Tactical Ka-band MIL-SATCOM using LEO small satellites

The US Army is seeking to augment traditional Ku-and Ka-band MIL-SATCOM systems grouped under the WIN-T program using small satellite constellations deployed in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The close proximity of a large LEO constellation to users on the ground not only increases the per-user bandwidth, but also the aggregate bandwidth due to the large number of links and channels in use. A successful deployment of such a constellation requires innovation in multiple areas, including new technology development, satellite constellation operations, and dynamic user access management. All of these innovations must focus on lowering recurring cost of both building and deploying small satellites before the benefits of a LEO small satellite MIL-SATCOM constellation can be realized.