EHF MILSATCOM Architecture

Abstract

The use of the satellite communication medium exploits a number of advantages for military application. The extent of its potential use has been constrained to date by cost and susceptibility to possible countermeasures. Currently the DoD operates three systems utilizing the military UHF and SHF frequency bands. The evolution of future generations proposed by the MSO (Military Satellite Communication Systems Office of the Defense Communications Agency) includes the use of higher frequency bands (EHF) to relieve spectrum congestion and improve immunity to jamming. The use of higher bands will require new technology and will encounter higher terminal costs. Also it will be impacted to some extent by degradation of the propagation medium caused by the effects of local rainstorms.