Protection Evaluation Framework for Tactical SATCOM Architectures

This paper presents a protection evaluation framework using a traditional risk analysis technique to identify vulnerabilities associated with each element of a military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) network - space, ground, and terminal - to a variety of cyber, physical and electronic attacks. An initial assessment identifies underlying architecture objectives, that when achieved, can substantially reduce the threat vulnerabilities inherent in commercial and military SATCOM systems. By realizing these objectives in a carefully conceived architecture, the paper provides critical insight into the threat-resistant SATCOM elements required to create an affordable, resilient and protected MILSATCOM architecture necessary to achieve future national security objectives.