A high-capacity, anti-jam EHF “bent-pipe” satellite/central-hub system architecture concept

What has changed with the end of the Cold War? System architects should consciously ask this question to reexamine possibly outdated paradigms and develop new design approaches to meet the challenges of the post-Cold War era. In this context, a new design concept is presented: an EHF 30-/20-GHz “bent-pipe” satellite/central-hub system architecture optimized for major regional conflict (MRC) combat operations and coalition warfare. The concept has the potential to provide higher performance and significant life cycle cost (LCC) savings over current systems. High performance is defined as close-in user-jammer (U-J) standoff distance anti-jam protection, high capacity/throughput, and assured access for MRC combat operations. High performance also includes mobile “comm-on-the-move”, broadband aeronautical, and wideband manportable (e.g., direct broadcast) communication services. Implementation of these services follows the pioneering efforts of NASA´s EHF 30-/20-GHz ACTS program and the commercial sector´s revolutionary trend of introducing high-speed data and videophone services with EHF 30-/20-GHz ultra-small aperture terminals (USAT). The transparency of a bent-pipe satellite and the terminal-to-terminal translation capability of the central hub provide joint and multinational force interoperability for coalition warfare. The trade-off between central hub and onboard processing is discussed, and an alternative perspective suggested. Finally, opportunities for synergism with the emerging EHF 30-/20-GHz commercial satellite communications sector are discussed