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interim capability should one or mre cl the
backbone satellites fail. In order Po mahs the
concept practical. however, the syc~Zems mist be
affordable. One method of achieving such
affordability is through maximization a0 COmrutonalQ.
It has been shown that commonality can be
achievod at least on WO levels; a singla Satellite that
can padorm more than one mission or a common
bus with interchangeable payloads. Respon-
siveness, which is another key element of.the
TACSAT concept, can also ba achioved in several
ways. For low attitude satel!ites, rapid launch on
demand is possiblg while for GEO salellfies, storing
on orbi am on obil repositioning appears to make
more svnse. To make either of Phese strategies
work requires that the system has a low infant
mortalily, i.e., when you turn it on, it works. Finally.
the systeni hust be responsive to user demands.
this means user control of the asset and direct
transmission of data to the user terminal.
In conclusion, the timing is right for the
donsideration OS a TACSAT capability. With the
recent (avopolitical upheavals, the focus shills from
the anxiety of global nuclear war to regional, tactical
areas of conflict. Such a shill leads to increased
demands for information ana capabilities that can
only be achieved from space. Furthermore, the
areas of operation, although limited in size, are likely
to be worldwide. The ability to bring assets to bear
rapidly will be of paramount importance. Recer,:
experience in Desert Storm has attested to this
supposition. The value of space assets for
surveillance, communications, weather and
navigation was clear. System shortcomings, such as
the inability to get some data directly to the user was
also evident. Desert Storm also demonstrated the
impact of a cooperative, coordinated, multinational
effort. This trend is likely to continue in the future
forcing requirements to be specified on a universal
rather than a national level. These common
concerns and needs, along with the severe military
spending cuts that are facing individual nations,
provide a greater opportunity for international
cooperation in the development and use of space
systems. The TACSAT concept is particularly
attractive in this regard by providing the means of
acquiring incremental capability on an as needed
basis. If the degree of commonality and
interchangeability discussed in this paper can be
achieved, the TACSAT can provide a new way of
deploying and operating space assets, one that
gives the user direcl amtrol and the ability to receive
critical data in a direct and timely manner.
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