A requirements analysis of the 2008 MILSATCOM architecture

Abstract

The U.S. Navy is different from the other armed forces in its communications requirements. Due to the lack of terrestrial connectivity possessed by other services, the Navy has become highly reliant on SATCOM for all forms of communication. This thesis presents a requirements analysis of a proposed MILSATCOM architecture. The architecture, when fielded, will form the backbone for all U.S. military satellite communications. It is expected to be operational in the year 2008. The purpose of the study is to determine if the proposed architecture meets Naval communications requirements as defined in the Emerging Requirements Data Base (ERDB). In keeping with the stated purpose, only Naval requirements were loaded for the analysis. Requirements from other services and government agencies were not considered for this study. As we enter the Information Age, communications connectivity and capacity will equate to operational effectiveness for Naval forces. This thesis identifies requirements shortfalls in the proposed architecture. It specifies the frequency bands where deficiencies are evident. It also proposes alternatives to fulfill or augment noted requirements shortfalls.