SATELLITE CONSTELLATION OPTIMIZATION FOR TURKISH ARMED FORCES

Abstract

Advancing technologies in smallsats provide remote sensing and communications capabilities achievable with a constellation of satellites at a reasonable cost to meet military needs. Like any other nation looking for a cheap but effective solution in that area, Turkey might also benefit from a replacement of its remote sensing assets. Currently Turkish Armed Forces rely on a limited number of reconnaissance aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, which do not provide real-time or near real-time remote sensing capabilities. Near real-time remote sensing needs for the Turkish warfighter dictates Turkish Armed Forces reach that capability as soon as possible. Likewise, replacing its conventional communication radios with satellite communication devices would also fulfill warfighter needs. While current communication devices have physical limitations in Turkeys mountainous terrain and the surrounding seas, satellite communication capability would provide wider coverage and for specific frequencies might provide better resistance to jamming and interference too. For the benefit of Turkish Armed Forces communications needs, a satellite constellation must be optimized such that effective coverage will be achieved with the least number of satellites to provide a reasonable cost. In this study, Satellite constellation optimization for the Turkish Armed Forces will be achieved by using Analytical Graphics, Inc.s Systems Tool Kit software for simulation and analysis of several possible communications and remote sensing satellite constellations covering Turkish territory and surrounding seas.