Volume 2, Number 4 - Space and Missile Defense Command - U.S. ...

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Capabilities ... from Page 5 improved communications architecture. The Transformational Communications Architecture (TCA) is being designed to support those requirements. The TCA will ultimately tie together Space-based and ground networks, and will include all types of communications capabilities. Pushing the data down to the lowest tactical level faster and more securely will be achieved using Space-based satellite transmissions. Achieving these faster transmission speeds will require technologies that go beyond those offered by line-of-sight radio frequency (RF) transmissions that can be easily disrupted. Laser communications, which transmit eye-safe light from one photondetector receiver to another using lowpower infrared laser, demonstrate great promise to increase data rate payloads while minimizing the risk of interference with other communications systems. Speed of data transfer will expand significantly, literally allowing warfighters to have real-time access to whatever is being received. Freeing up the radio frequency bandwidth for other types of uses will provide a collateral benefit. Operation Iraqi Freedom offered a glimpse into the capabilities of Blue Force Tracking (BFT) and combat identification technologies. Space-based BFT systems like the Grenadier Beyond-lineof-Sight and Mini-Transmitter provided tremendous enhancements for Special Operations Forces and several aviation units, but their potential was limited by the degree data could be disseminated and displayed for the commander’s common operating picture. However, technologies currently in development will profoundly revolutionize this exciting area. Radio Frequency (RF) “Tags,” with stealth capabilities to transmit and/or receive from a radar platform may ultimately serve as the basis for systems that expand our current capabilities in battlefield surveillance, BFT, and combat identification. Tags will help to identify friendly assets by adding a unique identification to their radar return. By combining a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver with a Tag, and using the Tag to transmit the coordinates to a Space-based platform, the location can be determined with great accuracy. The capabilities provided by GPS-III promise to extend the accuracy of the position, velocity, and timing signals while expanding anti-jam capabilities. Reducing instances of fratricide on the battlefield is central to this enhanced situational awareness. This technology, supported by the enhanced capabilities of GPS-III, may also revolutionize the way logistical supplies are tracked and non-intrusive inspections are conducted. Technologies beyond the future Army are not certain, but as Space technologies evolve, smarter, faster, more capable sensors, energy devices (kinetic and laser), and communications enhancements, will emerge to provide a wide range of capabilities and enhancements for effective battle management. Clearly, we are only at the beginning of the exciting journey for Space technology. Sir Winston Churchill once noted, “It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.” This statement is particularly relevant as we consider the implications of our work. While the future is uncharted territory, its direction is one that can be affected by our actions today. We must succeed, and Space technology is part of that process. The pathway being laid by the team of Space professionals at Space and Missile Defense Command will help assure that success. Secure the High Ground. Modern Warfare ... from Page 9 “Capabilities Catalogue,” researchers and developers will continue to improve the GMD system. They will use the Alaskan base as a test bed for the interceptors. The integrated test bed will provide for more realistic tests and data that will be used for further system development and refinement. It will also expand to test weapons and sensors from throughout the entire integrated ballistic missile system, a system of layered defenses designed to protect the Nation and its allies. History tells us that sometimes people do not see the advantages of new inventions, and we must beware of being too conservative or unimaginative. For example, early Gatling guns and machineguns faced Army conservative pressure, and the fear that too many rounds would be fired, creating logistics problems. Early repeating rifles were discouraged because the Soldier would fire his ammunition too quickly. As a result, in some clashes Soldiers with single-shot rifles faced Native Americans with repeating rifles. When Alexander Graham Bell tried to make the case for his telephone in London, he was informed that his “interesting” invention might have some limited use in America with its great distances, but in Great Britain their multitude of messenger boys would suffice. In the 1950’s, a government panel of experts reported that the U.S. government would never need more than five computers. Just imagine where the military would be if someone hadn’t seen the possibilities and pushed forward. From a requirement to a solution, the military’s combat developers, engineers, and researchers provide our military with equipment that makes Soldiers more effective. They help us stay ready for war so we can better achieve peace. 46 Army Space Journal Fall 2003
DCG-RDA Column Space Exploitation Making Space technology matter MG John M. Urias, Deputy Commanding General for Research, Development and Acquisition, United States Army Space & Missile Defense Command and Program Executive Officer for Air, Space and Missile Defense By MG John M.Urias “S pace … the final frontier.” So began a popular TV series of several years ago. As our military transforms into smaller, lighter, more agile units with more responsive capabilities to address global uncertainty, the necessity of harnessing and exploiting this “final frontier” is quickly becoming one of the most important enablers for Army transformation. We have long relied on Space as a means of extending reliable communications beyond line-ofsight and over-the-horizon, for providing early warning of enemy missile launch, identification of military and military-related construction, and detection of major military movements. It’s important to additionally note Space as a provider of products to support position, location, navigation, weather, terrain, and environmental monitoring. Traditionally, the exploitation of Space has primarily supported strategic concerns, but our recent campaigns in Southwest Asia and other hot spots around the world have increasingly shown the importance of Space support to warfighters at operational and tactical levels of warfare. Fluidity and flexibility are required to win on future battlefields, therefore, extending Space support as a complementary enabler to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support across all levels of warfare is critical as it relates to real-time decision support and battlefield situational awareness. Our involvement in Space is divided into four functional domains: Space support, Force enhancements, Space control and Space applications. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) has a proud lineage of supporting the development of Space systems, products, and services to support the warfighter across all four of these domains. SMDC is unique in that it not only develops requirements, but also sees these requirements through to fielding and operational use. The Army has not had a research and development entity as a single agency focused on Space, as have the other military services. SMDC’s science and technology (S&T) research, development, and acquisition (RDA) efforts have supported a wide range of Army customers with diverse views on the importance of exploiting Space services and products. Recently, this changed however, as the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Air and Missile Defense (AMD) was redesignated as the PEO for Air, Space, and Missile Defense (ASMD). Several of the Space research and development efforts of SMDC are being transferred to the PEO ASMD, and the PEO ASMD is realigning internally to provide for integration of Space into the system-of-systems concepts that are emerging to support Army transformation. An exciting aspect of Space exploitation is the multi-dimensional and multi-mission applications of its technologies and products. For example, in our efforts to develop a Single Integrated Space Picture (SISP), we are exploring applications of volumetric displays, immersion technologies, biometrics, manmachine interface techniques, and information technology advances. When applied across the entire family of interoperable pictures, these applications will enhance situational awareness and understanding, and support intuitive and timely decision-making. Other technologies initially developed with a primary focus on supporting Space systems have shown tremendous 6 Army Space Journal Fall 2003
Page 2 and 3: We want you to know — this Journa
Page 4 and 5: CG Column Space Technology Vital ca
Page 8 and 9: The U.S. Army Space and Missile Def
Page 10 and 11: Almost forty years after the first
Page 12 and 13: FDIC Column The View From (Army) Sp
Page 14 and 15: Space Technology Where is it leadin
Page 16 and 17: Fall Theme Old Becomes New ... Airs
Page 18 and 19: Fall Theme No Longer Guaranteed ...
Page 20 and 21: Fall Theme Thanks, Buck Rogers Pump
Page 22 and 23: Scientist ... from Page 17 based im
Page 24 and 25: 3D Volumetric Displays: Conceptual
Page 26 and 27: 3D Volumetric Displays: Sample Imag
Page 28 and 29: Fall Theme Keeping the Space Edge .
Page 30 and 31: Strategic Force Multiplier The impo
Page 32 and 33: Fall Theme Future Combat Systems
Page 34 and 35: Fall Theme The Path Taken ... Army
Page 36 and 37: Beginnings ... from Page 45 ery of
Page 38 and 39: of achieving the “high ground”
Page 40 and 41: The Flipside Seeds ... from Page 60
Page 42 and 43: The Flipside — Professional Readi
Page 44 and 45: The Flipside Space Notes ... from P
Page 46 and 47: ure Armor Power to loit Nuclear Fir
Page 48 and 49: handheld systems. Q: In what partic
Page 50 and 51: Tip of the Sphere First Ground-base
Page 52 and 53: Tip of the Sphere SMDC sees many ch
Page 54 and 55: Tip of the Sphere SMDC competes at
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Tip of the Sphere 1st SATCON Soldie
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Tip of the Sphere Chaplain uses exp
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COMMAND IN BRIEF D Co., 1st SATCON
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SPC Terry Clough works on satellite
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The Army of the future will be fast
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