Using a small IR surveillance satellite for tactical applications

John C. Carson; John G. Doleman; Randall G. Williams

doi:10.1117/12.23009

1 November 1990 Using a small IR surveillance satellite for tactical applications

John C. Carson, John G. Doleman, Randall G. Williams

Proceedings Volume 1339, Materials, Devices, Techniques, and Applications for Z-Plane Focal Plane Array Technology II; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.23009
Event: 34th Annual International Technical Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Science and Engineering, 1990, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper describes the key technology, onboard processing, and integration of a space reconnaissance platform consisting of a small smart satellite (Smartsat) designed for compatibility with the launch envelope of a Pegasus class vehicle. Because the platform is designed to the Pegasus class baseline, the operations scenario can use a launch-on-demand concept that provides inherent advantages for tactical force commanders that are not achievable in today's environment. In a very significant departure from traditional designs, Smartsat houses sufficient onboard digital processing so that usable data can be downlinked directly to the forward-located force commanders. This feature minimizes the requirement for high bandwidth data links to the ground and the consequent dependence on large, vulnerable central processing ground stations to produce and distribute usable data for the decision makers. An example of how Smartsat might be applied to tactical air defense is given.

Citation Download Citation

John C. Carson, John G. Doleman, and Randall G. Williams "Using a small IR surveillance satellite for tactical applications", Proc. SPIE 1339, Materials, Devices, Techniques, and Applications for Z-Plane Focal Plane Array Technology II, (1 November 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.23009

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