Preliminary Design and Concept of Operations for a Small Tactical Imaging Satellite

Abstract

Tactical commanders could use a reconnaissance satellite which is survivable, flexible in operations, and able to provide real time direct data of high quality imagery. By design, the imaging satellite would be inexpensive and mutually beneficial to all the armed services. The imaging satellite is solar powered and 3 axis stabilized. A constellation of satellites in sun synchronous orbits will provide near worldwide coverage with revisit times of 90 minutes. Command and control will come from a single field unit, although many units may have receive capability. The satellite could be used during times of crisis or stored for future use when reconstitution of forces may be necessary. The satellite will use binary optics and charge coupled devices (CCD) in its imagery system. Data compression is necessary because of bandwidth constraints inherent in the Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS III).