tech track papers

Categories: 2016, Government Science and Communication

Industry Partnership “Critical to Government’s Future” in Satellite Communications

When DoD has a satellite communication requirement, they frequently seek commercial solutions.  To varying degrees, these needs are met effectively today. Yet, with an integrated SATCOM architecture – both government and commercial – the future solutions will be delivered more efficiently. It is important that government partner with commercial satellite providers who build systems from the ground up with U.S. government users in mind, thereby, augmenting military satellite resources cost-effectively, wherever and whenever needed. The private sector understands what DoD architectures require, what the budget restrictions are, and how to plug in the remaining holes. And industry can do so much faster than the public sector: Average time from concept to launch for COMSATCOM takes three to four years, as opposed to five to 15 years for MILSATCOM projects. Senior government leadership has recognized the need for better integration and reliance on COMSATCOM for the future and adoption of an enterprise-level integrated SATCOM architecture and strategy. This unified, strategic approach will enable DoD to manage MILSATCOM and COMSATCOM as a holistic capability to best support the servicemen and women. The satellite industry and U.S. government are working together to create a synchronized, integrated architecture that enables increased, end-to-end capability and interoperability among ground, terminal and space segments. This includes terminals designed to work in multiple bands across both military and commercial satellite systems. Such capability allows government users to supplement their capacity through commercial providers while still using existing WGS-certified terminals. It also helps government agencies save greatly on taxpayers’ dollars, while better supporting their end-users by filling capacity gaps where WGS coverage is limited or nonexistent. Combining these modern technologies and capabilities within MILSATCOM systems, users can turn to MILSATCOM for core requirements, then seamlessly integrate commercial technologies to fill in all gaps to achieve absolute protection, resiliency and global portability.

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Author: Rebecca Cowen-Hirsch
Topic: Government, Science and Communication

  • Industry Partnership “Critical to Government’s Future” in Satellite Communications

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