FY 1974 RDT&E DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY Program Element # 25156F Title: Satcllite Data System Category [nt igence & Communications Rudget Activity #4 - Military Astronautics and Related Equipment. BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The Satellite Data System (SDS) was originally planned for synchronous equatorial orbit using a multi-purpose satellite system concept. Since the synchronous equatorial orbit cannot provide sommunications coverage over the polar regions above 75 degrees North Latitude, ighly elliptica lar orbit was selected to provide ‘ @ SDS will complement the synchronous equatorial Fleet Satellite Corminications (FLTSATCOM) system and is designed to support the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) two-way polar communications requirements for command and control of the Strategic Air Command Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP) forces. The SDS will also support the Air Force Satellite Control Facjlity (AFSCF) requirement for reliable S-Band comminications from the AFSCF remote tracking station a le, Greenla o CORUS ground stations. The direct benefits derived from the SDS commnications capability will be’ the two-way, real-time commani and control of the SIOP forces over the polar regions which will reduce the requirement for maintaining expensive overseas groumd atation facilities and enhance communications security. REIATED ACTIVITIES: The Space segment of the FLTSATCOM will be developed, procured and launched under FLTSATCOM Progrem Element (PE) 33L09N. FLTSATCOM will operate at UHF frequencies in synchronous equatorial orbit and will complete the pertion of UHF global communications coverage not provided by the Satellite Data System poler orbit. The Air Force UHF aircraft and ground terminals required for operation with the FLTSATCOM and SDS satellites will be procured within the Air Force Satellite Communications Syetem {AFSATCOM), PE 33601F. Headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO), WORK PERFORMED BY: The primary contractor is Hughes Los Angeles, California, is responsible for the Satellite Data Systen. Aircraft Company, £1 Segundo, California. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND FUTURE PROGRAMS: 1. FY 172 and Prior Accomplishmenta: The technology phase, completed during FY 1971, confirmed the technical feasibility of the design with the initial specifications being met or exceeded. The SDS milti- purpose configuration was established and the contract definition phase waa completed during FY 1972. Evaluation of the contractor system acquisition proposals was accomplished ani the contract avard waa made during June 1972. . 242
Budget Activity #4 - Military Astronautics and Related Equipment Program Element # 35158F Title Sateliite Data System 2. FY 1973 Program: A detailed subsyetem and spacecraft design ani engineering effort was immediately started in support of a communications and spacecraft system Preliminary Design Review (PDR). Preliminary component fabrication and initial assembly and testing of the engineering model components will also be started during FY 1973. ; 3. FY 1974 Planned Pro : The FY 1974 effort will include continuation of the detailed system engineering amd design work, development and fabrication of spacecraft and subsystems end Aerospace Ground Equipment hardware, subsystem qualification testing, launch vehicle integration and development of software. These efforts will be in support of a communications and spacecraft systems Critical Design Review (CDR). A. Program to Completion: The program schedule will support # system Full Operational Capability by ~zthe total estimated cost has been regpced from that indicated in the FY 1973 Descriptive Bummary as a result of converting from a cost rodel eafIhate to cost estinates after contractor awa‘d. Estimated Cumilative RDILE Cost to Reach Milestones 5. Milestones: Date In Millions a. Spacecraft and Systems PDR Apr 1973 49.6 > e b. Spacecraft ami Systems CDR May 1974 92.7 i Ce First Article Config. Insp. d. Launck Firet Spacecraft ee Launch Second Spacecraft _ f. Full Operational Capability 2B
Budget Activity fi - Military Astronautics and Related Equipment Program Element #f 35158F Title Satellite Data System RESOURCES: ($ in Millions} Additional to FY 1972 and Prior FY 1973 FY 197% Completion RDT&E: Funds 31.7 23.0 40.0 *Quantities Flight Model Spacecraft T-IIIB/Agena Launch Venicle *These quantities will he procured over the lifetime of the progran. Procurement : Funds 0 fe) 30.1 Quantities - Flight Model Spacecraft 1 aut T-IIIB/Agena Launch Vehicles 1 2 Total Estirated Cost **The Qinl{ficntion Spacecraft will he refurbished and uned as the last flight model spececraft for a total of four flight spacecraft. 244