A geostationary orbit occurs when an object (satellite) is placed approximately 37,000 km (23,000 mi) above the Earth’s equator with the characteristic that, from a fixed observation point on the Earth’s surface, it appears motionless. A satellite is in an inclined orbit when its orbital plane is tipped some number of degrees from the horizontal […]
(a) Policy.— It is the policy of the United States for the President to undertake actions appropriate to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the United States has the capabilities necessary to launch and insert United States national security payloads into space whenever such payloads are needed in space. (b) Included Actions.— The appropriate
Evolutionary Acquisition for Space Efficiency (EASE) is a procurement approach that seeks stable production and strategic sub tier management through the block buy of two space vehicles employing fixed-priced contracting. In addition to block-buy procurement, EASE includes RDT&E funding for a Capability and Affordability Improvement Program (CAIP). CAIP seeks to improve manufacturability and lower recurring
A Link Budget shows all of the gains and losses from a transmitter, through the medium (free space, cable, waveguide, fiber, etc.) to the receiver in a telecommunication system. It’s used to predict the performance of a transmitter and receiver communication link to show in advance if its performance is acceptable, or if one option
The following is a list of some of the more heavily used frequency bands for space communication. Specific frequencies may be found in the links provided at the end of this note. VHF Band 136 – 138 MHz: This band was used heavily by many different types of satellites in the past. Today (2012), most
The Space and Intelligence Office (SIO) is the focal point for all Department of Defense (DoD) space and intelligence acquisition oversight and related activities. SIO is situated within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. Website: Space and Intelligence Office (SIO) Mission & Roles Primary advisor to the Under Secretary of
Three major differences that make “Space Systems” unique and set them apart from a non-space system are: The Space Environment Unattended Operation And The Implications of The Ultimate High Ground Space Environment The Space environment is extremely harsh. It places additional constraints on the design and operation of satellites, components, and parts of the
The Space Systems Acquisition Policy (SSAP) (DTM 09-025) model emphasizes the decision needs for “high-tech” small quantity National Security Space (NSS) programs. DoD Space Systems are those space programs listed in the space virtual Major Force Program (MFP) maintained by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation
A Polar Orbit (PO) is an orbit in which a satellite passes above or nearly above Earth’s North and South poles on each revolution. It, therefore, has an inclination of (or very close to) 90 degrees to the equator. Except in the special case of a polar geosynchronous orbit, a satellite in a polar orbit
The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) is a Washington D.C. based trade association representing the leading global satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. Website: Satellite Industry Association (SIA) Since 1995, SIA has been the unified voice of the satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the commercial
The Joint Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program was established on 21 May 2007 and is tasked to design and develop low-cost, rapid-reaction payloads, buses, space lift and launch-control methods to meet joint military operational requirements for on-demand space support and regeneration. It focuses on providing quick-response tactical space-based capabilities to the warfighter utilizing smaller
The National Space Policy of the United States is issued by the White House and states the principles and goals by which the United States will pursue space. The current policy emphasizes security issues, encourages private enterprise in space, and characterizes the role of U.S. space diplomacy largely in terms of persuading other nations to
Note: RECENDED on 23 March 2009, Intermit guidance has not been released to the public because it’s marked FOUO The National Security Space Policy (NSS) 03-01 provides the guidance for the development of spaces acquisition systems for the DoD. It provides the policies and principles that form the foundation for all space DoD programs and
A Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is generally defined as an orbit below an altitude of approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi). Given the rapid orbital decay of objects below approximately 200 kilometers (120 mi), the commonly accepted definition for LEO is between 160 kilometers (99 mi) (with a period of about 88 minutes) and 2,000 kilometers
Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) created the National Security Space Institute (NSSI) in 2004 to provide tailored education and training to Air Force space professionals and the broader National Security Space community. In 2009, the NSSI transferred to The Air University and aligned under the Eaker Center for Professional Development, where it provides
Geospatial information is information describing the location and names of features beneath, on or above the earth’s surface. At its simplest this can mean the basic topographical information found on a map, but also includes different location-related datasets combined into complex layers that show information such as land use and population density. It supports
A Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO) is located exactly 22,336 miles out in space directly above the Earth’s equator. A satellite in a GEO orbit takes a full 24 hours to circle the Earth. That means a satellite in GEO is always directly over the same spot on Earth. GEO can also be called a
Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) is a major command of the United States Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations. Operationally, AFSPC is under the Combatant Commander of the U.S. Strategic
Space System Testing is the Test and Evaluation for space system; most notably satellite systems and their ground stations. They go through the same testing processes as normal system but modified in certain ways to provide more testing upfront. Guidance on specific testing can be found in the Air Force Space Systems Test and Evaluation
Joint Publication 3-14 Space Operations provides joint doctrine for planning joint space operations. Purpose This publication sets forth joint doctrine to govern the activities and performance of the Armed Forces of the United States in joint operations and provides the doctrinal basis for interagency coordination and for US military involvement in multinational operations. It provides
Space Acquisitions is the process of developing space and ground systems that contribute the DoD space mission. DoD Directive 5000.01 “Defense Acquisition System” and DoD Instruction 5000.02 “Operation of the Defense Acquisition System” are the main documents that dictate how space systems are developed. DoD Space Systems are those space programs listed in the
