Accession Number:

ADB061650

Title:

Space Data Relay Networks

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.

Corporate Author:

MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH LEXINGTON LINCOLN LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Floyd, Franklin W.

Report Date:

1981-12-03

Pagination or Media Count:

111.0

Abstract:

Today military satellites are controlled through a worldwide network of ground-based tracking stations. A space data relay network, similar to NASAs Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System TDRSS, could have substantially greater coverage, data throughput and survivability. However, stated military requirements demand large and complex data satellite designs. The high cost and technical risk have therefore inhibited the development of a military space data relay network. An alternative space data relay network architecture is introduced in this report. It distributes network assets among the user spacecraft rather than centralizing them in the form of large data relay satellites. The expected requirements are reviewed and two system design examples are presented to illustrate the essential differences between the centralized and distributed architectures. Also discussed are the technologies needed to implement a distributed network, which include advances in laser communications, millimeter wave techniques and on-board signal processing.

Descriptors:

• *COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
• *DATA LINKS
• *SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
• ALLOCATIONS
• COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
• DISTRIBUTION
• GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
• HIGH RATE
• LASER COMMUNICATIONS
• MILITARY SATELLITES
• MILLIMETER WAVES
• NODES
• ONBOARD
• RADIO RELAY SYSTEMS
• SIGNAL PROCESSING
• SPACE COMMUNICATIONS
• TELEMETER SYSTEMS
• USER NEEDS

Subject Categories:

• Computer Systems
• Telemetry
• Radio Communications

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE