(U) Single Channel Transponder System (SCTS)

(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)  The Single Channel Transponder System (SCTS) provides Emergency Action Message (EAM) and Force Direction Message (FDM) dissemination capability to command centers (USSTRATCOM, EUCOM, SHAPE, NMCC, USSPACECOM, and PACOM) and force elements for the control of strategic and non-strategic nuclear forces. 

Description: (U)
(U) The Single Channel Transponder System (SCTS) was fielded in 1985 as an interim system to provide jam, nuclear resistant communications to U.S. strategic forces.  SCTS was to bridge the gap between the Air Force Satellite Communications (AFSATCOM) system and the new Milstar EHF satellite communications system.  It provides SHF one-way satellite communications between the command centers and the nuclear- equipped ground forces through the fixed ICBM SHF Satellite Terminals (ISST) and the mobile Single Channel Transponder Receivers (SCTR).  In addition, the SHF uplink from the command centers can be cross-banded through the satellite to UHF for reception by Dual Modem terminals located on bombers and tankers.  The satellite element of SCTS uses the SCT package on the DSCS satellite system.  The DSCS satellite is not planning to support strategic communications beyond 2003.  Strategic ground systems will transition to the EHF spectrum.  The ground terminals will be replaced by the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) EHF terminals and the Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminal (SMART-T). 

User Impact: (U)
(U) The system provides one of the survivable means of disseminating Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) and Force Direction Messages (FDMs) from the National Command Authorities (NCA) and the warfighting CINCs.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.
	(U) Termination: 01/2003 (2QFY2003).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Adv Wideband Satellite (AWS), Army Terminal Upg & Rpl, DSCS III, DSCS Service Life Enhance Prog, ICBM EHF Terminals, SMART-T

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

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

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

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

Date of Information: (U)
12 November 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).)