FY 1975 RDT&E DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY Program Element # 35158F Title Satellite Data Svatam Category Intelligence and Communications Padget, Aetivity 44 - Milttary f\etrenavtics and Relates Equir~ent BACKGROUND AND DESCRIFTION: The Satellite Data System (SNS) is designed to provide critical transpolar, twe- way, real-time command, control and communications for Strateric Air Command Single Interrated Operational Flan (SIOP) forces. Since a synchronous equatorial orbit cannot provide compunications coverage over the _ polar regions above 70 degrees North Datitude £2 highly inclined ellipticayforbit was selected to provide x The SDS is an integral part cf the Air Force Satellite CommunIéations (AFSATCOM) system which includes the Air Force Ultra High Frequency (IHF) communications capability on the synchronous equatorial Fleet Satellite Communications (FLTSATCOM) system, piggy-back transponders on selected host satellites, and airborne/ground radio terminals. As such, the SDS will complement the FLTSATCOM system by providihg the requisite polar UHF capability. Additionally, the SDS will support the Air Force Satellite Control Facility (AFSCF) requirement for reliable two-way high data rate, S-Rand communications between the AFSCF remote tracking station at Thule, Greenland and the CONUS. The direct benefits derived from the SDS communications capabilities will be the reliable and secure direct communications linkage over the polar regions to provide greatly improved command and control of SIOP forces and eliminate the de- pendence on vulnerable undersea cables to the Thule station. RELATED ACTIVITIES: The Space segment of the FLTSATCOM will be developed, procured and launched under FLTSATCOM Program Element (PE) 33109N. The Air Force aircraft and ground UHF radio terminals required for ™ operation with the FLTSATCOM and SDS satellites will be procured within the Air Force Satellite Communications’ System (AFSATCOM), PE 33601F. The AFSCF stations are funded under the AFSCF Program Element, PE 35110F. WORK PERFORMED BY: Headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO}, Los Angeles, Californie, is responsible for the Satellite Data System. The primary contractor is Hughes Aircraft Company, El Segundo, California. Ceneral Systems Engineering and Technical Direction (GSE/TD) is performed by The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, California. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE PROGRAMS: 1. FY 1973 and Prior Accomplishments: The technology phase of the program was completed in FY 1971. This was followed by a contract definition phase in FY 1972 which established the system configuration. The system acquisition contractor was selected by competitive source selection and @ system development contract was awarded in June 1972. The system preliminary design review (PDR) was successfully completed in March of 1973 with all critical specifications being met or exceeded. Fabrication of communications subsystem engineering models was begun during FY i973. 253
Budget Activity fh - Military Astronautics and Related Equipment Propram Flement # 35158F Title Satellite Data System 2. FY 197" Program: The initial flight vehicle is being procured incrementally with RDT&E funds. A pro- duction option to the develorment contract was exercised beginning in FY 1974. This option provides for the fabrication, assembly, and test of the first production model spacecraft. The development and production schedules are phased to achieve the required delivery, launch and system operational dates. ._ The key to this a phased schedule is that subsystem lead-time is essential €6 achieve an orderly spacecraft production flow. Critical development and qualification activity is completed before subsystem/system fabrication and assembly is begun and all development activity is completed before production is started at each critical stage. The communications subsystem engineering models were completed by November 1973 and testing was started. System critical design review (CDR) is scheduled for the third quarter FY 1974, Fabrication of the structural model spacecraft was started along with development and fabrication of spacecraft qualification subsystems and test Structural model tests will begin in the third quarter followed by subsystem qualification and equipment. Development of spacecraft telemetry and command software will be qualification model spacecraft buildup. continued. 3. FY 1975 Planned Program: period to fully validate the system design. Subsystem and system level qualification testing will be completed during this As key subsystem qualification tests are successfully completed; fabrication, assembly and tests of flight subsystems will be started. This phased development and production schedule will continue in preparation for flight spacecraft assembly and test. Launch vehicle integration engineering and spacecraft software development will be continued during this fiscal year. 4. Program to Completion: This is a continuing program. As gan integral part of the AFSATCOM system, the program will continue to provide critical communications coverage and be totelly com- — 4 patible with the AFSATCOM aircraft and ground radio terminals. a sustaining engineering support will be required to maintain design compatibility and incorporate improvements for survivability, reliability, and capability and provide replenishment spacecraft
Rudnet Activity fl - Military Astronautics and Related Fyuipment Program Flement # 35158F Title 5. Milestones: Date Rn. Systems FDR Mar 1973 b. Systems CDR Mar 197h ec. First Article Config. Insp. d. Launch First Spacecraft e, Launch Second Spacecraft f. Full Operational Capability RESOURCES: ($ in Millions) . FY 1973 FY 1974 RDT&E: Funds (3600) 23.U 41.9 *Quantities Flight Model Spacecraft T-IIIB/Agena Launch Vehicles Satellite Data System Estimated Cumulative RDTEE Cost to each Milestones ($ in Millions) hQ.G 96.6 Additional Total ta Estimated FY 1975 Completion Cost 36.5 Continuing Not Applicable 1 1 *These quantities will be procured over the lifetime of the program. Procurement: Funds (3020) 6) Quantities Flight Model Spacecraft T-IIIB/Agena Launch Vehicles 35.0 Not Appliceble 3° = 35.8 Continuing | **The Qualification Spacecraft will be refurbished and used asa backup flight spare. 259