TacSat / Joint Warfighting Space (JWS)
A major first step to achieve an Operational Responsive Space capability is the Joint Warfighting Space (JWS) concept. JWS will provide dedicated, responsive space capabilities and effects to the Joint Force Commander in support of warfighting objectives. The Joint Warfighting Space concept seeks both immediate and near-term initial operating capabilities to meet pressing National Security needs.
The Office of Force Transformation funded TacSat-1 with $15 million, aiming to move from payload design to launch within a year. The DOD’s Office of Force Transformation (OFT) and the Naval Research Laboratory worked on the development of and experimentation with a tactical microsatellite system, with emphasis on producing operationally relevant capabilities. Touchstones of this system include: quick response, Joint Task Force (JTF) organic, selectable payloads, coverage for military conflicts and opportunities at any location on Earth, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) class of cost.
This system ultimately integrates space assets into the forces such that the JTF Commander can call up the assets by deciding the payload capability needed, the area of interest, the area for direct downlink, and the date to call-up the assets. Once deployed, the space assets are directly tasked via the SIPRNET, which is also used to distribute the collected data and products.
TacSat-1 has several payloads that provide capabilities for cross-platform missions, specific emitter identification, and visible and infrared (IR) imaging.
During the second half of 2002, NRL studied the tactical application of space assets. Relatively new technologies and processes in the areas of micro-satellites, affordable and quick-response launch vehicles, and the classified SIPRNET (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network) make tactical use of space assets possible in the relatively near term. OFT agreed with the core findings of the study and decided to start an Operationally Responsive Space Initiative consisting of a series of experiments. TacSat-1 is the first experiment in this OFT initiative.
The Secretary of Defense’s Office of Force Transformation (OFT) and the Naval Research Laboratory, in concert with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), are expanding their development of and experimentation with operationally responsive tactical microsatellite systems. Key elements of this system include: modular payloads, a highly automated satellite bus, common payload and launcher interfaces, launch on demand, and direct tasking and data dissemination using the Secret Internet Protocol Routing Network (SIPRNET). This system ultimately integrates space assets into the forces so that the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander can call up assets by deciding the payload capability required, the area of interest, the area for direct downlink, and the date the assets must be operational.
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), in concert with OFT, developed a tactical space system concept that makes space an organic part of the JTF. Three enabling elements of this system are capable microsatellites, low cost and rapid launch systems, and tactical networks, primarily the SIPRNET. Based on this work, OFT started the Operationally Responsive Space Initiative consisting of a series of experiments.
The overall objective of the TacSat experiments is to test the key elements needed to realize an operationally responsive space system. Integral to the TacSat approach is operational experimentation, which closely couples the science and technology (S&T) and research and development (R&D) work with realistic field evaluations and concept of operations (CONOP) development.
Many successful partnerships made TacSat-1 possible. As the TacSat series progresses, many more partnerships will develop. The primary programmatic partners for TacSat-1 are OFT, NRL, SpaceX, and SMC. For TacSat-2, NRL and AFRL have teamed up with an AFRL lead industry team. Both TacSat-1 and TacSat-2 payload capabilities have been possible because of the diverse capabilities within NRL. Code 8100 has provided an ELINT payload with cross-platform (spacecraft to aircraft) capability, Code 5700 provided the SEI capability and IR camera, Code 7200 provided imaging expertise and radiometric calibration of two commercial cameras, and Code 8200 provided the spacecraft engineering for integration and testing; Code 8100’s Blossom Point facility will be the ground station for flight operations. As the TacSat experimentation process formalizes, partnerships are expected to grow with Air Force Space Command, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, Army Space and Missile Command, and the Marine Corps space requirements representative.
The Army Advanced Weapon Technology program developing Solid State Laser (SSL) is also looking at Space Application Concepts. In FY06, it will initiate unique intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, missile warning, battle management, and communications technologies leveraging the Joint Warfighting Space / Tactical Satellite (JWS/TacSat) Demonstration efforts to validate Army space force enhancement needs. In FY07, will continue space payload/technology investigations to support cooperative Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Blue Force Tracking (BFT) payload development for experimentation in the JWS/TacSat initiative.
TacSat-1
TacSat-1 was the first experiment in this initiative. During the second half of 2003 and the first half of 2004, NRL designed, assembled, integrated, and tested the TacSat-1 spacecraft. The entire spacecraft was completed in less than one year, from go-ahead to the end of system-level testing, for less than $10M.
The primary objectives of TacSat-1 are to provide an operationally relevant 100 kg class microsatellite with electronic intelligence (ELINT), specific emitter identifier (SEI), and cross-platform capability; demonstrate launch within one year (which was not met), while supporting a new low-cost commercial launch vehicle; make the space asset an organic part of the forces; and develop lessons learned and process to begin a repeatable cycle. Spacecraft development and launch were to be completed for less than $15M. The success to date of this experiment helped OFT successfully excite the broader DoD and industry in the responsive space area. With an eye toward an operational system, TacSat-1 contributes SIPRNET-based networking using the Virtual Mission Operation Center (VMOC) software, support for a new low-cost launch vehicle, and an iterative operational experimentation approach led by PACOM.
The TacSat-1 experiment received go-ahead on May 7, 2003 and was scheduled to launch within 1 year of that date. To meet this timeline and the challenging budget, many different technical and programmatic approaches were implemented. Due to overflight concerns, Falcon I was required to launch after a Titan IV. As of June 2005, the Titan IV flight will launch no earlier than September and may very well be delayed until October or November 2005, depending upon what issues arise. So TechSat-1 took over twice as long as originally planned to launch.
One of the objectives of TacSat-1, as well as the broader initiative, is to make space assets and their capabilities available to operational users. Additionally, OFT intends for the TacSat-1 experiment to generate policies where concepts and technology co-evolve, ultimately ensuring that space-based assets emerge as an organic part of the JTF.
TacSat-1 uses a commercial MicroStar spacecraft to carry three payloads into low earth orbit: a thermal infrared camera, a color visible light camera, and Copperfield-2. TacSat-1 payloads provide several experimental capabilities. Machine-to-machine collaboration between air and space assets for geo-location is one of the payload capabilities. This capability has the potential to path-find future national capabilities and concepts of operation (CONOPS). This payload is a derivation of NRL’s Spacecraft Engineering Department payload development that has been done for the Navy TENCAP (Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities) and a CONOP extended from an ONR program.
The NRL Copperfield-2 payload detects, tracks, and identifies pulsed radio frequency signals. Originally designed and built for use on uncrewed aerial vehicles, NRL is ruggedizing and shielding the Copperfield-2 payload for spaceflight use. The specific emitter identification (SEI) payload is a Tactical Electronic Warfare Division (TEW) development that has been repackaged for space. Both the SEI and cross-platform mission payload also leverage the TEW Low Cost Receivers (LCR-100) design, which is an enabling micro-satellite technology because of its impressive capability yet small size, weight, and power.
Two imaging cameras have been included to provide intuitive data for the SIPRNET tasking and data dissemination part of the experiment. One camera is an infrared camera that uses a microbolometer FPA, which does not require cryogenic cooling, thereby significantly reducing complexity (size, weight and power). This IR camera is a product of an Army Night Vision Laboratory development and was recommended for flight by TEW. The IR camera collects in the 7.5 to 12-µm range and will provide 850-m resolution. The infraSPOT Indigo Omega infrared camera uses new technology for thermal imaging without cryogenic cooling, providing a major reduction in size, weight, and power. Designed for applications such as firefighting, security/surveillance, unmanned vehicles, and robots, TacSat-1 will be the camera’s first use in space. NRL is ruggedizing and shielding the camera for spaceflight use.
A visible camera is also installed and will provide 70-m resolution.The HanVision HVDUO-F7 Industrial Camera uses new technology to simultaneously image red, green, and blue on each pixel. NRL is ruggedizing and shielding the camera for spaceflight use.
The overarching objective of this experiment is to provide and launch an operationally relevant micro-satellite, with the ability to task and disseminate data through existing operational networks (SIPRNET), in less than 1 year and for less than $15 million (to include launch costs). Additionally, this experiment will explore concept-technology pairings that develop near-term paths for the tactical use of space in four key areas.
In the area of micro-satellite design and processing, the TacSat-1 schedule and low cost pushed intelligent applications of standard processes as well as new design and test approaches. One of the new approaches includes utilization of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components within a hermetically sealed, fan-cooled chassis, to help them survive and operate in space.
The TacSat-1 experiment will provide one data point in the area of responsive, on-demand space lift. The experiment uses a new, commercial launch vehicle (the Falcon Launch Vehicle) being developed by Space Exploration technologies with private capital to compete within dynamic market conditions. During the TacSat-1 launch preparation, tailored DOD approaches to mission assurance and risk mitigation are being developed to be appropriate for the rapid cycle times and low-cost class of micro-satellites missions.
The TacSat-1 space element will be used in operational experiments, showing a way for space assets to become an organic part of the JTF. Direct tasking and data dissemination are being performed both real-time from aircraft and time-latent (based on orbital positioning) via the SIPRNET.
TacSat-1 will help the development of space professionals and the processes needed for responsive space. An important aspect of this is the strong government-industry team implementing TacSat-1. This largely in-place team allows the entire experiment to be defined and implemented faster than most contracts can be put in place. This government-industry team approach also helps to spread the knowledge gained from TacSat-1 into industry as well as within the government.
The first launch of Falcon I ended in failure 24 March 2006 over the Pacific Ocean shortly after liftoff. Space enthusiasts watched the launch through a live Internet telecast, but moments later the picture went dead, and the company later said it lost the space vehicle. A spokeswoman said it was not initially clear what went wrong. Falcon I’s maiden flight, conducted two years later than originally planned, carried the Defense Department’s TacSat-1 satellite. This was the first of three scheduled Falcon I launches for the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB.
TacSat-2
TacSat-2 is a small satellite for developing low-cost, customized and rapidly deployable space capabilities for theater warfighters. Work on TacSat-2 is being done at the Air Force Research Laboratory with help from the Naval Research Laboratory. This a TACSAT demo is scheduled for 2007 as the first proof of concept for JWS. Plans are to provide the Joint Force Commander with an operational capability by 2010.
TacSat-2 begins a spiral development cycle. The second experiment in this initiative, TacSat-2, aims to build on TacSat-1, and continue to develop near-term paths for the tactical exploitation of space. These eff orts have helped to create and institutionalize a joint TacSat experimentation program with the objective of testing key elements needed to realize a fully operationally system.
One objective of the TacSat-2 experiment is to develop an understanding of the requirements for and limitations of rapid deployment. This includes launch vehicle integration, launch, and on-orbit checkout of the satellite. A second objective is to understand the requirements and limitations for the rapid development of new spacecraft and payloads. From an operational standpoint, the program seeks to obtain high-resolution images of tactical significance using space research and satellite technology the VMOC operational network to task the satellite and disseminate the resulting data. Another objective is to develop and test a CONOP for the geolocation and cued imaging of a target during the same pass.
TacSat-2 also will experiment with autonomous flight software to perform on-orbit checkout of the spacecraft, and autonomous tasking of the various payloads carried by the spacecraft. The most important contribution of TacSat-2 is the use of a space-based common data link (CDL) tactical communications link. Flying a CDL transponder requires ground-breaking work in frequency allocations and communications security (COMSEC) approaches.
The TacSat-2 spacecraft carries a large number of experimental payloads. The payloads that primarily address operationally relevant tactical capabilities include the Target Indicator Experiment (TIE) supplied by NRL and the imaging system supplied by Nova Biomimetics and SAIC. The TIE payload is an improved version of the primary payload carried by TacSat-1. Th e TIE payload performs real-time signal geolocation and SEI of radio frequency (RF) signals using space and air-based collection platforms. It is also capable of collecting the Automated Identification System (AIS) signal now required on large ships for port safety and homeland defense. The TIE payload is also reprogrammable on-orbit for acquiring new targets.
The TacSat-2 imaging system has panchromatic, red, green, and blue sensors with a ground sample distance (GSD) of approximately 1 meter. This imager uses a Fairchild Imaging CCD 583 TDI Line Scan array, sampling at approximately 9600 lines per second. The high ground scan speeds of TacSat-2 that result from its low Earth orbit (7.5 km/s satellite ground trace speed) are an ideal application for a timedelay integration (TDI) approach. The TDI process is essentially noise-free, allows charge accumulation to take place over the number of TDI stages, and preserves the ground resolution capability of the very high rates that the TDI lines are “scanned” off the array.
TacSat-3
Planned to launch in summer 2007, the TacSat-3 satellite, the collaborative effort will feature an onboard processor that provides real-time data to the combatant commander in the theater. TacSat-3 is a team effort. Partners include the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Air Force Space Command, the Department of Defense's Office of Force Transformation, Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Originating in 2004 as part of the Responsive Space initiative, which addressed the military's need for responsive, flexible and affordable systems operating in space, the satellite will consist of three distinct payloads: the ARTEMIS hyperspectral imager (HSI); the Ocean Data Telemetry Microsatellite Link (ODTML); and the Space Avionics Experiment (SAE). Serving as the mission's primary experiment, the hyperspectral imager, developed by Raytheon Company, will rapidly supply target detection and identification data, as well as initial preparation of the battlefield (disturbed earth) and battle damage assessment information requirements. In addition, a secondary payload provided by the Office of Naval Research will communicate information quickly to the warfighter.
The Ocean Data Telemetry Microsatellite Link will collect data from sea-based buoys and then transmit the information to a ground station. The SAE, designed and advanced at the Space Vehicles Directorate, will involve integrating the payload and spacecraft structure employing reprogrammable components.
Through the work of the DOD's Office of Force Transformation, the small satellite, weighing less than 880 pounds, will include a standardized modular bus, which will be tested for its adaptability for use on future TacSat missions.
The idea for responsive space came out of the requirements addressed by Air Force senior leaders that the combatant commander needed the ability to replenish and quickly augment current on-orbit capabilities. As a result of this need, the demonstrations featured on TacSat-3 will allow us to fly over the area of interest and provide the warfighter with real-time data.
The $50 million program has accomplished all key milestones by March 2006. By early 2007, all three payloads will be moved to the Space Vehicles Directorate's Aerospace Engineering Facility for integration with modular bus and system-level testing. While this process typically takes several months, the TacSat-3 program's goal is to complete all activities within 60 days. The satellite will then be shipped to the launch site and mated with the launch vehicle, which, at this point, has to be determined.
TacSat-3, -4 and Beyond
TacSat-3 was the first experiment selected under this joint process. While efforts on TacSat-3 and TacSat-4 had just begun as of 2005, the primary objective of both of these experiments will be to identify and mature the standards (interfaces, performance levels, etc.) necessary to develop a standard spacecraft bus in the near term. A successful standard bus has been elusive in the past. However, by coupling elegant and discipline standards for system interfaces with realistic acquisition goals, a standard microsatellite class bus is achievable. This prototype work is focused on transitioning the design to the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) for acquisition. Combining SMC operationally responsive space procurements of a standard bus with SMC procurements for STP will provide the necessary incentive for payload developers to keep their payloads within the limits of the standard bus’ capabilities.
