FY 1973 RDT&E DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY Date: January 1972 Program Element # _35158F Title Satellite Data System (formerly Aerospace Support Program Category Activities ~ Other Budget Activity 4-Military Astronautics and Related Equipment BACKGROUND: The Satellite Data System,was originally planned for4Synchronous equatoriajporbit using a muigi- purpose satellite systeme Since thefemchronous equatorial orbil/cannot provide communications coveragpfover the polar regions above 75 degrees North Latitude, a highly elliptical polar orbit, multi-purpose satellite Such a system system, was selected to provide reduces the need for expcnsive overseas ground station facilities and enhances security control. DESCRIPTION: The objective of the Satellite Data System (SDS), is the development, acquigition, test and launch of a mujJti~purpose satellite system. The system will be designed to support the#Jltra High Frequency (UHF) two-way polar communications requirements for command and control of Strategic Air Command (SAC equatorial FLTSATCOM Single Iptegrated Operaticnal Plan (SIOP) forces which will complement the synchrono stemy{ The SDS will also support thefAir Force Satellite Control Facility JAFSCE}Y requirement for reliable o CO ground stations ~ ‘3-Band communications from its remote tracking station at Thule, Greenla The benefits derived from SDS will be the reduction in the requirement for maintaining overseas” facilities, enhancepent of data security and Wwo-way real-time command and control of the SIOP forces over the polar regions RELATED ACTIVITIES: FLTSATCOM, P.E. 33109Ny The Space segment of the FLTSATCOM will be developed, procured and launched under this program elements ASince FLTSATCOM is designed to operate at UHF and will be in synchronous equatorial orbit, it will compjete the portion of UHF global communications coverage not provided by the Satellite Data System polar orbitg’ MILSATCOM, P.E. 33601F: The Air Forc ai rborngf4nd ground terminals required for operation with the FLTSATCOM satellites will be procured within this program element. WORK PERFORMED BY: AFSC (Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO), Los Angeles, California) is responsible for the Satellite Data Systeme The primary contractors, Hughes Aircraft Company, El Segundo, Calif. and TRW Systems Group, Redondo Beach, Calif., have both submitted proposals for evaluatione Contract award is presently planned forMiarch 1972 272
Rudeet Activity: 4A-Mililary Astromutics and Related Equipment Program Element (Rudgect Subactivity): 35158F Satellite Data System (formerl Cont'd) Aerospace Support PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE PLANS: 1. FY 71 and Prior Accomplishments. The technology development phase was completed during FY 71 with finalization of technical reports and packaging techniques extending into FY 72. Test results confirmed the technical feasibility of the design with specifications being met or exceeded, which minimized the overall program technical risks This data was used during the contract definition phase. 2. FY 72 Programe Technical reports and packaging techniques were completed. The satellite multi- purpose configuration was establisked 4nd the contract definition phase completed- Evaluation of ntractor system acquisition proposals started in Nov 1971 with contractor selection planned for arch 19727 FY 72 RDT&E funding was originally established at $5-OM; however, this was increased to $17.4 to Permit the contractor to immediately proceed ipto the detailed satellite systems design and engineering leading to a full operational capability 3. FY 73 Planned Program. The FY 73 effort will eontinue the detailed systems and spacecraft design . and engineering to support a communications anf satellite systems Preliminary Design Review (PDR), 2 communications Critical Design Review (CDR) fpreliminary, component fabrication, and the start of initial assembly and testing of the engineering model” 4» Program to Completione The overall schedule is planned to support the system full operational capability by. af 273 B
MILESTONES EVENT DATE Spacecraft and Systems CDR First Article Confige Insp. Launch First Spacecraft Launch Second Spacecraft Full Operational Capability RESOURCES: ($ in Millions) FY 71 & Prior RDT&E 1369 Procurement: Funds 0 Quantities O Mil/Civ Man-Yrs in Spt 21 of R&D (SFO and SPU Spt) Jul 197 21 7 20 formerly Aerospace Support ESTIMATED ACCUMULATIVE RDT&E COST _TO REACH MILESTONES f She? yi To Complete Total Est Cost 274