(U) Air Force Satellite Communications (AFSATCOM)

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

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

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

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

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.
	(U) Termination: 01/1997 (2QFY1997).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Adv Narrowband Dig Voice Termnl, Airborne Integrated Terminal, DSCS III, Enhanced Manpack UHF Terminal, Mini-Demand Assigned Mult Access, UHF Follow-on (UFO)

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Satellite Operations, UHF Satellite Systems

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

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

Date of Information: (U)
01 February 1997

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