission critical conferencing network. are built with expensive TDM-based building blocks. These products have no path forward for adding newer

Figure 1: Legacy TDM based Mission Critical Conferencing Network

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 69 NOC FOCUS technologies, such as VoIP, Presence, Operation Center ( ) that can be Instant messaging, and so on. used in case of such failures — this also adds to the overall expense. PROPRIETARY SYSTEM The current Mission Critical Conference IP-Based Network Bridges also use proprietary signaling Implementation between their Keysets and the main Figure 2 below shows a VoIP based Mission Critical Conference Bridge unit. Mission Critical Conference Bridge The net result is that a customer has network. It is comprised of a pair of to buy the entire network from the primary and secondary hot standby same vendor, limiting innovation and IP PBXs and a pair of primary and requiring new feature requests to be secondary hot standby VoIP based determined by the vendor’s timeline audio conference bridges. The instead of an end customer’s need. databases of each pair is replicated and kept in sync in real time. MECHANICAL FAILURES ON KEYSETS The voice traffic from the Public Legacy Mission Critical Conference Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Bridges work hand-in-hand with from remote locations (handsets mechanical push button-based connected to voice gateways/ keysets. Due to normal wear and routers) and variety of SIP phones, tear, such devices eventually suffer is dual homed to both IP PBXs. mechanical failures. Usually, spare seats are set up in a Network

Figure 2: VoIP based Mission Critical Conferencing Solution

70 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 The Virtual Keyset Under normal operation, all the VoIP FOCUS traffic is handled by the primary IP Figure 3 below shows a virtual PBX and the primary VoIP Bridge. In Keyset. It supports a command and case of a network outage or failure control web portal. It also provides a of the primary IP PBX, the traffic is softphone that is used to call into the automatically routed to the secondary mission critical conference bridge. IP PBX. In this case, the secondary IP PBX will continue to send the The virtual Keyset is dual homed conferencing traffic to the primary VoIP to both primary and secondary hot Bridge. In the event the primary VoIP standby IP PBXs. In the event, due Bridge is also not available, the traffic to any networking issue, the soft will flow to the secondary VoIP Bridge. phone looses connectivity to the primary IP PBX, it will automatically As the failed network elements are try to register with the secondary IP restored the traffic automatically moves PBX. This extends ‘high availability’ back to the primary route. This network coverage to the soft phone imbedded architecture is analogous to the packet in the virtual Keyset itself. based SS7 network that is used for signaling between network switches The command and control web and is one of the most resilient portal allows an operator to join a telephony networks in the world. given conference based on a web

Figure 3: A Virtual Keyset

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 71 LOWER COST OF CAPEX FOCUS click or just by touching the screen (in case the monitor supports touch As the bridges use standard industrial sensitive screen). As there are no grade hardware (with redundant mechanical keys involved, this PSUs, Disks and CPUs, etc.), and the command and control system is operating system is Linux-based, the immune from any mechanical failures. capital cost is significantly reduced, The use of a softphone coupled typically less by up to 50 percent when with the command and control compared to legacy TDM solutions. portal improves the availability figures for the overall network. LOWER OPEX The legacy TDM-based approach The command and control portal requires an organization to have allows the mission controllers to dedicated leased lines between their see participants that are associated geographically dispersed CPE devices with different rooms, those that and their TDM-based Mission Critical are available to take calls based on Conference Bridge. Sometimes these ‘presence’ information and those lines are extended to different parts that are actively talking based on of the world. Given the mission critical loudest speaker algorithm. The nature of the usage, these lines are mission controllers are also able usually redundant. Since events needing to monitor the audio from multiple use of mission critical conferencing, rooms simultaneously and barge in such as a satellite launch, do not to a given room simply by touching occur on daily basis, this leased line appropriate buttons on the screen. approach becomes expensive quickly.

The Benefits These days, most of the organizations There are several other benefits that require mission critical to the VoIP based mission critical conferencing have installed their conferencing solution. private data networks (MPLS, MetroE etc.). Inherent within such packet DISTRIBUTED networks is the ability to create virtual ARCHITECTURE — SCALABLE HIGH AVAILABILITY circuits and allow such circuits to be used for alternate routing. These With the monolithic approach, the high virtual trunks obviate the need for availability number is fixed and is a redundant physical trunks, as is the function of how redundant individual case with legacy approach, and that components are. With the VoIP based leads to significant OPEX savings. distributed approach, one can engineer the level of availability needed by The bridge servers use power much adding multiple IP PBXs and multiple more efficiently when compared to the VoIP based bridges as required. monolithic switch counterpart — power is only used when needed, instead of keeping the spare modules powered up at all times. The power estimate for

72 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 the two IP PBXs and two VoIP bridges authentication) connected to the FOCUS as shown in Figure 2 is approximately Internet. This provides a lot more 1000 watts, as opposed to 5000 watts flexibility in managing Operation, associated with the monolithic Mission Administration, Maintenance and Critical Conference Bridge. Reduced Provisioning (OAM&P) functions power also results in less cooling associated with the equipment, required to operate the equipment. compared to the legacy approach where the Mission Critical Conference VENDOR AGNOSTIC Bridge can only be managed from a The network elements comprising the co-located administrative terminal. distributed Mission Critical Conference Bridge are standard products that REMOTE TROUBLESHOOTING + NETWORK are available from multiple vendors. ASSURANCE TESTING These products follow the demand and supply cost curve that is typical Even though the individual network of any standard product. As time elements support five 9’s of availability, progresses, this approach will yield they need to be tested and re-tested an overall lower cost of ownership. to make certain that they are working Also, being standard products, optimally and are available when the there is no need for any proprietary actual need occurs. In the legacy signaling between them. This helps the TDM environment, test engineers organization as it is not dependent on make routine test calls to make sure a single vendor for the entire solution. network is operating end to end. In case of any issues, a lot of manual REDUNDANT DEPLOYMENT, testing is used until the equipment REMOTE OAM&P is restored back into service. The IP PBXs and VoIP based Conference Bridges can be located at different With VoIP approach, the network geographical locations, further tester can be more proactive. By improving the overall availability of using automated test tools network the network. The administrative web testers can learn about the health of portal of any of the servers can be the equipment and various interfaces accessed from any PC (with proper before the equipment gets into a

XOP Networks™ — direct link to Digital Collaboration Bridge™ information

MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 73 FOCUS failed condition. Being able to take monolithic mission critical conference proactive action further improves bridges that are TDM-based. the availability of the network. As most of the telecommunications PRESENCE networks are migrating from TDM The VoIP network uses Session to VoIP, the same holds true for Initiation Protocol (SIP) for signaling the mission critical conferencing between different network elements. networks, as well. The VoIP This signaling format has built solution has significant CAPEX and in processes that make use of OPEX cost savings that can easily ‘presence’ information. Incidentally justify the network upgrade. same SIP signaling is used on Instant messengers that allow one XOP Networks has broken new to see if their buddy is online or ground and has developed VoIP and not. Use of SIP allows VoIP based TDM-based mission critical conference mission critical conference network bridges that can be used with an operators to invite other operators organization’s legacy TDM assets and/or colleagues into a conference (keysets, PBXs, voice gateways etc.) based on their ‘presence’ status. and its VoIP resources, such as MPLS network, IP PBXs etc. The Company’s PHYSICAL SIZE mission critical conferencing gear Each one of the IP PBXs and the VoIP- is currently deployed in the world’s based bridges as shown in Figure 2 largest commercial satellite launch are built using 1RU high servers. All services provider’s network. four units comprising the VoIP based About the author Mission Critical Conference Bridge Sudhir Gupta is the can fit into a 4RU (about 7 inches) CEO of XOP Networks vertical shelf space. The equivalent and offers more than 26 years of strategic monolithic Mission Critical Conference marketing and product Bridge requires a 7 ft Telco cabinet. development experience. Therefore, the VoIP based approach Prior to founding XOP Networks, Sudhir was provides equivalent functionality an Entrepreneur-in- but in considerably less space. Residence with Austin Ventures and, earlier, was the co- Playing The founder and VP of Marketing for Spatial Wireless, a venture capital backed Better Role manufacturer of soft-switching based Mission critical conferencing equipment GSM Mobile Switching Centers. plays an important role in situations For further information, please select the where decisions made could affect following direct link to their website... the lives of thousands if not millions http://www.xopnetworks.com of people. It is extremely important that such equipment be always available when needed. So far, this need had been met by very expensive

74 MILSATMAGAZINE — november/december 2010 Milsatmagazine Advertisers Vol. 3, No. 6—November/December 2010

Silvano Payne, Publisher + Writer AAE Systems 19 Hartley G. Lesser, Editorial Director Pattie Lesser, Editor Advantech 37 P.J. Waldt, Associate Editor Agile Communications Systems 41 Don McGee, Production Manager Chris Forrester, Associate Editor AVL Technologies 65 Michael Fleck, Contributing Editor Comtech EF Data 47 Jill Durfee, Sales Director + Ass’t Editor Richard Dutchik, Contributing Editor CPI 61 Simon Payne, Development Manager EM Solutions 31 Intelsat General FC + 03 JD Events: SATCON 61 Authors LDS Test & Measurement 02

Colonel Keith Balts, USAF MITEQ / MCL 59 Tiffany Chow Paradise Datacom 13 Sudhir Gupta William Hafner Wavestream 35 Jos Heyman Sandy Johnson Xicom Technology 53 Hartley Lesser XipLink 07 Pattie Lesser Rick Lober James Montgomery James Ramsey Martin Roesch

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