Test facility for SHF (C and Ku-band) satellite communications

As commercial satellites become a more significant part of the U.S. Government's communications infrastructure, there develops a need for facilities where new systems and products to be used and integrated with the commercial assets can be tested and accredited. This paper describes a test facility that can facilitate rapid deployment of new technologies to the digital battlefield in a realistic environment which is non-interfering with operational satellite communications facilities. The C and Ku-band facility could be integrated with existing U.S. Government SHF SATCOM capabilities to complement established X-band testing facilities. The components that would comprise a commercial satellite communications testbed are described. The paper also addresses near-term applications for the facility and its part in an expanding use of commercial satellites for government communications needs.