ARMY AL&T
Technology Insertion and Sustainment for
Army Tactical Satellite Communications
—Three Decades of Success
Mark Fagotti
I
n 1978, the Army awarded contracts for the first multichannel Tactical
Satellite Communications Terminals (TACSATs) designed to provide critical
reachback communications for deployed forces, allowing voice and data
circuits to be extended from anywhere in the world using the Defense Satellite
Communications System (DSCS). The DSCS consists of a constellation of geo-
synchronous satellites orbiting the Earth at 22,500 miles above the surface.
These satellites act as transponders, in the simplest sense, reflecting signals
from deployed forces back to a terrestrial access point. From 1978 to present
day, the demand for satellite communications has expanded exponentially to
the point where thousands of satellite terminals and dozens of constellations
exist around the world.
The DSCS consists of a constellation of geosynchronous satellites, one of which is depicted here,
orbiting the Earth at 22,500 miles above the surface. (Image courtesy of Lockheed Martin.)
26 JULY–SEPTEMBER 2009
ARMY AL&T
The first large-scale, multichannel, accomplished through a partner- existing electronics. However, sustain-
high-data rate TACSATs procured by ship between Tobyhanna Army Depot ment also implies technology insertion.
the Army were designated as the AN/ (TYAD), Tobyhanna, PA, and the U.S. Communications-electronics technol-
TSC-93 and AN/TSC-85. Under the Army Communications-Electronics ogy is evolving at a rapid pace in today’s
first production contract, these termi- Command world, and sustain-
nals were capable of providing circuit (CECOM) Life ing older electronics
From 1978 to present
extension for voice and data com- Cycle Management becomes more costly
munications. Since that time, these Command (LCMC), day, the demand for every year. Cost/
terminals have undergone four major Fort Monmouth, NJ. satellite communications capability tradeoff
upgrades designated as the A, B, C, and The D model upgrade analyses inevitably
D models. These terminals are still used was accomplished has expanded exponen- reveal that inserting
by the Army 31 years after they were via Modification tially to the point where new technology costs
procured, and they still provide the Work Order, and was less than sustaining