The role of SensorSats in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) is an enormous endeavor undertaken by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC) to ensure the security of our nation. Within the ISR mission, there is a wide range of techniques used to support information collection including airborne sensors, ground based sensors, human sources, and space based sensors. Most current space based sensors are massive satellites costing hundreds of millions of dollars and supporting a niche mission set. This paper describes the use of a SensorSat; a concept of a one payload/purpose Nanosat that leverages cost effective rideshare launches. This paper also discusses the roles and challenges of a tactical SensorSat. The tactical satellite is a controversial concept evolving over the past ten years under the premise that commanders on the ground in a conflict could own and operate their own satellite and provide tactical effects on the battlefield with the capability. In 2006, a paper was written arguing against investments in Tactical Satellite efforts on the premise that small satellites cannot provide support to tactical operations and the money spent on Tactical Satellites could be better spent on Strategic systems [1]. There have been few discussion articles written since 2006 to further or counter this discussion. Tomme argued that the lack of persistent surveillance in LEO, the communication latency, and the high cost of constellations limit the ability of LEO satellites in ISR applications. With the Multi Mission Bus Demonstrator satellite, we now have a physical, tangible satellite that changes the discussion. The Multi Mission Bus Demonstrator (MBD), built by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL), is a SensorSat qualified to support DOD and the IC. This paper will review the merits of the tactical satellite concept as a SensorSat and how investments over the past decade have moved the concept to the verge of feasibility for the- tactical warfighter. While much still needs to be developed especially in the responsive launch arena, the tactical SensorSat will provide future tactical commanders a valuable tool in his kitbag. Some small satellites (<;50 kg), such as MBD satellites, have tactical utility, which could exploit lower cost launches. The paper will describe tactical satellite design, appropriate missions, inappropriate missions, recent and future tactical satellite demonstrations, and finally address the most critical element in the system, responsive launch capability. Further the MBD SensorSat will demonstrate real world applicability to support ISR. The limitations of small satellites are highlighted in the paper.